What’s the simplest way to spot a color trend? Wait for Pantone, the design industry’s premier chromatic forecaster, to name its color of the year. To much fanfare, they recently released 2018’s: Ultra-Violet 18-3838.
The vibrant hue has been lauded as a hallmark of experimentation and non-conformity — it was a go-to for musical legends like Prince and Jimi Hendrix, and one of Andy Warhol’s Factory superstars adopted it as her moniker. It’s also a spiritual signifier, associated with amethyst and the seventh chakra.
Bold as it is, the shade can be deeply elegant and grounding in an interior, as evidenced by the Betsy Burnham room above. Our favorite trends tend to reference the past, while looking and feeling entirely new. As you might imagine, we’re particularly fond of this one. Read on, for a few ways to bring Ultra Violet into your home.
According to Pantone, “the color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world.” When we think about refuge, we picture being enveloped by the perfect reading chair, like this vintage barrel lounger upholstered in luxurious, long-lasting mohair. Timeless and tactile, a piece like this transforms a simple room into a private sanctuary.
“From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is to come,” says Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. We think this violet tinged crystal ball is just the thing to get those intuitive juices flowing. Whether you believe in the healing power of gems, or simply admire its luminous beauty, an object like this has the power to elevate any tablescape (and just maybe the vibrations of your space).
Chinese scholars believed that surrounding themselves with images of flora and fauna inspired clearer, more concise thinking. How auspicious then, that this 1850’s scroll depicts a regal deer, layered over a rich, Ultra Violet repeat. We think it would be a brilliant addition to any office or meditation space – wherever you retreat to do your best thinking.
According to Pantone, “enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance.” We took an iconic Adrian Pearsall design and gave it a contemporary twist. Reimagined in an unexpected shade of laser-cut hide, the result is thoroughly unconventional and artful. A piece like this is ready to assume its rightful place – as star of your domain.
For a flashback to Pantone’s 2017 pick, here’s a link to last year’s post.
Hero image courtesy of Betsy Burnham Design
