Pantone's Color of the Year 2013-- Emerald!

Last week Pantone announced Emerald as their Color of the Year for 2013.

From Pantone's website...."The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."

Photo: Kelly Wearstler

Contemporary Kitchen design by Denver Interior Designer O Interior Design

Modern Bathroom design by Austin Interior Designer Laura Britt Design

 

Contemporary Living Room design by New York Photographer Alexander Johnson Photography

What do you think of 2013's Color of the Year?
How do you think it will translate into kitchens and baths?

The Neon Color Trend in the Kitchen

We all know that color trends come and go. Neon itself has come and gone before.  Last time we saw Neon as a trend though, it wasn't as much in our home interiors as it was on rad sunglasses, fanny packs, and other assorted really cool stuff in the 1980s.   I will admit to writing a holiday wish list that included "really really really really bright pink socks and shorts and really really really really bright yellow socks and shorts."

This time around, the Neon Trend is everywhere from countertops and cabinets to stand mixers to DIY tutorials about dipping the ends of wooden kitchen utensils in paint. So how do you use neon tastefully in your kitchen or bath design, or is that even possible?

We've all seen bright countertop materials from manufacturers like CaesarStone and Silestone, but what is the reality of using them in a home application?

This kitchen uses kind of a futuristic-meets-classic take on the concept. The design of the island combined with the color make it the statement piece of this kitchen.

Eclectic Kitchen design by Houston Architect RD Architecture, LLC

In this kitchen, color is the statement maker. A combination of colors and hues  work together in a way that is bright and unforgettable but in my opinion, timeless in its own way and judging from the other artistic elements in the photo, very likeley a perfect reflection of the people who call this space home.

Contemporary Dining Room design by San Francisco Photographer Ed Ritger Photography

Another option for bringing neon into kitchens and baths is by doing it with cabinetry and using a neutral stone or quartz surface for the countertop surface.  This kitchen uses a very bright shade of turquoise on both the cabinets and back splash combined with a white quartz countertop.  The light fixtures and brass hardware and accessories infuse an art deco vibe that helps the space to keep a timeless appeal.

Contemporary Kitchen design by Chicago General Contractor Will Waibel

This kitchen with its round bar top and pink cabinets speaks for itself. I don't feel like I even need to talk abut whether or not it is timeless, trendy, or reflects its person.  Pink is something that does all of the talking.

Modern Kitchen design by Los Angeles Kitchen And Bath Mal Corboy Design

This kitchen takes it easier with the brightness, but the idea is there and accessories take most of the credit for  the neon feeling.

Contemporary Kitchen design by San Francisco Media And Blogs California Home + Design

Marble, Granite, and Quartz in Retro Kitchens

There are a lot of different definitions of "Retro" kitchens, but I think the first that comes to mind for most of us is a 1950s Diner inspired kitchen.  The checkerboard floors, lots of black and white with red accents, and... What on the countertops? If you're being authentic, then you put in a laminate product, possibly involving sparkles or a boomerang pattern... However, there is a reason that certain building materials have dwindled in popularity, so how can you get the durability and beauty of natural stone or quartz and still stay true to the era you are trying to emulate in your design? Here are a few ideas.

This kitchen features a classic black and white color scheme with a checkerboard floor and pops of color (in this case the accent color is yellow, which I love). The countertops here are polished black granite and fit wonderfully with the retro theme.

Eclectic Kitchen design by Omaha Interior Designer Birdhouse Interior Design Consulting

Here we see black and white again, but with white marble countertops, and citrus inspired accents.

Traditional Kitchen design by Other Metros Design-build Case Design/Remodeling of San Jose

This kitchen also keeps with the black and white theme but has bright red cabinets and a great school house vibe. The Carrara Marble on the countertops  is a beautiful way to stay clean and classic.

Eclectic Kitchen design by New York Kitchen And Bath Amazing Spaces

Turquoise is a popular option for all sorts of retro kitchens.  Depending on the shade, from pale aqua to deep teal, it can span multiple decades.  This photo shows a number of retro inspirations including turquoise cabinets and colorful accents with a honed black granite top.

Eclectic Kitchen design by LeAnn Huntington

This photo in a 1920s home shows turquoise cabinets again, but this time it is the uppers, and the color is tied back in with the tile and the cabinet hardware. The 20s inspiration is very evident in the choice of floor tile.

Eclectic Kitchen design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Erica Islas / EMI Interior Design, Inc.

This cheery kitchen uses a lot of color in the form of yellows and oranges with the antique stove as the focal point of the design, so the choice of Carrara Marble on the countertops was perfect.  This stone proves to be versatile, understated, and classic time after time.

Traditional Kitchen design by San Francisco Design-build Canyon Design Build

Obviously I'm not going to leave you without the most important of all retro color scheme ideas, which is pink. This one kind of takes the cake. I tried to find the source so that I could tell you exactly what the countertop is and give proper credit for this amazing kitchen, but we're just all going to have to agree that the tops are a white quartz product and the wallpaper is kind of mind-blowing.

Eclectic Kitchen design