Did you know the Pantone Color Institute has a Color of the Year that it introduces every year? When determining the Color of the Year, the Institute reviews global color trends and chooses the color that reflects what’s needed in the world. The 2018 Color of the Year is Ultra Violet!
This rich purple hue evokes images of royalty, galaxies, mountains, and lavender flowers. Ultra Violet conjures up thoughts of creation and ingenuity as Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Panton Color Institute, captures in her comments.
“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” Eiseman said. “It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, the intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
The notion of using purple in design may appear bold. However, you’d be surprised what you can accomplish with the color using these five tips.
- Mix with Lighter Shades of Purples, Blues, and Pinks
A room painted with a dark shade can be romantic and soothing based on how you incorporate the rest of the room’s design. You could use Ultra Violet on the walls and then add furniture pieces, rugs, pillows, and other room decorations that are lighter shades of purple, blue, or pink. The use of lighter colors on the floor and décor will soften the punch from the bold-colored walls.
- Play with Lighting
A room painted with a dark color can be calming with the ideal lighting. Soften or brighten the room by experimenting with different bulbs, lamps, lighting styles, and window treatments.
- Use the Dark Color as an Accent or Contrast
Apply lighter colors on the walls and use Ultra Violet as an accent or contrast. Some rooms have a vaulted, tray, or coffered type of ceiling. You can make the room pop by adding Ultra Violet only on the sides of a tray ceiling.
Make bookshelves stand out by painting Ultra Violet on the inside walls. Consider painting the door dark and infuse violet-colored pieces in the room. Or paint the lampshades and parts of furniture. If painting the entire lampshade sounds like a little much, you can accent it by gluing Ultra Violet-colored ribbon on the shade. Another option is to use throw pillows, fabric, and rugs that contain some violet.
- Limit Use of Patterns
Drama comes easily in a dark room, so only one or two patterns is all you need. Anything more than that can make the room look overwhelming or cluttered. Add depth to the room with textures like wood, metal, or a zebra pattern. Start with one and see how it looks before throwing in another.
- Use White Everywhere
A few online photos show a dark colored paint on the side walls with white on the ceiling, crown molding, lampshades, and furniture. These rooms didn’t look dark at all. In fact, the environment reflects the right mood in the room.
Ultra Violet is a powerful color that can punch up a home. Do a search for Ultra Violet on sites like Pinterest for inspiration on what’s possible with the 2018 Color of the Year. A quick gander shows some incredible looking rooms using various shades of purple.
You’ll have a clean decorating slate to work with when you buy a new home in TRACE! Starting from the $190s, TRACE’s hand-picked builders, Buffington Homes and Pacesetter Homes, offer modern San Marcos home designs and quality construction built to last for years to come. To learn more about our new homes in San Marcos, visit our builder page.
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