Interior decor: SW Fla. can find uses for Marsala : Interior Design Blog

Marsala. You thought it was wine, or perhaps a sauce or, as a long shot, a sultry dance. Correction. The Pantone Color Institute has proclaimed Marsala – known as PMS 18-1438 amongst color insiders – as THE color of 2015. Radiant Orchid (the reigning color of 2014) is packing its bags. Fans of yellow are dressed in black. And the blue lobby is thoroughly depressed. But here at Robb & Stucky, we are simply seeing red. Let me explain.


The color red – in all hues and varieties from mauve and pink to cranberry and aubergine – seemed ever present at the fall High Point Market. In fact, the red story factored significantly in an after-Market fashion seminar I presented at the Fort Myers store.

Now, Robb & Stucky’s not trying to trump Pantone. We’re agreeing. Red is hot. We’re warming up to Marsala, with some reservations.

Ruddy brown (a.k.a. Marsala) is not a natural for Southwest Florida. People like me actually sought out the area’s sandy beaches and blue skies to escape dark, saturated colors (a.k.a. Marsala). Florida even favors wood tones in the gray family, compared to mahogany (a.k.a. Marsala).

As Robb & Stucky’s creative director, I think about color every day of the year. I always see color as part of a spectrum or range. No color exists in isolation. It’s got family. What excites me about Marsala is the wonderful extension of hues in its wake.

True red signals energy, and its popularity is probably related to our increasingly more vibrant, red-blooded economy. Add light and red relaxes, welcoming the lavenders and the pinks.

I predict Marsala and its extended red family will find a unique expression in Florida. First, as a mesmerizing accent color. Think accent pillows, lamps, throws and strokes of crimson in artwork.

Secondly, layering or color blocking a spectrum of colors in one design plan is the peak of chic, and I expect that to continue.

The Bernhardt Interiors room shown here is a great study in red. The flora and fauna of red in so many incarnations make this room a head turner. It’s about drama, comfort and luxury.

I love to watch home fashion trends and occasionally even set them. As a furniture industry and design insider, may I offer a proclamation on behalf of Robb & Stucky regarding the year to come? In our opinion, the color of the year (drumroll, please) is YOUR favorite color.

Colors have their day and may fade away, but if a palette speaks to you – whether it’s on Pantone’s hit list or not – go with it. As a final postscript, remember that a talented interior designer can light the way.

ABOUT MARK STUART: Mark Stuart, a Florida transplant from Indiana, is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team on wood and upholstery selections so our stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience. Contact him at 239-415-2800.