Purple has been recognised by the Pantone Institute once again - the predecessor to Ultra Violet 18-3838 was a colour called Love Symbol #2, which paid homage to the famous musician, Prince. The colour was an obvious reference to his iconic song 'Purple Rain'.... The 2018 Colour of the Year, meanwhile, is an intense purple that is associated with more than just wealth, luxury and eccentricity.
In PANTONE's interpretation, Ultra Violet is also meant to symbolise the mysteries of the immeasurable cosmos.... And indeed, when we look at the starry sky at night it has a slightly violet hue. Purple is also a colour that refers to intuition, the mind and creation, and is a favourite of many creatives and fashion designers. When used in interiors, it promotes a mood of tranquillity and contemplation, but depending on how it is arranged, it can also be provocative and unbridled. As Leatrice Eiseman, director of the PANTONE Color Institute argues:
"Purple has both warm and cold tones, which is why it is more versatile than most people think. Purples not only blend well together but also serve as a strong complementary colour - including for last year's colour Greenery."


Ultraviolet furniture will be the focal point of the interior. It can be successfully combined with cream and gold accessories to create a classic look. Combined with silver or white, they will give a chic glamour effect, while their simple forms matched with red or yellow will allude to designer Verner Panton's styling experiments of the 1960s and 1970s (the similarity between the designer's name and the Institute's name is coincidental). It's worth experimenting with because the colour of 2018 is a colour that favours creation!
If you are afraid of such strong colours, which could dominate the interior, it is worth going wild with accessories. Purple vases, cushions and lampshades will suit Scandinavian, classic and modern interiors. It all really depends on their forms and shapes... and our imagination! Purple is a truly cosmic colour that will add a dose of originality to any setting! 2018 belongs to it and we can't wait to see what fashion and interior designers and stylists have to offer.


