Red Hot Right Now: "Caliente" is Benjamin Moore’s 2018 Color of the Year

​2018!!   My goodness, can we possibly be ready to flip the calendar again?  Let’s just say the color trend folks are always timely, so the announcement by Benjamin Moore of AF 290 "Caliente" as their 2018 Color of the Year comes right on-time.  Well, at least right on time for High Point Market which started on 11 October, as discussed in last week’s blog post.
 
Caliente!! What a beautiful red it is.  Here’s Benjamin Moore’s announcement:

"Caliente is the signature color of a modern architectural masterpiece; a lush carpet rolled out for a grand arrival; the assured backdrop for a book-lined library; a powerful first impression on a glossy front door. The eye can’t help but follow its bold strokes. Harness the vitality.” 
—Ellen O'Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.​

You just have to watch Benjamin Moore’s video, it will get your whole body and soul in tune with RED:
                “Color of the Year 2018 | Benjamin Moore”

​​If you want to see how it all fits together, here is Benjamin Moore’s entire Color Palette for 2018:

​For those of you that follow the color trends, you will note that Caliente is very different than previous years, where soft and muted colors were all the rage. For comparison, here are the “Color of the Year” selections by Benjamin Moore and Pantone from the past 5 years.  

​So, how should you use "Caliente" and other vibrant reds in today’s interiors?  Well, this is probably a good place to cover a topic that I’ve been meaning to discuss for a while. Since many of my clients have gorgeous red and blue Persian and Oriental carpets in their houses - 2018 could be the year to show off, celebrate and embrace the vibrant hues in these woven treasures.
 
For example, here is a photo from a home office project I recently completed with a client where the carpet was the main inspiration for the colors in the room:

If you are a lover of Persian/Oriental rugs, you are undoubtedly familiar with the variety of motifs, scale, and colors used in these rugs.  Blues and reds are commonly seen together, and decorating rooms with these hued rugs demands careful and deliberate attention. 
 
To help get it right I love to refer to a wonderful book by Arthur T. Gregorian entitled “Oriental Rugs and the Stories They Tell,” first published in 1967, and updated in 1978.  If you recognize the name Gregorian from the Gregorian Oriental Rug Company in Lower Newton Falls, MA, it’s the same family.  This book is a treasure, and excellent reference guide to explain the designs, weaving practices, and tell-tale motifs to discern between a Sarouk, Kazak, Herati, Heriz, Kerman, Keshan, Turkoman, and other types of rugs.  According to the author, to really understand the styles and weaves, one has to have an accurate knowledge of the geography of the countries involved (Iran [formerly called Persia], Afghanistan, Turkey, Caucasus, Turmekistan, Armenia, and a handful of other locations whose names have shifted with the political winds in the past 50 years).  Arthur Gregorian is right-on with his statement:  “You who live with Oriental rugs never think of them as something foreign to you, for they are native to your Western culture, and make a strong, rich, colorful contribution to your home, your everyday living, and your happiness in life.”  My clients with Oriental rugs really do consider them treasures, and often, they form our starting point on color schemes and room arrangement.
 
For more information on designing with Oriental Rugs, you should check out a recent article from the Boston Design Guide, Jan 27, 2017 by Carly Stewart, who also references the expertise and beautiful rugs from Gregorian Rug.  In her article Carly cites the following six main reasons for owning Oriental Rugs:
 
1.  Lasting Appeal

• Oriental rugs are built to last due to the high-quality materials they are made with. Not only do these rugs gain sentimental value, but also they are considered a solid investment since they can accrue value over a period of time.

2.  Style

• They NEVER go out of style. Most homeowners would change the design of their living spaces as often as the season changes. Owning an Oriental Rug is beneficial due to the timeless look, quality, and detail. Therefore, they need not be changed or removed often, if at all.

3.  Intricate Designs

• These hand-woven, intricate designs have been crafted with a lot of time and care. They are very appealing to the eye and can set the tone for a space of any size, function and nearly any style theme.

4.  Material Quality

• Soft to the touch. The type of wool used to make the rug is very prestigious. Some more expensive Oriental Rugs are made with a wool and silk blend, which increases the value over time. Machine-made rugs are adversely made with harder, synthetic materials.

5.  Eco-friendly

• Over time, Oriental Rugs refrains from releasing any toxins since they are made with all-natural materials, including all natural dyes. Additionally, they release fewer allergens unlike other rugs that are considered highly flammable and can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

6.  Symbol of Status

• Many homeowners, professional designers and decorators recognize and appreciate Oriental Rugs for their uniqueness and previously stated characteristics. Owning an Oriental rug proves that you have put quality time, effort, and care into the lasting design and overall atmosphere of your home.

 
So, bravo to Benjamin Moore for going BOLD this year with Caliente, AF 290.  
 
I always enjoy designing with red, and hope the selection of Caliente will entice the world’s fabric houses to design more fabrics with red this year.