Decorating
21 Ways With the Colour Purple
Lilac, plum, mauve, whatever you want to call it, purple is a colour that makes a statement – do you dare to be different?
Helen Mirren caused a stir in the media recently when she had the chutzpah to ride the NYC Subway, sitting next to – shock horror – a real person. But what also got the media going was that she was wearing – wait for it – purple gloves! If she had been wearing black, green, or even orange gloves, her hand wear would hardly have warranted a mention, but purple, and it’s a headline.
You see, purple can be a quirky colour. It’s not always easy to get right (Mirren did) and it’s a colour that people either love or find repellent. I’m definitely in the former camp but I’ve been a bit scared to use it ever since painting my bedroom a pretty shade of lavender, only for a friend to remark some time later, “Yuk, who would ever choose that colour paint?” But as these photos show (not one a child’s bedroom), purple in all its hues – using a little bit or a lot – can be lovely and even sophisticated.
You see, purple can be a quirky colour. It’s not always easy to get right (Mirren did) and it’s a colour that people either love or find repellent. I’m definitely in the former camp but I’ve been a bit scared to use it ever since painting my bedroom a pretty shade of lavender, only for a friend to remark some time later, “Yuk, who would ever choose that colour paint?” But as these photos show (not one a child’s bedroom), purple in all its hues – using a little bit or a lot – can be lovely and even sophisticated.
2. Dark and dreamy
An aubergine-y kind of purple in the bathroom, among mainly white and a touch of green, is classic and deeply relaxing.
Wall paint in ‘Pelt’: Farrow & Ball
An aubergine-y kind of purple in the bathroom, among mainly white and a touch of green, is classic and deeply relaxing.
Wall paint in ‘Pelt’: Farrow & Ball
3. Proudly purple
Even as a confessed purple lover, I would never have thought of painting so much exterior in purple, but this shade takes a contemporary, angular home to another level.
Even as a confessed purple lover, I would never have thought of painting so much exterior in purple, but this shade takes a contemporary, angular home to another level.
4. Cool and calm
Who’d have trouble sleeping in this lovely, dreamy bedroom, awash in the palest, washed-out lilac?
Who’d have trouble sleeping in this lovely, dreamy bedroom, awash in the palest, washed-out lilac?
5. Mid-century
Purple doesn’t necessarily spring to mind when we think of Mid-century colours, but here with the chartreuse chairs, it’s a striking backdrop.
Wall paint in ‘Carolina Plum’ (1384): Benjamin Moore
Purple doesn’t necessarily spring to mind when we think of Mid-century colours, but here with the chartreuse chairs, it’s a striking backdrop.
Wall paint in ‘Carolina Plum’ (1384): Benjamin Moore
6. Stunning with white
If you love purple but are afraid to use it, try it in the bathroom – use a dark, moody shade and pair with white porcelain for a calming and clean look.
If you love purple but are afraid to use it, try it in the bathroom – use a dark, moody shade and pair with white porcelain for a calming and clean look.
7. Naturally with green
Purple makes a great accent colour. Purple and green is a combination often found in the natural world. Pair two equally washed out shades and they’ll get on great together.
Purple makes a great accent colour. Purple and green is a combination often found in the natural world. Pair two equally washed out shades and they’ll get on great together.
8. Palest of pale
Washed out and pale is one of the most beautiful ways to use this colour. Add a touch of nature.
Wall paint in ‘Lavender Mist’ (2070-60): Benjamin Moore
Washed out and pale is one of the most beautiful ways to use this colour. Add a touch of nature.
Wall paint in ‘Lavender Mist’ (2070-60): Benjamin Moore
9. Regal roots
Of course, purple is perhaps best known as the colour of royalty, so give your bedroom a regal touch with hints of dark purples.
Of course, purple is perhaps best known as the colour of royalty, so give your bedroom a regal touch with hints of dark purples.
10. Plush purple
Or bring plummy accents into your soft furnishings for a plush and relaxed feel.
Or bring plummy accents into your soft furnishings for a plush and relaxed feel.
11. Front door appeal
If you’re going to use purple in only one place, consider making a splash on your front door.
If you’re going to use purple in only one place, consider making a splash on your front door.
12. Outdoor appeal
As we find purple shades often in nature – think the beautiful hues of lavender, heather, plums and berries – consider adding some to your outdoor living areas. Here it’s understated in the painted outdoor structure.
As we find purple shades often in nature – think the beautiful hues of lavender, heather, plums and berries – consider adding some to your outdoor living areas. Here it’s understated in the painted outdoor structure.
13. Purple pleasures
Here it’s bolder, but still calm and relaxing, in the inviting outdoor furniture, contrasting with nature’s green.
Here it’s bolder, but still calm and relaxing, in the inviting outdoor furniture, contrasting with nature’s green.
14. In the kitchen
Purple and white in the kitchen is a bold and stylish choice.
Purple and white in the kitchen is a bold and stylish choice.
15. Purple heights
Another purple and white kitchen, but unexpectedly, the purple is found in the dramatic ceiling.
Another purple and white kitchen, but unexpectedly, the purple is found in the dramatic ceiling.
16. Sitting pretty
If you love purple, but don’t want to commit to it on your walls, pops of purple hues in the form of furniture is a great idea. Here the chair covers are enticing in a vibrant shade of violet.
If you love purple, but don’t want to commit to it on your walls, pops of purple hues in the form of furniture is a great idea. Here the chair covers are enticing in a vibrant shade of violet.
Kitchen stools are a great way to add a dash of the colour to a space without it being overpowering.
Counter stools: Cappellini
Counter stools: Cappellini
17. Purple pops
This New York City loft is full of strong hits of purple – the dark ottoman takes centre stage in this laid-back lounge room. Shades of grey are perfect partners to bring sophistication to a purple palette.
This New York City loft is full of strong hits of purple – the dark ottoman takes centre stage in this laid-back lounge room. Shades of grey are perfect partners to bring sophistication to a purple palette.
18. Toned down with charcoal
Shades of charcoal and a deep purple is a soothing palette for an intensely relaxing lounge area.
Sofa: Attico Modular Sofa
Shades of charcoal and a deep purple is a soothing palette for an intensely relaxing lounge area.
Sofa: Attico Modular Sofa
19. Add a rug
Another way to add your favourite colour – in the form of a rug. This violet one is the star in the timber accented dining area.
Another way to add your favourite colour – in the form of a rug. This violet one is the star in the timber accented dining area.
20. Purple power
Enliven your home office area with a purple hit – and an unusual colour choice – for your desk.
Enliven your home office area with a purple hit – and an unusual colour choice – for your desk.
21. Stairway to heaven
Purple has always been associated with the mystical and supernatural. So introducing some unexpected purple touches to your home is a way to inject some magic. So while it can be sophisticated, it can also be fun.
TELL US
Do you love lavender or is it a case of any colour but purple? Please share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
How to Be Truly Confident with Colour
Colour Lessons From Nature: Luscious Lavender
5 Fool-Proof Steps to a Spot On Colour Scheme
Colour Forecast: Key Trends for 2015
Purple has always been associated with the mystical and supernatural. So introducing some unexpected purple touches to your home is a way to inject some magic. So while it can be sophisticated, it can also be fun.
TELL US
Do you love lavender or is it a case of any colour but purple? Please share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
How to Be Truly Confident with Colour
Colour Lessons From Nature: Luscious Lavender
5 Fool-Proof Steps to a Spot On Colour Scheme
Colour Forecast: Key Trends for 2015
There’s not that much purple here, but what there is, is featured strongly – a striking presence in the artwork and more subtly in the beautiful rug. White forms the backdrop, with shades of pink, blue and grey, all working rather perfectly together.
Rug: Custom designed by Horton & Co., made by Designer Rugs