Furnishing ideas with ultra violet, the Pantone colour of the year 2018

Every year, the Pantone Colour Institute elects the colour of the year. These prognoses for the trending colours are of a great importance for interior designers, stylists, bloggers and are based on the analysis of worldwide developments in the colouration. The title “Colour of the year” is supposed to show a snapshot of the current trends. Designers and brand ambassadors can get inspiration, integrate this modern influence into their work and orient it strategically to these trends.

While last year’s design world was shaped by the fresh colour tone “Greenery”, the Pantone colour of the year 2018 is “ultra violet”. This may come as a surprise to many, but is based on a differentiated statement by the colour institute. Ultra violet, known from influential artists like Prince or David Bowie, is associated with space and said to be both mystic, meditative and future-oriented. Leatrice Eiseman illustrates that ultra violet is an experimental, inspiring colour tone that fosters creativity. 

No uncomplicated colour, one might think. All the more exciting to integrate it as a completely new colour in the daily life and the year 2018. We want to show you a couple of elegant ways to introduce ultra violet to your interior design. 

Ultra violet and velvet 

The perfect combination of two current trends - velvet and ultra violet. We have been coming across velvety details for quite some time now in interior design, for instance in the form of pillow cases or extensive upholstery. This trend goes hand in hand fantastically with the colour of the year 2018. Spice up a simple room with an ultra violet velvet armchair or go all in on the adventure and hang some ultra violet velvet curtains. 

A rather cautious approach by working with details 

Those who would rather meet the trending colour ultra violet with a little caution are well advised to approach it by using small spots of colour at first. You can use tasteful ultra violet details like glass vases, picture frames for plain motifs, pillow cases with ultra violet elements and complement them with violet flowers. These don’t last as long and are a good way to decide how much space you want to dedicate to the Pantone colour of the year 2018.

For the adventurous: Extensive use of ultra violet

If you think it was overdue to call ultra violet the colour of the year and you are totally in love with this trend, you can dare to style extensive parts of your apartment or house in ultra violet. This way the colour comes into one’s own perfectly and adds an atmospheric touch to every room. Violet has a positive calming effect which is why it is also used in meditative contexts. Before you go and hang ultra violet curtains, get a violet couch or even paint a whole wall in this colour, you should make sure the room has enough sources of light and is big enoughto not be outweighed by the colour. 

Ways to combine the colour in your home

So you’ve made your decision about an ultra violet decor and are looking for the right spot to put it in your home? Colours that correspond well with the colour of the year 2018 are light ones such as white and light grey, as they oppose something calm to the drama of the violet. Black and dark greys complement ultra violet fantastically but surely are more powerful than the first combination. A glamorous arrangement can be achieved by adding metallic tones like gold and bronze or even silver. The trending colour’s warmth will be supported beautifully. If you prefer something more exciting, choose a strong green, yellow or orange to go with your ultra violet decor items. A great combination that is very suitable for everyday life is one with Scandinavian chic, who’s minimalist and low-key style is a great foundation for the dramatic colour tone.

As you can tell, there are a lot of wonderful ways to introduce the Pantone colour of the year 2018. Engel & Völkers wishes you a lot of fun decorating and furnishing this year!