I am sure you have heard it by now…the color gurus at Pantone have announced the color for 2011 is Honeysuckle! This rosy pink color was chosen as a way “…to lift spirits and because it imparts the confidence needed to meet life’s ongoing challenges…”  Okaaaay…you may now be asking yourself “How am I going to introduce pink into my decorating without my husband pitching a fit?”  First of all, remember that just because they say it is the color of the year does not mean you have to use it and secondly, you will be amazed at how often you see this color in fabrics and accessories already.  While I would not recommend painting an entire wall or upholstering your living room sofa in this rosy shade here are some ways to use this fashionable color in your home come spring.

combine honeysuckle with green and yellow to eliminate the "sweetness" of pink. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Ireland and Velvet and Linen

This pillow from Jonathan Adler (photo courtesy of wall st. journal) certainly screams pink but is a cheerful way to add "the" color
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Here are some fabrics available at www.onlinefabricstore.net that also have a touch of honeysuckle in them.  Do any of them work for you?

The rich brown background grounds the pink in this Laceyville fabric by Robert AllenA subtle stripe (Pinafore by Robert Allen) is a nice way to introduce color
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A neutral background keeps this floral (Strewn flowers by Robert Allen) from becoming too feminine
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