Our Favorite Things Volume 13: The Pantone Emerald Edition!

by Maggie Flickinger

Lush and radiant, Pantone’s Color of the Year, Emerald Green, is energizing but sophisticated.  Deeply connected to nature, Emerald is a powerfully saturated accent color that manages to be vibrant, yet deep.  It looks smashing with greys & blacks for drama, or with stark whites for sleek elegance  – it’s a natural for any architect’s palette!  If bright on bright on bright is your theme, pair Emerald Green with Dandelion and Turquoise for an exuberant jolt of summer. Here are a few emerald green faves making the rounds at our studio…

Dramatic Emerald Green Soapstone could easily take center stage in a modern kitchen, with understated blonde cabinetry, a crisp white backsplash, and neutral grey or white flooring. The movement in the stone’s surface could seem dated, but when balanced by clean detailing and larger field tiles, this colorpop countertop exudes contemporary luxury.  Functionality doesn’t take a backseat: soapstone features excellent heat, and acid-resistance. Quarried in Brazil & offered in Colorado through Arizona Tile, sustainability points are higher than European or Asian quarried natural stones.

Classic form paired with innovative materials is a foolproof formula, and one taken advantage of in the Produzione Privata Acquamiki Lamp.  Designed by renowned Italian architect Michele de Lucchi, the lamp juxtaposes a sumptuously curvaceous silhouette with delicate mouth-blown Murano glass, tinted with a hint of emerald.  Illuminate the Acquamiki with a vintage-style filament bulb for a retro look, or with a high-tech LED bulb for energy savings and modern flair.

Hand thrown ceramic sinks lend an artisanal touch to the bathroom – reinforcing the art and ritual of bathing and ablution.  Michael & Nancy Linsley helm Linsley Studios, bringing their unique aesthetic and years of experience to architectural ceramics.  This particular matte finish sink features a double cascade and a fluid intermingling of vibrant greens and blues, reminiscent of tropical waterfalls.  Inset in a glossy black granite countertop, the colors become even more striking.  Click here for more on the Linsley’s home & studio.

Are you a color virgin who longs to bring in color but hesitates when it comes to permanent pops?  The Bow Bin wastebasket brings in a modest amount of emerald green, making it the perfect accent for the color adverse.  Its generous proportions means it could do double duty as a laundry collector or toy bin – this beauty shouldn’t be hidden in the mudroom!  Storage with a social conscience, the Bow Bin is made by the indigenous Aeta people, preserving traditional rattan weaving techniques, and benefiting the people through the NGO Preda.