“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

We’ve all heard that Pantone has selected Tangerine Tango as the color of the year for 2012. This energetic color has already made a splash amongst fashion designers and the cosmetics industry. Nanette Lepore, Tommy Hilfiger, and Elie Tahari have incorporated the vibrant hue into their spring 2012 collections, and Essie and OPI have released several Tangerine-esque nail polishes.

But how can you incorporate this color into your home? A bright color such as Tangerine Tango can be intimidating to work with, unless you know the tricks of the trade. Maryland-based interior designer Samantha Friedman shares her insight into decorating with this fresh and fun color, without going overboard.

Friedman recommends starting small. Pillows, throws, and accessories are the quickest way to update a room. But tread lightly, because one too many additions can have your home resembling a radioactive pumpkin. “The color has a lot of energy, so it needs to be toned down with neutrals and patterns,” she says. “It’s also important to spread it evenly throughout the space. You don’t want to oversaturate one area with the color.”

For a touch of glamour, Friedman suggests pairing Tangerine Tango with hints of gold, like shimmery picture frames, hardware, or trims.

From How to decorate your home with “Tangerine Tango,” Pantones 2012 Color of the Year – The Washingtonian