Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015: Marsala

It's that time of year! Pantone has announced the hue that they predict will set the tone for the upcoming year: Marsala 18-1438, a "naturally robust and earthy wine red".

"Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness," Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, commented in Pantone's official announcement of Marsala. "This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors."

Why Marsala was chosen for 2015:

• Brings color warmth into home interiors
• It's versatile: a matte finish showcases a natural side of Marsala, but adding a sheen create a look of glamour and luxury
• Equally appealing to men and women
• Encourages color creativity, especially in accessories
• Flattering against many skin tones

Marsala will be a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room spaces - perfect for appliances, linens and cabinet hardware. It will also blend well into bathroom design through vanities, vessel sinks, and faucet accent colors.

Here are some ways you can incorporate Marsala into your kitchen and bath:

Shown Above: 1. Viking Professional Series 7 range in burgundy; 2. Susan Goldstick cabinet hardware; 3. Alchemy Glass Aurora Bloom sink; 4. Zucchetti Savoy wall-mount faucet; 5. Rocky Mountain Hardware Post-Ring sconce with wine leather accent; 6. Rubinet Raven kitchen faucet with maroon accent

Pantone is known around the world as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. Every year, they study the fashion and entertainment industries to carefully select a color they predict will influence home and industrial design, fashion, beauty products, product packaging and graphic design.

For more on Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year, visit their website.