The Poetry of Orange

The poetry of orange.  The colors are all ablaze.  This is Fall.  We are lucky to live here in New England where this season gives us the gift of inspiring and intensely deep colors.  Yellow, red, pale greens, crisp browns-these are popular autumnal colors, but do you ever think of the poetry of orange?

Orange ripens in

full, heavy moons,

thick with pulp and seed.

Orange flickers all smoke and candles.

Orange eyes.

Orange cheeks.

Orange teeth.

-Joyce Sidman

orange is warm

the poetry of orange

think bounty and fruitfulness

needham7

a little will do just fine

It is unfortunate that it can often be overlooked as gaudy, out-of-place or jarring color.  There is not even a word that rhymes with orange.  But that reputation is not quite fair, as it is a deep and warm color.  It is the perfect color for the coming cold days.  Think clementines just ripening and coming into season, windblown leaves, the blaze of the setting sun, toothy jack o’ lanterns and plump pumpkins, a generous bouquet of ranunculus, a bunch of Bugs Bunny’s juicy carrots, carrot cake!  And after all, it was Frank Sinatra who said, “Orange is the happiest color.”  While it may not be the happiest color, it certainly lends cheer, personality and brightness to a space.  It does not have to be an overwhelming shade or even the predominant color in your room.  You can use just the right amount of this sunny hue that match your taste and style.  Benjamin Moore, a premium paint brand that we frequently use, has a wonderful feature on its website where you can explore orange.  You can see what similar colors area available and what other colors work well with orange.  The style experts at Pantone have also developed some interesting ways for you to explore and consider this unique and fun color.  So don’t forget the poetry of orange.

Be well,

Bill