Color of the year

The 2018 color of the year is called Ultra Violet and is being called a super moody color that will be notoriously difficult to use and balance. Ultra Violet, a dark bluish purple, is supposed to remind one of the depths of the starry night sky and against it’s reputation, is being better received than last year’s Greenery – a sickly yellow green color. Pantone says Ultra Violet’s royal hue is meant to inspire innovation in a time when we need to look towards the future.

Architectural Digest offers 3 ways to embrace the trend. Go small with lush accents hidden amongst the everyday with a small figure, wall decoration or plant like fresh lilacs. Go midway by balancing the deep color with lighter relatives and neutrals – think throw pillows, coasters, mixed dishware. Or go bold with an accent wall, curtains or even a piece of furniture. Dark, earthy colors and jewel tones – think hunting lodge or classic mansions – are very on trend right now, along with lush textures and copper or brass toned metals.

Purples have long symbolized royalty or mysticism and also artistic ingenuity and non-conformity. Jimmy Hendrix, Prince and David Bowie all used purple as signature colors. Queen Elizabeth the 1^st forbade all except royalty and her favorite courtiers to wear it. The practical reason behind all this? The dye used to make purple was extremely rare and expensive! It was made from a type of mollusk found in Lebanon and traded around the world.

What do you think of this color of the year? How do you plan to incorporate it into your style?