Color Of The Year: 2020

Color of the Year: 2020

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” ~ Wassily Kandinsky

Melissa Mathe Interior Design | Photography: Ansel Olson

Melissa Mathe Interior Design | Photography: Ansel Olson

The new year is a time for reflection of past growth and a time to look towards all that lies ahead. As you sit back and develop your New Year’s resolutions, your new fitness routines and organizational goals, also think about your whole self-wellness in how your surroundings aid in your 2020 goals. This is a great time to give your home or office a freshening up, too. I truly believe that how you feel in your home when you wake up each day will set the benchmark for how you bring out the best you every single day. And lucky for us we have some color theorists who study all things economical, environmental, and political. Their research gives us a color palette that will have you feeling refreshed and invigorated every day and ready to take on your most ambitious resolutions.

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As the esteemed American Interior designer Barclay Butera says, “Blue and white is not just a color combination, it’s a lifestyle.” In other words, “Blue and White is Always Right” and we couldn’t agree more. Thought of as the color theorists in the market, PANTONE has given us the first color of the year: Classic Blue 19-4052. “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.” Reflective of the sky at dusk, or the James River, this indigo blue is color with a regal history dating back to Ancient Egypt.  Classic Blue is reminiscent of the deep blue sea, a place of trust and faith in what lies ahead. As you may have noticed in Melissa Mathe Interiors, classic blue is one of our favorite vibrant statement colors to weave into home interior designs.

New Year’s Resolution hack - if lessening stress is a goal, Classic Blue can help.

The use of color in interior design is changing. It’s not just about what a space looks like anymore, but how it makes you feel,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “People want to feel grounded and inspired to pursue their mental, physical and emotional well-being. Naval is reminiscent of the night sky, which people have looked to for centuries for guidance, as a muse and as a reminder to live more mindfully.

Similar to Classic Blue, Sherwin Williams has chosen Navel [SW6244] as the Color of the Year. This bold hue of blue embodies a sense of empowerment. This striking rich color represents very well in both a classic and contemporary design.

New Year’s Resolution hack - if being more confident is a goal, Naval will help show you the way.

While Classic Blue and Naval come from the darker sensibilities of the sky, Benjamin Moore offers their color of the year: First Light [2102-70], thought to be the sky at dawn. “A soft rosy hue blooming with potential.” First Light 2102-70, is an uplifting soft airy pink that is a flattering refreshing alternative to white and beige. This color pairs well in complementing a vast array of color palettes in any design scheme, evoking a sense of playfulness to enliven a home.

New Year’s Resolution hack - if a renewed, better you is a goal, First Light can help you shine.

Melissa Mathe Interior Design | Photography: Ansel Olson

Melissa Mathe Interior Design | Photography: Ansel Olson

To jump in on the fun, Mathe Design is announcing our Color of the Year 2020: Pine Green. A fresh take on green that offers a deep saturation combined with a bright hue. A delightful color that we find on trend for the new year. Adding a traditionally classic color to contemporary interiors takes a room to a new level with freshness and strong color intensity as the star of the show, it rounds out the color palette of blues and pinks.

New Year’s Resolution hack - if being more grounded is a goal, Pine Green can help provide that balance.

This year when I look at these four colors, my Interior Design heart skipped a beat. Not only are they wonderful colors on their own, but also they speak to each other creating a harmonious color palette.

I know what you are thinking – how can I add this to my existing space? We have some artistic talent in our community that can help us pull this palette together. All it takes is a bit of goal-setting.


Contact Melissa Mathe Interior Design to purchase items shown here.

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Paint Color / Table Lamps / Scalloped Iron Tray / Console Table / Area Rug

We hope you are as excited as we are to find new ways to use these trending Colors of the Year 2020.

Happy New Year!

Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

Mother Nature's Colors

Mother Nature’s Colors

"Nature always wears the color of the spirit." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


As you look around your home you may have “that space” – the room that needs an update, but you don’t know where to begin. You spend your evenings pinning rooms on Pinterest and browsing hashtags on Instagram. There are so many great ideas out there – how do you pick the right one for you?

The term “Natural Color” originated in the film industry in the 1930’s, but today it means colors that are found in the world around us. Take a moment to look out your window - nature gives us color palettes to jumpstart the design of your space. In Richmond we have so many rich flowers outside our windows that make a seamless transition into your home. We also have the James River and the natural habitats found along the river.

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The beach is a buffet of color inspiration – it provides us a sense of calm and respite. The sand beneath your feet is textural speaking to all your senses. It’s not just “beige” – it’s a multitude of whites, golds, greys, and beiges, too. A way to accomplish this is to layer chunky fabrics with smoother finishes – linens and sisals.

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The sunrise – a fresh start. You watch the waves rolling in as the sun appears bringing the first touches of light to the day. The blues, reds, and oranges provide a color inspiration that mesmerizes the eye and mind with an optimistic fresh and cheerful presence. Serenity with a touch of excitement. Pull in fabrics that are patterned filled with splashes of color. While every space should have a touch of texture, using fabrics that are soft to the touch will play off the colorful patterns.

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Through the summer heat, the Black-eyed Susan brings color to our garden.  This flower has a happy warm color with its golden hues supports other colors in its midst and fulfills the desire for playful expression. This offers a feeling of happiness and joy. Mixing large scale and small-scale patterns with bright happy colors will have you feeling joy every time you walk in.

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This is the south and one flower that is signature is the hydrangea. There is simply no such thing as too many hydrangeas! The Limelight and French blue varieties are classic addition to any local landscape. The French blue hydrangea is vibrant with blues and regal purples with the bright green leaf. Soft colors in classic textures of linen with a hint of velvet and your space will be classic and warm. Your dinner guests may never want to leave!

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I recently saw a Caesalpinia and immediately had a sense of a firecracker filled with anticipation. This flower is wild, bold, and daring. Deep hues of reds paired with all ranges of calming greens will have you bursting with excitement.

We are so fortunate to live in a town where our space around us is filled with color palettes, especially in summer. I challenge you to look out of your window and see what kind of color palettes your home is asking to be brought inside.

Cheers!
Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

Color Inspiration: Living Coral Pantone Color of the Year 2019

Color Inspiration: Living Coral
Pantone® Color Of The Year 2019

“Colours are the smiles of nature.” ~ James Henry Leigh Hunt

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With each new year comes the anticipated announcement of Pantones new color of the year. Much like waiting to open new presents during the holidays… in early December the color trend forecast is made. To our excitement the 2019 Color of the Year is Living Coral 16-1546. As a global influencer in color systems Pantone sets color trend standards in multiple industries for fashion, home furnishings, industrial design, as well as product, packaging and graphic design.

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A vivid color inspiration choice that mesmerizes the eye and mind with an optimistic fresh and cheerful presence. Durived from marine and sea life as well as present in our daily digital imagery. This warm, peachy color with golden undertones nurtures and supports other colors in it’s midst and fulfills the desire for playful expression. It also happens to be one of our favorite colors… so adding this “it” color into our clients interior projects is a welcomed second nature.

Here are a few sources that we love who embody this color in their product lines. A visionary designer – Annie Selke has offered quality Dash & Albert rugs and luxurious Pine Cone Hill sheets and bedding for over 25 years. Providing happy colorways to fill your home with joy, the herringbone and striped area rugs and throw blanket are the right pop of this color. The ‘Farm Girl’ painting done by the well studied Taelor Fisher is full of this fresh Living Coral “Color of the Year”. A prime example of the way this color attracts your eye as well as creating harmony with other colors.

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In a recently designed clients living room we included this bright color in the shown color palette. You can see some of the ways we balanced the room out with fabrics, furnishings and wallcovering. As the ivory and blue in the geometric wallcovering and sofa compliment the backdrop of the sand linen color in the area rug. The coral and green colors in the chair upholstery and throw pillow fabrics add a playful vibrance giving the space liveliness and balance.

Color Palette

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We are delighted to introduce this new color inspiration to you and hope you enjoy the examples we’ve shared. We hope you find special ways to incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year 2019 - Living Coral in your interiors and surroundings this year.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.