For some, last years Pantone Colour Of The Year Greenery may have been the wrong shade of Kermit the Frog green. This year’s Pantone’s colour choice is Ultra Violet, which going by what I’ve read and heard may very well be the wrong colour full stop.
As with all things colour related, it’s all too easy to have a knee-jerk reaction to it. You either find yourself instantly repelled or have a full-on love affair with specific colours. A few will be nonchalant. For me, Ultra Violet is a definite no. However as a designer, it’s important to, if not entirely embrace a colour trend, at least investigate and explore its purpose and use within the interiors world.
How To Use Ultra Violet – Pantone Colour of The Year 2018
Image – Pantone
As with artists, colours are there to be explored and played with and sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised with how they can look be incorporated into a design scheme. Violet albeit Ultra is more versatile than its darker counterparts.
Today I thought we’d explore this bluey shade of purple and the possibilities of its use in our homes. Whilst my personal preference errs on warmer earthier tones for my home, I find this Ultra Violet interesting if not provocative and you don’t necessarily have to go Full-on Prince in your homes either, not that I would recommend you do!
PANTONE – ULTRA VIOLET
Image – Pantone
Ultra Violet according to Pantone specialists…
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.
Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.
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.
Regardless of whether you read into the thoughts of Pantone’s colour choice, you’ll be seeing it everywhere from interiors, fashion to beauty. They’ll be no escaping it!
ACCESSORISE AWAY
Alpaca Throws – Annabeljames
One sure way to experiment with colour is through the use of accessories. Use the 60-30-10 rule when choosing colour for your spaces. Accessories should make up 10% of your colour scheme/palette allowing you to introduce colour cost effectively. Allowing you the freedom to experiment, explore and have fun with colour.
STATEMENT FURNITURE PIECES
Charnwood Sofa – DarlingsofChelsea
Our love affair continues with the wonderful texture of velvet and so it’s no surprise to see Pantone’s Ultra Violet spilling out into standout statement pieces such as this beauty by Darlings of Chelsea.
Image – Luxxu
Whilst this image has been taken from Luxxu’s website for their gorgeous Empire side table, the elegant violet chaise longe shows how this colour can create an impact in a neutral contemporary space and make it sing.
THE LUXE LOOK
Botti Suspension Pendant – Delightfull.eu
If you’re opting for Ultra Violet walls then add an air of luxury to your spaces by adding metallic pieces such as this Botti Suspension Pendant. With yellow being a complementary colour on the colour wheel to purple, gold is a perfect match. Think accent walls rather than the whole room otherwise it may feel too oppressive even when combined with metallics.
ARTWORK
Image – Cannonball Suspension Lamp – Delightfull.eu
Greens are often seen as a neutral shade and, as with nature itself, works well when paired with this hue of purple. Utilising darker blue walls as a backdrop, the Ultra Violet artwork sits beautifully in the living space above. Of course, gold elements compliment and lift the whole feel of the space.
ALTERNATIVE BOTANICALS
Hand-drawn Palm Leaves Mural – Pixers.us
Loving the botanical vibes, then you might want to up your game with this fabulous alternative ultraviolet botanical wall mural by Pixers. It offers a fresh take on this ongoing trend.
MODERN TAKE
Image – E3light
Black adds depth to Ultra Violet creating an intense moody palette. Combine with lighter natural wood textures for an alternative take on the modern rustic vibe.
ADVENTUROUS
Image – Digsdigs
If you’re the adventurous type who loves colour and pattern then just go for it like this space above. What makes this predominately Ultra Violet space work is the use of pattern which breaks the colour up. It provides visual interest and the uplifting pops of bright pink, yellow and turquoise lighten the mood of the space.
ULTRA VIOLET COLOUR HARMONIES FROM PANTONE
If you’re not sure about which colours to use, Pantone has come up with the following colour palettes to get your creative juices flowing.
Kindred Spirit
Kindred Spirits – Sitting side by side on the colour wheel, this palette of like-minded hues with their spirited good humour and playful exuberance makes for easy and engaging colour mixes.
Drama Queen
Drama Queen Palette – Pantone An unusual combination of show-stopping saturated colour with rich and elegant earth tones creates an adventurous mood full of excitement and drama.
Purple Haze
Purple Haze – Embodying calmness, a palette of hazy and smoky hues effortlessly commingle to create subtle blends and harmonies that are both timeless and time-honoured.
Intrigue
Intrigue – Invoking a sense of mystery, a palette of nature’s blues and greens, combined with the unconventional Ultra Violet and a Silver and Pale Gold metallic, exudes a quiet strength.
Quietude
Quietude – Soft and warm, a subtle palette of natural and organic shades accented by a Frosted Almond metallic evokes reassurance and conveys a sense of calm and quiet.
Image – Flipboard
For me, the only violet or any shade of purple that will be entering my home will be in the form of a fresh bouquet of flowers. So are we in love or is a big no for you as well? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this year’s colour.
Until next time, thanks for stopping by today!
Maria x
3 Comments
Hooray…it’s about time Pantone came round to my way of thinking!! :D ‘Purples’ are my ultimate favourite shade and are used in a lot in my own home as well as featuring in many of my projects! I always manage to squeeze some in, in some way, shape or form!!! This post has literally had me drooling into my porridge!! Fantastic post Maria. Oh, and a Happy New Year to you :) xx
Amanda, you are the one person I just knew would love this regardless of it being the Colour of the Year or not! So pleased I managed to get you drooling over your porridge lol :D And a Happy New Year to you lovely :D xx
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