Did you know the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum? Well it’s true! (Don’t ask me why – I’m a Designer, not a doctor.) We thought it fitting to take some time during March (the month we’re ALL from the Emerald Isle!) and talk a little about this year’s “Color of the Year”.
With all the buzz about this year’s “color of the year” (Emerald) you may be wondering: “Who is the authority on such a thing?” or perhaps, as I was, wondering whether there was some all-knowing entity who determines what the “color of the year” will be. Well… sort of.
Pantone, Inc., based in Carlstadt, New Jersey, is the company best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS) which is a proprietary color matching used in print work. The PMS system is widely heralded by print-makers and dressmakers alike as it offers a specific and calibrated numbering system whereby designers of all types can specify a color which can be universally achieved through a color formula. The PMS, for instance, specifically assigns a Pantone Number to an RGB (red, green, blue) or a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) combination. So, a designer can say: “Pantone color 12345” rather than “Color = R12, G34, B56” Or worse: “C12, M34, Y56, K78″… consider it color turned science!
As you can imagine, this actually QUITE makes Pantone the authority in color!
But want to know what’s even cooler? A secret committee of 10 people meet in Europe, at the invitation of Pantone, to determine what the year’s color will be and in 2013, Emerald go the vote.
Selected for its classic radiance, Pantone shares that Emerald Green “brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation”.
Well, let’s face it, folks, this color isn’t for everyone. In fact, when Pantone released the news that Emerald was the color of the year, it was met with very mixed reviews by designers across disciplines. As designers, we love words like “bold”, “pop”, “surprise” and “unexpected”, so we look for ways to incorporate such colors in a way that is visually appealing, charming or creative!
So how can you incorporate emerald green into your affair with elegance and wow? Think about this:
- Ignore Pantone’s color selection and go more with the concepts as to why Emerald Green was selected. “clarity, renewal, rejuvenation…” find a shade of emerald green that speaks to you and don’t feel held back because “the color authority” made a different shade selection!
- Determine whether you want this tone to be a big statement, a bold accent or a happy dash of color. Bridesmaid dresses? Centerpieces? Chair Sashes? Table Linens? Shoes? Jewelry? How much Emerald Green are you hoping for?
- Choose colors to either highlight or tone down based on your preferences. Selecting monochromatic accent colors may help to break it up and change the color from regal to sassy in the blink of an eye! Want something that really pops? Golds/Bronzes, Purples and certain shades of orange can really set the color scheme. Want to cool things down? Select an Emerald Green that leans more toward the blues, then use blues and varying shades to make the affair!
- Remember that what’s most important is that you love it! Sometimes when you are looking for something, you find something else – and that’s ok! If you find yourself gravitating more to the “cooler” versions of Green (Think mint green, sea foam green, celedon green), don’t apologize! Own it! Some may gravitate to the true, DEEP emerald… you own it TOO!
At the end of the day, remember that these photos will stay with you forever. Don’t pick Emerald Green because it’s hot this year – pick it because you LOVE it and you can’t imagine your wedding day without it.
