It's no secret that purple in its various shades has seen a recent resurgence in interior design. But judging by some of the photo spreads we've seen employing the color, it seems to always be used in an all or nothing manner. We were curious why it rarely seemed to be used as an accent...
Inspiration: Lavender Tiles
That's why this image initially caught our attention. The subtle use of lavender tiles is a refreshing addition of the color, without feeling like we're awash in a sea of it. And when paired with the white, it appears to bring out the warmth in the hue to a flattering effect.
Top image: Elle Decor
Bottom Image: Joanna Henderson
Comments (8)
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i would love a deep purple velvet sofa, but they are incredibly hard to find, not that i could afford 1.
view zhenpoo's profile
Purple is a funny color. I find that whenever I meet someone who's. No other "favorite color" seems to elicit that kind of all or nothing approach either!
view LilyC's profile
Oops - typing snafu... I meant:
Purple is a funny color. I find that whenever I meet someone who's favorite color is purple, everything they have is purple. No other "favorite color" seems to elicit that kind of all or nothing approach either!
view LilyC's profile
I do use purple as an accent in my living room - it's a deep reddish shade, bordering on fuchsia. It was kind of an accident; my mom gave me this patchwork pillow from Pier1's Mandarin (?) collection. Now I keep seeing things that color and putting them in the living room. I really wish the phal orchid I have in that color had enough light to leave there for long periods, it would go so well. hmmm... maybe some tradescantias could be displayed there; they're easy enough to grow 2 and rotate them out, and I really wouldn't care if I killed them in the dark...
And yeah, I, too, know people really obsessive about purple. Color analysts tend to link it to royalty and self-absorbtion. my purplest friend was self-absorbed, but not really in a stuck up way...
view whytephoenix's profile
purple is also known as a "pride" color among the gay community. i've even seen it to the extreme that somoene had their car custom painted purple.
view dM's profile
oh..and the association to royalty came about because at one point long ago, the dye to color fabrics purple was derived from a sea creature, and was so expensive only the weathy could afford it.
view dM's profile
I think that lilac is not often used as an accent as it's a fairly old-lady colour used in that way because it's fairly wishy-washy (think twin sets...); but when used all out it looks new again. Your example of course is an exception that proves the rule!
view Sian's profile
Love the tiles! I find lavenders and plums soothing and rich. If you're a fan, check out this cornucopia:
http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/08/color-notes-purple-haze.html
view JG_Kitchens's profile