How Mid-Century Design Decorates Esteem Through Jay-Z & J. Cole

ROYGBIV Stories is a written series that develops stories from the intersection of color theory, color linguistics, culture, interior design, and media.

As the first in the ROYGBIV Stories series, it’s fitting to investigate the connection between esteem and orange, what the color tangerine says about their relationship, and home accessories that illustrate their connection. On a personal level, we’ll take a look at some themes in self-development and evolution that echo and expound on themes of esteem and confidence. “A Star is Born” by Jay-Z & J. Cole speaks to the competition, motivation, and pride in the hue; similarly, Tangerine [#f67907] speaks to esteem, friendliness, self-control, and composure. Then, the list of mid-century orange home decor illustrates and harnesses the personality of this story. 

J. Cole’s line, “Does fame in this game have to change who you are?” in A Star Is Born” with Jay-Z is the perfect reference for defining esteem, especially of self. To take the subject out of the entertainment industry and flipping it for self, does fame or self-actualization and recognition (building esteem) have to change who you are? In short, it’s inevitable. Building self-esteem from a shattered sense of self takes total transformation, and the only fragments to keep are reminders. Change doesn’t have to mean discarding who you were, but more about improving that version of yourself. We can never leave any version of ourselves behind, they’ll haunt us.

The three types of self-esteem (inflated, high, and low) all play a role in this track. Jay-Z’s verses transition from high esteem in the first to an inflated, yet proven sense of esteem in the second. He lyrically daps and pounds his contemporaries and way pavers while reminding newcomers of his successes, tenacity, and unshakeable power. Similar to both verses, it’s easy to critique this level of esteem, and here it’s easy to conflate high esteem with an inflated sense. Tangerine [#f67907] reminds us that this level of esteem and self-respect takes a journey of sacrifice and general difficulty, and nudges us to empathize and use this perspective as motivation. 

Then, Cole enters with a perspective coming out of low self-esteem at the start, into high esteem by the end of the verse. “A slow transition for a lil broke n*gga” connects to the humility of esteem that echoes Tangerine’s [#f67907] quality of subtle confidence. Just as this hue respects itself with empathy, compassion, and consideration, this verse considers hip-hop’s past, present, and foreseeable future, and Cole is simply making his mark. We can take a different perspective on the bravado of manhood in rap music by understanding, through this verse, that esteem in this flavor is sometimes the only option. Humble beginnings call for endings in the opposite, and it’s only fair to unapologetically make room for yourself, especially when you’ve put in the work to do so.

Tangerine [#f67907] holds esteem close and intimate. Where red tones produce confidence and a high sense of worth and value for confidence's sake, Tangerine feels a sense of belonging, ambition, and purpose behind self-admiration. Where this track speaks to confidence, Tangerine reasons with fortitude. Where this track credits competition, Tangerine speaks to motivation. Where this track refers to pride, Tangerine recommends dignity. 

Esteem is a delicate word for respect, but it differs with a composed posture and subdued recognition. It’s the nod of approval, the wink from across the room, or the raised glass as a toast to the second round someone sent you from the other end of the bar. It’s less about the performance of respect and admiration, but more focused on the stature, confidence, position, and acknowledgment from the sender. Admiration from low esteem is appreciated, but admiration from high esteem is held. Tangerine’s [#f67907] relationship with esteem colors these exact characteristics with a spirit of elegance.

The mid-century Tangerine [#f67907] home items best illustrate and facilitate the esteem building that comes from color immersion sessions, and a general sense of presence and optimism in spaces. The whimsical design in combination with the hue will provide the most benefits for modern design styles as a standout piece, while still remaining subtle. With a clear personality of retro-futurism, these items are descriptive of optimism and experimentation without judgment.

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If you would like to explore more about how to use this hue in immersion sessions, your home, business, event, or any physical dimension, contact us here.