Purple is not just for royalty anymore. Check out Suzi and Fielden's beautifully decorated Xmas tree and aubergine-colored walls
Columnist
If you missed my column introducing you to the world of color, I will give you a little update. I wrote about the ease of decorating when you have a definite idea of the mood you want to create and then using the idea to develop the design and colors of the room.
Certain colors evoke memories and images. Preferences toward certain colors are very personal. Colors can change a room from whimsical to carefree and from exotic to classic. Some colors will excite you and some will relax you.
In this column, I would like to introduce you to the color “purple.” This color can conjure up images of royalty, but can also add an exotic flair to your décor.
Purple can be dramatic or subtle depending on the tone or shade of the color. There are many shades of purple, as purple is defined as a range of hues of color occurring between red and blue— some shades work better than others for specific areas.
You can really embrace the color purple and feature it in all of your decorating from floor to ceiling or for just adding a few accent pieces.
For continuity, make sure that you bring just a few items that are purple to each of your rooms. New York interior designer Jamie Drake, who has used a vast range of purples during his long career, says a powerful purple piece “can add passion to a room.”
The kitchen:
The most fun place to use brighter shades of purple. Think of Italian ceramics and color saturated glassware. Benjamin Moore’s Kalamata AF630 is a rich reddish blue color that pairs perfectly with the jeweltones of golden yellows, turquoise, blue and reds.
Bedroom:
The bluer purples such as violet work best in bedrooms. Colors such as Sherwin William’s Foget-Me-Not SW6824, or Pratt & Lambert’s Gentility 30-26 are quieter and more serene than the reddish purples. For a nice fresh look pair it with white bedding and pale green accents.
Dining room:
This is the best room for grape tones. Sherwin William’s Grape Harvest 6285 is both sophisticated and subtle and suggestive of delicious fruits. Benjamin Moore’s Vintage Claret 1364 has more red than blue and is stunning with dark wood furniture.
Bathrooms:
To create a serene tranquil color scheme combine a light lavender, like Violet Crush DE5946 by Dunn Edwards with soft blues and greens.
Living room:
If you want a lush sophisticated look, deep aubergine (eggplant) purples are really great for a living room. If you would like to keep your living areas light, lavender might work. However, it is best to combine the lavender with a reddish plum, such as Benjamin Moore’s Plum Perfect 1371, to give a more sophisticated feel.
Dens and libraries:
Any purple going toward the reds like Dunn Edwards’ Prize Winning Orchid DE6004 is a shade that is in the warmer purple category and creates a cozy, comfortable feeling.
Children’s rooms:
Typically, young girls go for lavender, especially if it is paired with pink, light lime green and yellows. Pratt & Lambert’s Marabou 29-4 is the perfect soft shade.
Exterior:
Different shades of purple are often used in Victorian architecture, or as they are refered to as “Pink Ladies.” Benjamin Moore’s purple black Chambourd AF-645 adds a hip, sophisticated look to shutters, doors and window boxes on the exterior of you home or business.
If you choose the color purple:
This hue has an aura of mystery and intrigue. The purple person is enigmatic and highly creative, with a quick perception of spiritual ideas. These people are generous and charming.
Shoshanah Siegel provides color consulting as well as space planning, remodeling, upgrading and staging through her firm, Your Color Diva. She can be contacted at (562) 427-0440. or at shoshanah.siegel@gmail.com or yourcolordiva.com .
