Honeysuckle has been named Pantone’s color of the year for 2011. Named for the popular flower, this bold, feminine color has taken center stage in the world of fashion and design, and it’s no wonder! This beautiful shade falls perfectly between pink and red; it harmoniously retains the unobtrusive character of pink while embodying the energy and vigor of its mother tone, red.

Furthermore, this shade is perfect for summer. According to Pantone’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, honeysuckle brings a “a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.” This intense shade expresses the confidence and uplifting spirit of the season and it’s bound to make a splash in your home décor!

So how do you incorporate honeysuckle summer decorating ideas?

This invigorating color is known to stimulate both appetite and conversation, so it is great in the kitchen, dining room or living room. Some room decorating ideas for the kitchen or dining room are to decorate the table with a honeysuckle tablecloth, some place-mats, napkins or a centerpiece. You can also buy some honeysuckle glassware for your summer entertainment! If you feel like being bold, try painting your kitchen cabinets in honeysuckle! For a more subtle way to integrate the color, paint the cabinet and drawer knobs.

Nothing will invigorate your living room like a wall covered in honeysuckle paint or wallpaper. But if you don’t feel like going all out, add some spirit to your living room with honeysuckle candles, storage baskets or throw pillows!

It is easy for this color to blend into your home décor. Honeysuckle looks great with almost any color, especially lack, navy, charcoal or gray. It can also be used against a neutral color palette for contrast, but this season it is being paired with bronze-greens for extra sophistication.

So this summer, be sure to add some flair to your home with bold, energizing honeysuckle summer decorating ideas!