Energize Your Home With Tangerine

By now, most of us have noticed the influx of fashions and home décor items in the Pantone Color of 2012, Tangerine Tango.

According to Pantone, this zesty red-orangey color “will provide the energy boost we need to recharge, move forward, and burn up any of the fog from the gloomy economy.

"Being a spirited reddish-orange it is sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive. It reminds us of a glorious sunset, which will instantly melt everyone’s hearts. Tangerine combines the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red, with the friendliness and warmth of yellow.”   

The psychology of Tangerine is something most all of us could use these days.    It represents enthusiasm, encouragement, stimulation and creativity. Tangerine is actually a rather versatile color. It looks great paired with darker colors like black, brown, green, blues, and purples.   

It is also very sophisticated paired with light neutrals and dynamic with white. Adding tangerine with other citrus hues will give a room a tropical feeling.    Because of its versatility and sophistication, this spicy hue can be used successfully in any décor style.   

You may even discover touches of Tangerine in your current rugs or artwork, in which case adding a few more Tangerine accents can bring new life to these old pieces.

It seems many people are unsure how to use this “dynamic burst of energy” in their homes. Most of us would never consider painting an entire room in a vibrant shade of orange, but there are multitudes of ways to use this dynamic color regardless of your current home décor.

One easy and inexpensive way to brighten up your home is to paint an accent wall in this hot hue, or really surprise your guests with a Tangerine powder room or entry area. There are some wonderful wallpapers incorporating Tangerine that could add real drama to these small spaces.

Many retailers are now offering small furniture pieces in Tangerine. Consider adding a pouf or ottoman, or a lacquered side table. Consider painting an old mirror frame in Tangerine or recovering a chair in a beautiful print fabric with Tangerine accents.   

Add punch to a dark corner with a Tangerine lamp base and white linen lampshade. If those ideas still seem too daring, ease into the Tangerine mode by adding Tangerine accent pillows and throws, candlesticks and lacquered trays to your living areas and Tangerine towels, serving bowls and small appliances to your kitchen.

Regardless of your comfort level with color or your budget, there are ways to bring new vitality to your home with Tangerine.