Say Hello to Ultra Violet

Today we’re taking a New Year look at what Pantone declared the color of the year back in early December — Ultra Violet. A decided departure from 2017’s color of the year, Greenery, a fresh yellow-green, the 2018 color of the year has been described by the organization as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade that communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

While purple isn’t generally a top-of-mind home décor choice, the examples we’ve seen over the years here on Design*Sponge always spark our curiosity about the thought processes that led to that particular color choice, and how comfortable the color actually feels in the context of “home.” Take a look at the rooms below and see how thoughtful renters and homeowners have engaged the deep, rich hue and keep an eye out for variations on the shade in the housewares market as purple eases into the collective consciousness. –Caitlin

Image above: Designer Megan Price (of Mr.PS) and illustrator Robert Shadbolt spent a lot of time fixing up their Manchester, England Victorian that they purchased in an empty and neglected state. Their decision to add a deep color to their mantel was made to declare the feature a statement in the room, rather than something they needed to work around. See Megan & Robert’s full home tour here.

Image above via Pantone UK

When artist and designer Stephanie Ryan was looking for a home and studio environment that would refresh and inspire her ART + ALCHEMY watercolor painting brand, she found an early-1800s stone farmhouse in Honey Brook, PA. Stephanie’s meditation room shown here is where she journals, sketches ideas, and quiets her mind so that inspiration can find its way in. This retreat’s purpose is remarkably similar to Pantone’s Ultra Violet statement. See Stephanie’s full studio tour here.

Frances Merrill’s Los Angeles home (as seen in Domino magazine) embraces colors of all shades, but this beautiful nook with a painted piano makes a statement that encourages tickling the ivories even if you’re not an accomplished pianist.

Samantha and Jonah Arcade bit the bullet and not only purchased a brownstone in Brooklyn that measured a mere 12 feet wide, but purchased it knowing that it would require massive plumbing, electrical and mechanical upgrades. Once the home was re-outfitted systems-wise, their family of four created a home for all of them to enjoy. The family room seen here uses purple as a refreshing backdrop to wainscoting and details original to the home. See the Arcade Family’s full home tour here.

You can find Swede Jenny Brandt online over at the blog Dos Family, a quirky and family-friendly collaboration with Isabelle McAllister. At mealtime, however, she and her family commune around this purple dining table that inspires conversations about the day’s events and what’s coming up in the future. See Jenny’s full home tour here.

1. Original Watercolor at Leif $325 | 2. Ceramic Mug on Etsy $15 | 3. Bodum French Press $22 | 4. Moroccan Tea Glasses $4 | 5. Swing Top Bottle $16 | 6. Agate Coasters $22 | 7. Belgian Chocolate Chai $11