Each week Mansion Global tackles an interior design topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week we look at incorporating ultra violet, Pantone’s color of the year into home decor.
If there’s one thing we can already predict about 2018, it’s that it’s the year of bold color—at least according to Pantone. The world-renowned hue authority recently declared ultra violet as the color of the year for 2018. It can best be described as dramatic, but, luckily, not too dramatic that it can’t be used in your home. "Because it’s such a lush, deeply saturated hue, ultra violet has a large impact even in small doses," says Houzz contributor Jennifer Ott of Jennifer Ott Design in San Francisco.
"Coming out of a period of time where everyone’s focus was on a more neutral color scheme, Pantone’s color of the year brings a contrasting and unexpected tone into the home," said Zionsville, Indiana-based designer Julie Browning Bova. "This rich, vibrant color adds a warm and whimsical alternative."
But understandably, incorporating the hue into your space without overpowering it can seem daunting. "Purple is one of the most dynamic shades and often times an intimidating hue to bring into a home," says Rob Hellander, color and design expert at Behr paint company based in Santa Ana, California. "Ultra violet is a bold choice that can bring confidence and originality to a space when styled correctly."
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Think about the room itself
"Purple hues are thought to be soothing and can make us feel more calm. Ultra violet is a great choice for a bathroom, where it can give the space a vibrant lift.
A bathroom is a perfect place to experiment with color as seen here with this ultra violet accent wall.
Courtesy of Houzz"Assertive hues like ultra violet can also be used in rooms you don’t tend to linger in—such as entryways, hallways, and stairways. That way you can introduce visually stimulating colors into the home without feeling overwhelmed by bold color.
"Pair ultra violet with light, neutral colors. Rooms that get plenty of light keep the purple from veering gloomy.
－Houzz contributor Jennifer Ott of Jennifer Ott Design in San Francisco
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Consider the effect
"There are no rules in design. If you want the color to be more visible, then add it to more common areas. If you want the surprise factor, choose a space that isn't visible from the entry. If you are bold enough to paint the entire room or a wall, use lighter shades to accent the rest of the space. Whites, creams, greys, and blacks pair perfectly. If you choose to paint your walls a more neutral tone, use accessories with the hue.
"Too much color might not look well put together. You want your eye to gaze the room, not be crowded by looking in every direction. Start with a few items, then gradually add more."
An ultra violet couch and punches of purple reflected in artwork on the walls and throw pillows on the sofa create an artistic effect in this living room designed by Jaclyn Galbraith of Robare Custom Homes.
Courtesy of Robare Custom Homes－Jaclyn Galbraith, Robare Custom Homes in San Antonio, Texas
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Work it in wisely
"When applied to walls of bedrooms, offices, or rooms used for entertaining, ultra violet infuses energy into the space. For those looking for a more unexpected look, it’s a great pop of color and a touch of drama for a small space, such as an entryway or mudroom.
"If you can’t get enough of this shade, paint your entire room in the hue for a dramatic look. If committing to such a deep hue seems like a daunting step, weave a pop of color into your home through accents, such as subtle florals or textured furnishings, like velvet throw pillows. For a touch of whimsy, apply the color in a high-gloss sheen on a piece of furniture.
"While this color is bold enough to use on its own, it also pairs well with other colors. Lighter, contrasting blues, terra cotta oranges, and light wood finishes create a regal look, while layering it with other shades of purple and blue—such as periwinkle—make a space look intentional. For those who would prefer a muted, trend-forward version of the color, try lilac. This approachable choice creates a calming aura and adds sophistication anywhere."
Behr paint in King’s Court, an ultra violet shade, brings the walls of this office to live.
Photography Courtesy of Behr－Rob Hellander, color and design expert at Santa Ana, California-based Behr
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Accent the space
"There’s a great opportunity to pack a powerful punch of ultra violet in guest powder rooms and guest suites.
"Instead of painting an entire room, add small accents of layered textiles with throw pillows and rugs. These items will add a fresh look but be easy to change with the color trends that follow.
"To keep the look subtle, add a big vase of purple-toned tulips or hyacinth, or a container filled with orchids, to any room setting to stay on trend.
"If you prefer a bolder touch of ultra violet without going over the top, we suggest upholstering a tufted ottoman or an antique boudoir chair in the lavish color.
"Incorporating ultra violet with rich, deep colors like emerald green and chocolate brown, and lighter shades such as celery green and blush, help create color combinations that withstand the test of time."
－Zionsville, Indiana-based designer Julie Browning Bova
More:Click to read more design tips from designers who work on luxury properties
Dictate the mood of the room
"Violets tend to be thought of as healing, inspiring, and imaginative. If you’re a believer in color therapy, I would use this shade in a room where you want to exercise creativity, such as a home office, art studio, or a kid’s playroom. It’s also a happy color, so it could be used in your main living space particularly as an accent, such as a velvet ottoman, an area rug, a throw, artwork, or vases for a punch of color.
"The richness of neutrals, like cream, black, and grey mixed with rich gold metallics stabilize the lightness of the violet and add sophistication."
－ Donna Mondi, founder and principal, Donna Mondi Interior Design in Chicago