Yesterday Pantone Color Institute, a.k.a. the world’s color authority in fashion and home, crowned “Tangerine Tango” as 2012’s Color of the Year.

So what does this mean for us? We can expect to find an abundance of this zesty reddish orange in the upcoming Spring and Fall Fashion Collections as well as in cosmetics, paints, home decor fabrics, and accessories. Pantone Color Institute’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman reports,

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it…Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” 

via m design interiors

Tangerine is one of those colors that looks great with almost everything, doesn’t it. Above, the duotoned drapery makes a great impact against rich, chocolate brown walls. They, combined with the artwork and patterned ottoman, are what takes this room from good to great.

At the moment, I’m smitten with the combination of tangerine and fuchsia:

pillows by Villa Home Collection

…and use them against a neutral backdrop as seen in this bedroom designed by Janice Palmer. She created this showstopping suite in the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators’ Show House and Gardens last May. Click here to see the rest of the space and my exclusive interview with her.

I can’t mention the new color without listing the previous selections from the past years. Many of the trends are still going strong, especially turquoise.

PANTONE 19-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

Does tangerine already exist in your home and wardrobe? If not, how will you use tangerine in the upcoming year?