Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year: Ultra Violet

It’s time for a celebration of all things purple. Bright purple. Each year the Pantone Color Institute searches the globe for color clues and declares a color of the year. Welcome Ultra Violet, a bold addition to the family.

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Color is about communication and self-expression. It’s about how you see the world and how the world sees you. Originally purple dye was rare and expensive. Only royalty and the wealthy could afford it. This history endows purple with a legacy of power and luxury.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, executivedirector of the Pantone Color Institute, Ultra Violet “communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking.” Designers, artists and musicians, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Andy Warhol and Prince, have taken inspiration from purple. It is a courageous color that commands attention and dares you to go outside your comfort zone.

Ultra Violet is the color of the cosmos, a symbol of the larger universe. It encourages us to look ahead and shape our future. It is also associated with mindfulness. In a world full of technology and distractions, the art of focusing and being fully present is important. Ultra Violet reminds us to take a breath and soak up our surroundings.

How much Ultra Violet will you incorporate into your style this year? We’ve collected a treasure trove of possibilities for you and your home. Let your imagination soar and explore these eye-catching options.

Vibrant Vision: Ultra Violet at Home

Start with a neutral sofa or chair and enhance it with Ultra Violet accents. For comfort and color try a bold solid purple, like these soft down throw pillows from Shade Tree Interiors. A pattern of nested squares adds texture to the radiant violet material.

Bed Bath & Beyond offers two pillows to suit different styles. The Michael Amini Hexagon throw pillow provides a modern look with a captivating mix of leather and faux fur. For a nature-inspired style, choose a Kensi Vicki throw pillow with a crisp silhouette of a hummingbird in brilliant purple.

Add Ultra Violet to any table or shelf with a glass vase from The Store at GoggleWorks. Suzanne Oswald hand-draws, sandblasts and etches the amazing design. Lovely on its own or filled with your favorite flowers, this unique piece will be a standout addition to your décor.

You can also incorporate purple into the table itself. This amethyst and stainless-steel coffee table provides a heavenly touch. Available from Decorating Den Interiors, the swirling pattern is perfect for contemplation.

At the end of a busy day, rest and reenergize with a footstool from Shade Tree Interiors. The pattern of violet, white and red stripes refreshes your living room. While you’re relaxing, get cozy with an Ultra Violet throw blanket from Bed Bath & Beyond. Snuggle up with a book or watch a movie under the warm plush.

Pay tribute to Ultra Violet’s royal heritage with sumptuous fabric from Norbar’s Luxury Velvet. Saylor House can take your vision and transform this material into a one-of-a-kind sofa, chair, cushion or window treatment.

In the dining room, Decorating Den Interiors offers two stunning pieces of functional art. Elevate your meal with this seatbelt dining chair. The woven material’s bold lines and vivid color are guaranteed to be a conversation piece. Above your table, create a constellation indoors with a dazzling chandelier featuring an array of purple crystals and 22 lights.

Discover the mindful side of Ultra Violet and transform your bed into a haven of restful repose with Ultra Violet sheets, shams and comforter. This set from Bed Bath & Beyond combines cool whites and a gray geometric pattern in a stunning counterpoint to Ultra Violet.

Complete your serene retreat with violet panels from Boscov’s. These room-darkening drapes are perfect for a peaceful night. During the day, let the sun in and enjoy the view framed in Ultra Violet. Add a valance for an extra layer of depth and charisma.

While you’re catching the light, tap into the mystique of Ultra Violet with a glass fairy ball. Created by Michael Trimpol, this beautiful piece is available at The Store at GoggleWorks. Hang the fairy ball near a window and watch the light dance across the strands of hand-blown glass.

Luminous Ultra Violet is a perfect fit for lighting. Color your world under the purple glow of this lamp from Decorating Den Interiors. A dramatic combination of purple glass spheres and polished nickel orbs form the base. The top is crowned by a shade in all its purple glory.

Enhance your walls with pops of vivid color. Saylor House offers two wallpaper options from Missoni Home. Their design team suggests using this paper for a statement wall to “bring beauty to a space without overdoing it.” The brocade wallpaper provides opulence and texture. Your eyes will delight in the fresh florals with touches of Ultra Violet. Feeling extra bold? Try this dynamic chevron pattern with violet accents.

For those who prefer statement art, check out this Purple Orchid canvas from Bed Bath & Beyond. Light and shadow interplay on a backdrop of Ultra Violet. Or display your playful personality with this balloon animal art print. Available from Decorating Den Interiors, this dog adds a touch of whimsy and purple to any room.

Add a finishing touch on the floor, and enter the world of Ultra Violet with a Surya area rug from Shade Tree Interiors. The undulating pattern of lines and florals adds touches of violet nestled between neutrals and blues.

Bed Bath & Beyond offers a diverse selection of rugs to suit a variety of aesthetics. This Geneva Cowhide rug offers confident color and a modern look in a tough, stain-resistant material. For a celestial look, check out this wool and cotton blend Flatweave rug. The tie-dye pattern channels the creative culture of the 1960s.

Cosmic Couture: Ultra Violet Fashion

When it comes to fashion, there’s no better way to greet the world than wearing Ultra Violet. Get ready to turn heads. Float down the sidewalk in this chiffon dress made at Frock. Ultra Violet mixes in harmony with purple florals. The fitted bodice and thin straps provide contrast and balance to the billowing skirt. Take a stroll in the sun and showcase your creative side.

If you’re looking for just a touch of Ultra Violet, try this delicate silk scarf from It’s a Gift! Purple flowers flow over a river of creams and reds to make for an elegant combination.

On a breezy day, enhance your ensemble with this powerful scarf by Kachina Martin. Ultra Violet and vibrant orange form a dynamic duo that will add energy to your favorite jacket. Made of felted wool and hand-dyed, this scarf is available at The Store at GoggleWorks.

For a formal affair, dance the night away in this elegant prom gown from Bella Jules. You’ll feel like you stepped out of a fairytale. The stunning Ultra Violet satin showcases a crisscross halter neck and a low back. Spin and twirl as the shimmering train echoes your every move.

Scintillating Style: Ultra Violet Accessories

The sparkle and depth of Ultra Violet is a natural fit for jewelry. Accent your look with custom earrings from MADE Jewelry Boutique. Designed by Chrissy Cook, this beautiful set features classic amethyst paired with sterling silver. Feel energized and imaginative as these earrings swing and catch the light.

At Coventry Corners, Ultra Violet gems are available from Sorrelli. Classic and elegant, these oval stud earrings showcase purple in all its brilliance. The metal edging highlights the bold purple stone. This necklace showcases a trio of pear-shaped crystals with Ultra Violet taking center stage. A cascade of smaller oval and round stones bring balance to the modern design.

If you’re looking for something dramatic, try these purple leather earrings by olive + whiskey. The trendy teardrop shape is an attention-getter. This new brand is available exclusively at Our Towne Mercantile.

For a purple accessory with a practical twist, go puddle jumping with Joules rain boots. Also available at Our Towne Mercantile, these shiny boots feature jaunty purple bows in the back.

When you need to transport your wardrobe and jewelry, choose an eye-catching set of bright purple luggage. Boldly go wherever adventure takes you with the Mirage 2.0 collection, available at Boscov’s. Ultra-light and nimble on its wheels, you’ll reach your destination quickly. With a special flap compartment for accessories, it keeps you organized and traveling in style.

And Now, Start Your Own Journey . . .

Once a color reserved for royalty, purple is now for everyone. From interior design to fashion and accessories, make 2018 your year and harness the power of Ultra Violet. Choose from this pantheon of purple, or make your own discoveries. Move forward with confidence. Embrace your unique style and show the world your true self. ν

Sources

Bed Bath & Beyond

Broadcasting Square

2771 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing

610.736.0433

bedbathandbeyond.com

Bella Jules

700 Penn Avenue, West Reading

610.208.0600

bellajulesboutique.com

Boscov’s

Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing