Back in October I gave my prediction for the Pantone 2018 Color of the Year. Well, I was right about jewel tone, but wrong about which particular one.

My initial reaction was: why on earth have Pantone gone for Ultra Violet? When I think purple, I think of Cadbury’s, Tinky Winky, and the purple one from a tin of Quality Street. (You can probably guess the food category of Christmas leftover I’m nibbling on as I type). I DON’T think interiors. And when I’m pushed to think interiors, all that springs to mind is Laurence Llewelyn Bowen prancing around on a black and white chequerboard floor dotting gaudy, luminous purple vases on ornate gothic pillars.

That was, until, I started pinning.

As you can see from the header above and the inspiration gallery below, I’ve since realised that it is possible to create a beautiful space using Ultra Violet.


How to make Ultra Violet work

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not recommending that you should put all of the below suggestions into place. If you’re going to dip your toe into world of Ultra Violet then maybe choose just ONE of the following.

1. The image in the header from Another Ballroom shows exactly how I would weave a bit of Ultra Violet into my home. I’d aim to keep the rest of the space neutral and light and airy, and incorporate a hero piece – a special item that steals the show – such as a purple statement sofa or chair. I noticed this particular hero piece in a copy of The Scandinavian Home (the three seater Vittorio at made.com is similar). It just goes to show that purple can even work in a cool, contemporary, Nordic space.

2. … Or you could be brave and use a bold paint such as Farrow & Ball Pelt to create a feature wall. What’s the worst thing that can happen? If you don’t like it, you can just paint over it.

3. Purple and yellow are opposite each other on the colour wheel which explains why auberginey shades work so well with brass. However, a deep plum also looks chic when teamed with other colours such as copper, blush and light grey.

4. Pile up a load of sumptuous, inky, rich fabrics and cushions (I’m talking velvets, silks), to create a calming, elegant yet romantic space in the bedroom.

5. Last year’s Color of the Year translated through plants, this year I reckon it’ll be through flowers. And you can never have enough florals in your abode, right?

What do you make of Pantone’s Color of the Year?

{A POP OF PURPLE}
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