This just in: Pantone’s color of the year is “Honeysuckle.” The official report from the Pantone Color Institute terms 2011’s choice a reddish pink that will “lift our spirits” and embolden “us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor.” I know that pink is supposed to get the adrenaline going, stimulate the appetite, and encourage friendliness while discouraging aggression (jail cells painted pink reportedly calm inmates, and some sports teams use pink in their opponents’ locker rooms to zap their competitive drive). I won’t argue with decades of research into the psychology of color, but my reaction to Pantone’s Honeysuckle is succinct: ick.
Nothing wrong with pink—I’m a big fan of fuchsia—but to me this shade says Pepto-Bismol more than it does optimism or dynamism. It’s a shade that seems to translate better into fashion or cosmetics than home furnishings. Combined with other vibrant colors, however, it just might be possible to learn to like Honeysuckle (a.k.a., Mad Men pink) in bright home accessories. Check out these global textiles and decide for yourself.
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| Afghan Pashtun vintage embroidery pillow, $275, available from loadedtrunk.com | Guatemalan Runner, $250, available from loadedtrunk.com |
Mexican Pillow Covers, $60, available from loadedtrunk.com
