When you think of the color purple, several associations come to mind: Prince, royalty, plums, and even the book and movie of the same name. Now you can add “color of the year” to the associations. Pantone picked Ultra Violet, a vivid shade of purple, as its champion of color for the current year. Panton says the Ultra Violet “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”
The company also says purple is “Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.”
That’s great, but how do you incorporate such a bold color into your design? For the cautious, it’s best to start with accessories. The DENEB ULTRA VIOLET COY18 is Pantone’s officially branded lamp, featuring the exact color. The lamp showcases the popular edison bulb, surrounded by a case of brilliant purple.
You could also search out furniture to totally change up your boring old sofa. Ligne Roset’s tufted sofa is an undeniably modern take on the loveseat. However, this version is anything but stuffy and looks to be incredibly comfortable.
Carl Hansen’s wishbone chair comes in an exciting violet lacquer, just in time for the Ultra Violet revolution.
Thinking out of the box? Then opt to revolutionize your kitchen with purple appliances.
The Big Chill Retropolitan refrigerator is always a head-turner in any color. Now you can make custom colors, including many shades of purple.
Bluestar is the counterpart to the Big Chill, but for ranges. The Platinum Range is available in stunning purple, but watch out – it’ll set you back more than $12,000.
Purple is connected to spirituality. As Pantone explains, “Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”
Although many people are afraid of using the color in paint, as these photos demonstrate, purple can create a room which manages to be both stimulating and calm.
