Pantone Colour of the year 2018 is Ultra Violet, and I am thrilled! The first 2 things that come to my mind when I think purple is my school colours, and the Wimbledon logo.
Maybe that is the reason I have always associated violets and purples with integrity, prestige… and simply being the best. I have loved this colour and it always tends to find its way around me. (Notice the colour of all the buttons, clickables and my signature on this blog?)
But let me be honest.. I haven’t designed any predominently violet coloured room yet. Mostly because not many people are looking for violet rooms. So with Pantone announcing Ultra Violet as the colour of the year 2018, it’s given me reason to convince you all, and myself again, of the virtues of violet. So let’s get started right away.
How To Use Ultra Violet In Your Home:
Violet is obviously not the easiest colour to decorate with. According to Pantone, ‘Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking…’ You get the drift. You have to be an original, one of a kind thinker to use this colour! 😉 But if you use it well, you can rest assured of stunning results and getting that one in a million look. So here are my favourite dazzling ways to use Ultra Violet…
(1) Use It With Neutrals:
Now if I was doing my own home, this is how I would use violet… with lots of white to allow it to make its own strong statement, rather than undermine its energy by adding other colours. I would add different materials and textures to build interest and strengthen its individuality.
A simple white bedroom with some purple cushions and a throw and you have a sophisticated and stylish room.
Use more textures for a boho vibe. Notice the number of textures they’ve used in this all white room… The wooden planks on the floor, the exposed brick wall, the carving on the headboard, the furry rug, the jute on the hanging planter and light cord, and all the plants.
Add some accents in black to make a bolder statement.
You can add the purples using a couple of pieces of statement furniture…
… and some beautiful artwork.
Or a bold wallpaper to make a statement wall.
A Few Accent Pieces Can Change The Whole Look:
A single rug can change the colour scheme of your room.
Again, layers and textures give a boho look.
Cushions will always remain the simplest way to add or change the colour and feel of your decor.
A violet chandelier is glamour at its best!
Tempted to try out Ultra Violet yet? Still not sure about how it will look? Start small with some accessories in purple.
And purple flowers to test the waters..
Purple is great for the outdoors too, because it is so beautiful with green. (I’m thinking Wimbledon colours again.)
Ultra Violet is Great With Pretty Much All Other Colours:
In fact, violet is beautiful with most colours and that makes it an excellent team player.
Pastels For Soft and Subtle:
If you prefer a subtle look, team it up with pastel shades like this soft blue…
… or baby pink.
Another Strong Shade For A Brighter Look:
If you like it bright and bold, then purples are a great option because they go so well with most other colours. Shades of blue…
… and green.
Gold…
… and orange.
And even purple and red!
A Riot For The Bold And Brave-Hearted:
Purple is great if you want to do more than 1 colour too.
In fact, if you like the bright, boho look,
Ultra Violet is your dream come true!
Whether you’re into soft and subtle or bright and bold, there is some great stuff available out there. If you are inspired to get some Ultra Violet into your homes, we’ve got a ready list to get you started. Here is some of my fave purple decor available at the click of a button.
Shopping for Ultra Violet:
I love that pink and purple outdoor chair by Pepperfry. And if you are decorating the outdoors, why not add some purple plants to your decor? I like the beautiful stripes and the deep purple of the Persian Shield and the bright colours of the Rhoeo.
The wool and silk rug by Jaipur Rugs is everything rich and royal. I love the geometrics and the bright colours on the bedding set by Tangerine. The bright, printed cushions by Fatfatiya would be perfect for the bright and bold while the cutwork cushion cover by Auraz would be just right for those who want the subtle look.
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The silk cushion cover with gold embroidery by Fab India for the rich, luxurious look, while the purple cushion with pom poms is perfect for cool and casual.
Pepperfry is killing it with their purple furniture. I was surprised to see such a wide range of all sorts available on their online store. The bench and the bean bag can both easily be incorporated into your room decor.
The wooden box and tray are by Inspirasia, a good place to start if you want to test the purple waters first. And that pretty railing planter by Trust Basket is great for your balcony or garden. I have used loads of their railing planters myself, though not in purple, and their quality is great.
Hang on.. We Still Have More!
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You thought that deep violet patchwork piece was a wall hanging or a rug, right? It’s wallpaper by Elementto. Imagine it lit up softly behind the headboard of your bed, or framed along a length of wall, to resemble fabric paneling. Looking for a lighter look? The purple and grey leaves to the right is also Elementto.
Glass pendants in different shapes and shades of violet and pink would glam up any space. That delicate bone china trinket tray, decorated with Mughal artwork and accented with 24 carat gold is Good Earth at its best.
The lovely high back chair, you guessed it… Pepperfry… would make a grand statement in a foyer. The peachy-pink rug with just a hint of violet in it would make almost any living space look pretty.
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The cute cat figurine by Chumbak will add a bit of violet whimsy to your decor. The set of table mats and napkins in rich brocade will glam up any table setting. And I love the red and purple combination. I think combining purple with red is the boldest and most daring of all the combinations. I would probably hesitate to use these 2 colours together, so I admire the courage of those who do. Maybe I will allow myself to be inspired one day!
The aged look and the colours are fantastic on that carpet by Jaipur Rugs. And I have this thing for lamps with glass bases. IF the glass happens to be that gorgeous shade of purple, the love just multiplies.
The wall hanging by The Wishing Chair and the mug and coaster set by Inspirasia Lifestyle are again safer ways of starting small with purple.
Let’s Get Ultra Violet This Year:
That rounds up our list of violet finds for the home, and I do love most of it myself. I think I’ll be using more of this colour in the coming year and promise to share all the inspiration, ideas and end results with you as they come along.
Do you think violet will catch on this year? Yeah or nay? Let me know what you think..
Until next time,
PS: If you’re feeling nostalgic about Greenery, Colour of the Year 2017, read our post here.