Light approach to shade
ANOTHER year, another colour of the year – and for 2018 the experts at Pantone have declared ultra violet first choice for fashionable interiors. But while few of us will redecorate on the whim of this American colour standardisation company, we can easily update our homes with a few fashionably co-ordinated accessories.
Pantone means “all (pan) colours (tone)” and global brands use its classification system to ensure they have the same shade for branding worldwide: ultra violet is Pantone 18-3838 TCX.
But we don’t all have to use that exact tone to be on-trend and the good news is that most shades of violet, lilac, purple, plum and maroon will go well with the neutrals colours we love such as grey, white, cream and even ochre.
Opulence
Interior designer Brian Woulfe, founder of Designed By Woulfe, advises the brave to use block colours to create “a heady cocktail of punkish rebellion and regal opulence”, but for the rest of us he suggests cashmere or wool soft furnishings in the “punchy tone”.
And what better room to benefit from a warm purple or hint of violet than the bedroom, where you can change your duvet covers, blankets, throws and cushions to match the latest trends?
If you want a more permanent update, though, the Dulux colour of the year for 2018 is heart wood, a dusky heather-toned paint that goes well with stone, taupe and natural wood.
So if you want to update your private sanctuary but prefer your duvet covers in calmer colours such as white or monochrome, why not celebrate the new year with a quick lick of paint? ON-TREND: Christy’s Shanti double duvet set has a touch of purple and lilac and is now 50 per cent off in the sales, from £50 (0845 758 5252; christy.co.uk) Bronte by Moon’s Distinction mohair throw collection, in purples, from £89.95 each (brontebymoon.co.uk)