Ultra Violet: Pantone's 2018 Colour Of The Year

The results are in: 2018’s Colour of the Year is “Ultra Violet”, so says the chromatic professionals at the Pantone Colour Institute.

Each year, these experts are responsible for analyzing everything in our current culture from design, arts, film, and fashion to sports, travel, technology, and entertainment to arrive at a selection they believe to be most representative of the present moment.

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute. “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

Purple, especially in such a deep hue, hasn’t been in the limelight in quite some time. Violet made its last big splash back in the 1980’s, a decade that saw significant global economic growth and an explosive pop music scene. Historically speaking, vibrant colours are indeed symbolic of a fiscal upswing. This makes particular sense in the case of rich purples, which were once a symbol of royalty, nobility, and prestige.

So what does this mean for 2018? While the resurgence in popularity of 80’s style has certainly held strong over the last few years, that doesn’t mean introducing purple into your home has to keep you stuck in the past. The colour experts at Cottswood have a few tips on how ultra violet can look ultra chic and ultra contemporary.

Contrast

Our brains love visual contrast, so it’s no surprise that its one of the fundamental principles of design. Contrast makes objects distinguishable from each other and their background, and those things with the highest contrast are the first things our eyes jump to when we enter a room. Purple, especially in all its ultra violet glory, makes a sensational colour for a statement piece in a room, whether it be a chair, couch, painting, or feature wall. Keep the rest of the room neutral if you really want it to pop!

Look to Nature

While we’re huge fans of how ultra violet pairs dramatically with charcoal and gold or silver metallics, we also recommend looking to nature for clues on how to incorporate some complimentary colours into the mix. In the plant world, ultra violet is represented most iconically in the petals of an iris. Look no further than the flower’s bright stamen or the hue of its leaves to see how vibrant yellows, oranges, and greens could pair perfectly with the blue-purple of ultra violet.

The Rule of Three

Our brains love visual contrast, so it’s no surprise that its one of the fundamental principles of design. Contrast makes objects distinguishable from each other and their background, and those things with the highest contrast are the first things our eyes jump to when we enter a room. Purple, especially in all its ultra violet glory, makes a sensational colour for a statement piece in a room, whether it be a chair, couch, painting, or feature wall. Keep the rest of the room neutral if you really want it to pop!

If you’re still not feeling the ultra violet love, we’ve also pulled together a swatch of alternative hues that some of Canada’s major paint companies have selected as their own Colours for the Year for 2018.

Benjamin Moore
Caliente (AF-290)

Behr
In the Moment (T18-15)

Cloverdale
Plume Grass (0414)

Dulux
Heart Wood (10YR 28/072

General Paint
Malachite (405-E)

General Paint
Glamour (405A).jpg

Sico
Cast Iron (6173 83)

Sherwin Williams
Oceanside (SW 6496)

Think your space could use a punch of purple?

Cottswood’s team of interior design experts are available for free private consultations to help create a customized colour solution for your home.

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