At the close of each year, Pantone Color Institute, the design world’s leading authority on color, announces “the” color of the upcoming year. That color, which is chosen after careful consideration and many workshops with color professionals to examine trends, is likely to be seen in everything from fashion and home design to cocktails and art. It’s influenced by trending designs but also is connected to pop culture, music, and even politics.
Pantone is calling a majestic heir to the color throne, naming Ultra Violet as its 2018 Color of the Year.
The UV Effect
“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to … Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level.”
She said the spirit of Ultra Violet hints at exploration, whether that means exploring new technology, exploring artistic expression, or exploring the galaxy. What has fascinated many designers is that Ultra Violet is an extreme departure from the 2017 Color of the Year, Greenery, which was seen as an indication of healthier lifestyles and a desire for a less divisive world.
Ultra Violet takes a much more spiritual approach, and Eiseman said its mystical qualities are part of what makes it so trendy. It is often used in meditation spaces and is frequently associated with mindfulness practices, which makes it the perfect “refuge from today’s overstimulated world.”
The color is also part of another over-arching trend of 2018 — bold colors, which include brilliant reds, vibrant yellows, and bright greens. This bold approach to color creates new ways to explore them individually or together.
Ultra Violet will be everywhere this year, but how can it reinvent your home? Here are some ways to implement it into your design:
Tiny Touches
If you’re eager to try this color in your own home but aren’t ready to commit to a big change, consider starting small. Ultra Violet throw pillows, lamps with Ultra Violet bases, or a fluffy throw for the sofa can subtly bring a touch of this dramatic color to your design scheme.
Cut a Rug
Ultra Violet is a versatile tone, so you can feel comfortable using it as the foundation of a family room or bedroom. An Ultra Violet rug adds a large pop of color and resets the mood of the entire room.
Add an Accent
A bold accent wall in Ultra Violet can totally change the vibe of a room and works well with existing monochromatic color schemes. Great for any room in the house, it pairs particularly well with today’s leaning toward bronze metallics and warm coppers. Metallics are particularly helpful if you go for a dark shade of Ultra Violet, as they provide contrast and help the whole room shimmer.
Try the Single Life
Adding the odd chair, ottoman, or even a bold loveseat to your current furniture grouping is a way to add color and energy to the room without having to completely redo it.
Bring the Family
If you like Ultra Violet but aren’t ready for such a bold statement, then group it with lighter shades in the same family. Lilac, blush, and mauve are just some of the tones that work with Ultra Violet while softening some of its boldness.
Go All In
Commit to an entire room with this bold color, and you can completely change the feel of your space. Start with a rug and throw pillows, and then add a pair of comfy chairs, an Ultra Violet ottoman and love seat — or even an armoire painted in this deep color. Experiment with different tones and shades to enjoy a variety of hues throughout your home.
As you look to redefine your home’s look for 2018, CORT Furniture Rental can help provide the right pieces to pull it all together. It’s easy to incorporate a bold color like Ultra Violet — and then the next trendy color — when you start with neutral, quality basics.
