Something few of us realize is that color sets the tone for the year.
PANTONE, the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems, are well aware of this. Each year they pick a color of the year that has a huge impact on interior design and fashion.
This year's color of choice is "Ultra Violet."
Ultra Violet is sure to seep into every facet of our lives in 2018. Last year's color, "Greenery" could be found everywhere. Greenery infused home and style with an essence of growth and new life with the increased interest in bringing a sense of the out of doors inside.
While greenery is the color of growth, Ultra Violet represents both the regal and the mystical. In Western thought, violet has long been the color of royalty and passion.
Violet dyes were expensive, so, in history, it was only worn by kings. Kings were, through the concept of "divine right" believed to be touched by God. In Eastern thought, Ultra Violet is the color of the third eye, through which we connect to the great beyond. It is the key to the wisdom and inspiration of the ages.
It is the perfect color for 2018, sure to inspire creativity while providing a sense of richness and history.
Shades of purple and violet have slowly been sliding into the pallet of interior designs over the last several years as an accent color, paired with grays and black. And last year, as jewel tones came on the scene, designers began using it on walls and for statement pieces.
Ultra violet is a perfect color for lush velvet that is quickly becoming the fabric of choice for sofas and tufted headboards. The color draws the eye, making whatever it graces pop.
Bringing Ultra Violet into your home can be as simple as scattering vases full of wild violets in crystal vases in every room or as complex as painting a DIY repurposed entertainment center with it to create a focal point filled with family collectibles, handmade pottery, or vintage books.
While PANTONE's color of the year is Ultra Violet, paint manufacturers also choose a color they feel reflects the year to come. PPG has chosen ‘Ultra Black.' Benjamin Moore's color of the year is "Caliente."
"It is the signature color of a modern architectural masterpiece… The eye can't help but follow its bold [red] strokes...,” said Ellen ONeill of Benjamin Moore & Company on their website. Sherwin Williams loves the color 'Oceanside,' which is as mysterious as the sea. Behr also believes in blue, for them, it is 'In The Moment,' a pale blue-gray.
Color affects us emotionally. Purple combines the stability of blue with the vibrancy of red, allowing us to find a sense of grounding while flying on the wings of inspiration.