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Purple punch

3 min read
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I am continually fascinated by color choices. In the decorative world today with all the available technological capabilities, there is an endless supply of shades from which to choose. This doesn’t make personal palette decisions for our homes any easier as the spectrum rolls out to infinity. In fact, it can be so intimidating as to leave one mentally paralyzed. I find it’s best to go back to basics and think about the simple color(s) that you favor, those that make you relaxed, comfortable and at ease in your surroundings. That’s what home is all about. Then take a look around, do some research on the Net, in books and magazines, and source out rooms that stand out for you. On closer look, you might discover that there is a particular color that is used to accent a neutral palette and that’s what you like. If a bold color appeals to you, it can be used as an accent or complementary color on a focal wall and in upholstery and drapery fabric. Sometimes it helps to discover what a prevailing trend is; you’ll find specific colorways in fashion and decor that have been selected in advance and are readily available right now.

Each year Pantone, which is a global color authority, announces a color of the year, and for 2014 it’s Radiant Orchid. This is a medium-range purple with undertones of fuchsia, purple and rose. I learned early in my career that purple was the first choice of young girls for their bedrooms, and could clearly see why. It’s a joyful color with happy energy, and it’s also pretty. I painted a young teen’s bedroom, shown here, in a shade very close to Radiant Orchid, and it is full of charm. The walls were first painted pale blue, then shades of pearlized mauve and lilac glaze were rubbed over the basecoat and blended to create a radiant glow. The white and deep-blue checkered bed linens are a bold complement to the walls.

Pair up this popular purple hue with neutrals, blues or greens to uplift other rooms in your home. Lavenders and lilacs introduce a classic richness to a living room that has off-white, sand or tan walls. Piping or edging on pillows, a single chair upholstered in purple or a modern art print or two are options that transform the mood instantly. Devise a dramatic dining room with royal purple as an accent wall paired with fuchsia or lavender walls; or re-cover dining chair seats. Tableware also can be mix-and-match – use what you have and add a few new serving pieces and condiment jars.

The harmony of spring greens and woody browns is a natural combination that is perennially popular. Here, too, the optimistic mood set up by soft purple shades gently wakens the tranquil atmosphere. Think about this inviting combo for a hallway or den.

Create some surprise by painting the inside of cupboards and bookshelves with a splash of purple, and mix up colors on shelves or in stripes or other geometric designs. Be playful.

It takes little to update with color. And the impact on your home is exciting and refreshing – a must-do if you are searching for a lift.

Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.

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