Interiors: Join the blush rush with marsala, copper and berry tones

Paint chart showing Marsala, Pantone Color of the Year 2015. PA Photo/Handout (Image: Archant)

Clever chaps at leading paint companies Pantone and Dulux predict Marsala, “a naturally robust and earthy wine red” shade, and Copper Blush, “an orangey coppery tone”, will rule in 2015.

While fashionable way-out colours, which star on the catwalk, can struggle to easily translate into the real world, these two easy-on-the-eye concoctions could not only suit most settings, but also pair well together.

Even better, plumping for one or both might put an end to the curse of colour craziness.

Apocryphal stories abound, of people being found gibbering in darkened rooms unable to choose between such perplexing labels as Elephant’s or Dragon’s Breath. Others simply resolve a colour crisis - decor disagreements over colour are a common cause of couples’ rows - by falling back yet again on what’s known in the trade as ‘safe-as-houses white’.

In-your-face colour, it’s true, may not be for the faint-hearted, but there’s no better time to play with a warmer palette, a trend which experts say is a reaction to a more positive general global outlook, and replaces those cool blues and greens.

Embracing rich but subtle hues could not only give a much-needed glow to rooms, vital throughout the remaining chilly months, but also conjure a seductive setting whose style will endure far beyond the season.

Pantone’s Colour Institute, which has nominated a ‘colour of the year’ since 1990, last year opted for Radiant Orchid, a bright blend of fuschia, purple and pink, which claimed to “encourage creativity and innovation”.

Copper blush shade seen on back feature wall, Dulux. PA Photo/Handout (Image: Archant)

This time around, berry-rich Marsala promises, according to its creators, so much more than a different look to your walls.

It’s a shade to “enrich our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability... its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness”, notes Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute.

Dulux is also proud to lyrically boast of Copper Blush’s powers. It’s “a heart-warming shade with real depth, which creates an easy to live with atmosphere but with a touch of elegance”, according to Rebecca Williamson, senior colour and content manager for Dulux.

So if your taste is for Marsala - it took its name from an Italian fortified wine - or you want to bang the drum for copper (blushing or otherwise), check out these ways to colour up at home in 2015.

Make it metal

“There’s no doubt that metallics have been a key trend this year, and there’s little to suggest their popularity is diminishing. It’s fitting, therefore, that Dulux has chosen Copper Blush as its colour of the year,” says Jenny Hurren, director at Out There Interiors.

“This warm, grown-up terracotta pink is a perfect backdrop for all those shiny metallic items - furniture, lighting or architectural pieces - you may have invested in, and could take you seamlessly from one season to the next.”

This shade comes alive when combined with flesh pink or clay-toned neutrals, a tiny touch of bright yellow, crisp white, wood tones and, naturally, copper.

Marsala magic

“Marsala’s a bold, confident colour, but the warm undertones within it mean it won’t look overpowering if used in the right space and complimented with texture,” says Sam Davies, marketing head at The Kitchen Restoration Company, which specialises in kitchen doors.

“It’s perfect for a kitchen or dining space, with its earthy tones and hint of fresh berries and deep rich wines. Break the colour up with texture by using on matt grained wood, which will add depth and give a more natural, hearty finish.”

Add elegance to any room by incorporating this welcoming hue in accent pieces, such as accessories or a feature wall. It’s featuring on dinnerware and bedding in 2015. The shade sparkles when set against metallics and can illuminate a range of smokey-neutral colour combinations.