“Inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

Every year, color expert Pantone announces their color of the year, and for 2018 it is Ultra Violet: “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade…[that] communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

If you think that’s a lot of responsibility for one shade, you probably don’t understand the psychology behind color. Different colors actually make us feel certain ways and unconsciously influence our perceptions.

Check out our previous article called The Psychology of Color: For Every Room in Your House to learn more about this.

Purple hues call to mind royalty, artistic brilliance (think Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix), non-conformity, and mysticism. As Pantone reminds us, “The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”

And Pantone would know – their Pantone Color Institute is a consulting service that “forecasts global color trends and advises companies on color in brand identity and product development, for the application and integration of color as a strategic asset.”

Tips & Ideas for Using Ultra Violet in Your Home

There are a lot of ways you can use Ultra Violet in your home, but a word of warning: because this color is so bold and eye-catching, you run the risk of overwhelming a room by using too much of it.

Keep in mind that there are some colors that go better with this rich color than others: gray, green, pink, metallics (silver, gold) and neutral colors. You’ll see these other colors in some of images below.

Dedicate One Room

If you’re ok with looking like Prince’s wardrobe exploded in your house, you can decorate an entire room in regal Ultra Violet! (We just don’t suggest doing that to every room, though.)

Furniture

Whether it’s a sofa in the living room or dining room chairs, a great way to use bold colors without overwhelming the room is to pick one piece of furniture and use lighter or neutral colors throughout the rest of the room.

Curtains and Rugs

Add just a splash of this royal color to any room with curtains or an area rug.

Pillows and Blankets

Purple in general is a great color for the bedroom, as it represents creativity, compassion and passion. It can also be very calming and relaxing.

Wall or Wallpaper

Use Ultra Violet as an accent wall in your living room, bedroom or bathroom. Paired with gold, yellow or neutral colors, will tone down this vibrant color while still making quite an impression.

Accessories for any Room

If you’re not one for bold colors, there are plenty of ways you can add a splash of Ultra Violet to any room. Try hanging cooking utensils on the kitchen wall, adding violet-colored liquid soap or a vase of actual violets to a bathroom, or placing a lamp in the living room.

For more ideas about using Pantone’s Ultra Violet color, check out their dedicated page here.