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Vivid Design: Top Color Trends for 2013

What are the most popular interior design hues for 2013? It depends on who you ask. While the exact color palettes vary depending on the forecaster, certain shades are appearing on multiple lists. Today we spotlight 6 of them. Not only are we exploring the colors predicted to make the biggest statements in the coming year, we are featuring images that show these colors in full swing.

How will you choose to incorporate new shades for the new year? One idea: repaint a room in your home. If you’re happy with your wall colors, focus on fabric. For example, you can purchase a sofa in one of today’s featured hues, or select new draperies in one of the up and coming shades. And don’t forget about the power of one or two small pops of color. For example, go with a lacquered tray, a cushion or a vase that reinforces an innovative new color palette. Enjoy perusing the images below for ideas…

Emerald Green

One of the most beloved color forecasters is Pantone, and they have officially announced their Color of the Year for 2013: Emerald! Emerald green evokes the vibrancy of nature while at the same time conjuring a jewel-toned richness that can’t be denied. Whether you picture a faceted gemstone, the ridges in a sample of malachite, or your favorite plant when you gaze upon an emerald space or accent, you’ll love incorporating this vivid shade into your interior.

Emerald green glassware

Below we see a living space that blends yellow- and blue-tinted shades of emerald green. The result: a layered, powerful palette. [from Rikki Snyder Photography]

Emerald green interior

Lilac

Another popular hue for 2013: lilac. In fact, shades of purple are on many a forecast list, shown in spaces that soothe with calming colors, such as the bedroom below. [from Housetohome]

Lilac interior design

In fact, one popular trend for the next year involves mixing shades of purple, from lavender to violet and eggplant. Note how the purple hues in the next space create a deep, rich look that is both welcoming and glamorous. [from Let me be inspired]

Living room in shades of purple

Mustard Yellow

Radiant yellow will steal the show in many a 2013-designed room. With tones of the sun and a definite golden glow, this friendly shade works well with colors such as tangerine and eggplant. Note the warm vibe of the living room below. [from HGTV.com]

Mustard yellow living room

Mustard also blends peacefully with shades such as brown and citron green. In fact, this color combination creates a vintage look that is perfect for modern spaces. Note the earthy hues in the charming room below. [from Little Lovables]

Mustard yellow seating in a living room

Ocean Blue

Soothing shades of blue can be found on many a color forecast list. Not to mention, blue mixes well with lighter and darker shades of the same color. Note the prominent ocean blue shade in the room below, as well as the way it stands out when juxtaposed with royal blue, navy blue and crisp white. [from Ellenor Industries]

Ocean blue living room

The soothing blue wall color in the room below beautifully combines with warm, neutral tones, such as light golden brown. Which makes sense when you picture the sand and sea of the beach in perfect harmony! [from DesignShuffle.com]

Soothing blue living room

Fiery Orange

Tangerine was Pantone’s color of the year for 2012. So why would it fade away so quickly in 2013? We’re not surprised it’s still on this year’s list of popular colors! In the space below designed by Brown Davis Interiors, Inc., the hue is strategically used to accentuate a recessed ceiling. [via Houzz]

Tangerine orange dining room

Don’t forget the joyful blend of orange and pink! And a dash of brown. The living room below features a striking orange and pink combo, as well as earthy wooden tones. [from Centsational Girl]

Orange and pink living room

Cloudy Gray

While the allure of eye-catching colors can’t be denied, the importance of neutrals is just as significant. Gray has been included in many of this year’s color palettes, for it soothes and calms, keeping the ultra-radiant shades in check. For example, note how well gray mixes with the teal green pillows in the room below. [from Decor Pad]

Gray living room seating

Don’t be afraid to bring in rich shades–with gray walls, there’s room for deep accents. In the next featured space, royal blue is a stunning contrast to the background hue. [from Atmosphere Interior Design, Inc. via Houzz]

Gray living room with rich blue seating

Are you happy with Pantone’s choice of Emerald as the 2013 Color of the Year? What are your other picks? Have you started to see any of the above shades in home decor stores?

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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