Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2012 – Wythe Blue HC-143

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year—Wythe Blue—has been a favorite of mine for quite some time.  It is so versatile, it can work beautifully in many different settings…

Photo: restyledhome.blogspot.com

Photo: Real Simple

Photo: Benjamin Moore

Photo: colorcharts.com

This classic color looks great as an accent or as the the main color in a room.  It makes a perfect backdrop for collections and photo galleries.  And yes—it can even transform your old furniture, by accenting or painting the whole piece.  Overall, it is a soothing color that would be a welcome addition to any home.

The color of the season…red!

Red is so festive and cheerful—it’s the perfect color for the holiday season.  Why not spread some holiday joy year-round by adding this color to your home?

Photo: via Jane from Stormy Girls Castle Blog

My favorite way to use red is to add touches of red throughout the home.  Pick a few moments in each room…a red accented front door,  a red leather tray with books or a throw, red cabinetry in the kitchen or mudroom, or a red accent wall.  Think of your home as having one color palette—played out in different ways.  Use quiet colors for the backdrop.  Neutrals work best, like off-white, charcoal & beige.

Photo: Southern Living

Photo: Traditional Home

Photo: Country Living

Photo: This Old House

This works great with a small home or apartment.  Try using more red in some rooms than others.  Mixing it up and using red in different ways will keep it interesting.

     

Color palette swatches are from Benjamin Moore: Segovia Red 1288, Black Tar 2126-10, Simply White OC-117, Spring in Aspen 954.