Here Are Some Lovely Ways to Decorate With Purple

Lavender is here to give “Millennial Pink” a break, elbowing the light Pepto shade off of 2018’s stage and replacing it with a soothing purple. The color has been popping up everywhere, from living room sectionals to dining room walls, and splashed across carefully-picked prints and folded merino wool blankets. While it’s a fun color to work with, some people might be wondering how to use it in their space without reverting back to their 13-year-old selves. As a kid who used to have a lavender-everything room, I can personally attest to how easy it is to veer into saccharine-sweet territory with that shade. But with some careful planning—and a board full of inspiration—lavender can read elegant and sophisticated. See for yourselves.

1. For those who have been eyeing lavender for a while and are ready to make a long term commitment to the trending color, why not paint the whole room with it—walls, bookcases, trimming and all. Nathan Turner proves it’s a bold move, but it looks especially great when paired with a feminine, glamorous aesthetic.

2. While it’s true that finding a lilac-hued velvet sofa isn’t as easy as picking out a gray tufted one, trendy spots like Urban Outfitters (Chamberlin Velvet Sofa, $898) have them in stock. If you like playing with color, this statement piece will draw out purple shades from your artwork and pillows.

3. Take a page out of Collins Interiors‘ handbook and add the spring-like hue to your kitchen, via bar stools. The unexpected shade will especially pop against a white kitchen.

4. If you’re looking for pillows or poufs for your den or living room, try out this velvet lounge chair from Urban Outfitters (Charley Velvet Lounge Chair, $249). Contrasting the pastel color against dark green or mustard is an unexpected interior design move that pays off.

5. Lavender curtains look beautiful when they’re paired with airy and feminine wallpaper, as designer Ashley Whitaker proves in this Westchester home. A gold curtain rod makes the purple pop. More, the pastel drapes match a colorful woodland scene on the wall, and the room is accented with subtle gold accessories to tie it all together.

6. Investing in a lavender armchair lets you experiment with different colors, making them jump against the pastel hue. Here David Collins Studio takes a lilac one-seater and makes the blue stripes in the fireplace pop, while simultaneously adding interest to the coffee table with mustard accessories.

7. Take a cue from Jenn and Hunter’s historic landmark apartment and try out a lavender velvet couch. It adds a pop of color but still feels muted thanks to the powdery hue, and it offers an amazing contrast against the red carpet.

8. Bring the purple shade outside by picking up patio furniture in lavender hues. Designer Ashley Whitaker strikes again in this Southampton home’s backyard, where she created a calming oasis with white frames and lilac cushions.

9. If you have an all-white room, light lavender accessories are an attractive way to add a touch of color without breaking up the tranquility and airiness of the space. Amanda Nisbet accented this country home with soft purple hues, and we dig it.

10. If you want to play with lavender in a more temporary way, choose an art print saturated in the hue, like Elsie from A Beautiful Mess did. She accented her mid-century inspired den with a print of palm trees against a lavender sky, which helps to add a splash of color to the white-centric room.

11. Tinker with the color in your bedroom by getting a chunky merino throw in the powdery lavender shade. This particular one is from Closely Knit ($380), spotted on Aimee Tarulli’s Instagram feed. Bonus points if you contrast it with mustard velvet accents.

12. If you’re a music lover with an impressive (or growing!) record collection, try channeling 2018’s new color trend through your record player. This lavender-violet Crosley one from Target ($79.99) hits the mark and would look great in any living room.

13. Another painless way to test drive the color trend is to work it into your decorative pillows. This frilly version from Zara Home ($25.90) has a vintage vibe to it and will be a welcome addition to just about any room.

14. Experiment with how the color will change the decor in your living room by swapping out your coffee table for a velvet lavender ottoman like this one from Overstock ($213.49).

15. For your bedroom try a purple yarn-dyed duvet cover to bring a splash of lavender to your space, like this one from Bed Bath & Beyond ($80.99).

16. An easy way to incorporate the hue into your room is to work it through abstract art, like this one from West Elm ($329).

17. If you have a quirkier aesthetic and aren’t afraid of color, try this comforter from Society6 ($88.79 on sale). Complete with abstract shapes, neon colors, and an ’80s influence of stripes and circles, it’s a playful addition.