Pantone Names Turquoise the Color of 2010

Just last week, we were waxing poetic about color trends - specifically, trends of the past, with a look ahead to what the future holds for blue and brown. Well, the color experts at Pantone must have felt their ears burning because this week they've announced their "color of the year" for 2010: Turquoise!

We're not surprised, of course, and we heartily approve. Turquoise is fun, it's lively, and it's a great foil for so many other shades. We love turquoise mixed and matched with other blues, and with sweet or fiery pinks, purples and reds, as in this pendant lamp in Serendipity in Turquoise, Baby Blue, Twilight Blue, and Pale Lavender:

Turquoise is perfect for a feminine pattern like Serendipity because its girlish, but not terribly saccharine. This particular lamp is perfect in a young girl's bedroom or for a pretty living room or master suite, but the color itself would work nicely in boys' rooms and casual family rooms, as well.

We love turquoise paired with other shades, but we like it on its own, too, or matched with crisp white, for a preppy, beachy feel. Wouldn't the Parkside pendant in Caribbean Blue and white look perfect in any Palm Beach condo? Preferably one decked out in Jonathan Adler furniture, with a splash (or two) of Lilly Pulitzer in the closet, of course.

You can be sure that we'll have our eyes out for any new and innovative ways to use turquoise in the year to come.

What do you think about turquoise? Any favorite spots for the color? Or favorite memories (of that great Caribbean vacation, maybe)? Does Pantone's choice surprise you? Please tell us your turquoise stories in the comments.

Holiday Sale Ends Friday!

As the song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Twinkling lights, pretty candles, presents wrapped in shiny paper - what could be better?

That is, it's the most wonderful time of the year once you're finished with braving the crowds at the mall (especially in the parking lot), waiting in endless lines at the post office, and finding that perfect gift for your mother-in-law who has everything (no, really, everything).

Fortunately, we're here to help. How about a Christmassy throw pillow, like the Signature Bubbles pillow in cream, Basil, Sage, and Classic Red for that hard to please MIL? Trust us, she'll love it even more than those slippers you were eyeing.

And you know what makes that gift even better? It's on sale! Through this Friday, December 11th, Alluminare products are on sale, up to 25% off (plus a possible bonus!).

Happy shopping...and happy holidays!