Decorating with purple can transform your home into a space of elegance, tranquillity and creativity. Purple, a colour that ranges from soft lilacs to deep plums, can be soothing and invigorating. It’s a versatile hue that works in a range of styles and spaces.
Understanding the Psychology of Purple
Before diving into decorating, it’s essential to understand the psychological impact of purple. It’s often associated with luxury, creativity and calmness. Lighter shades like lavender and lilac evoke serenity and relaxation; making them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. Darker shades such as eggplant and grape convey sophistication and drama; they’re perfect for living rooms and dining areas.
Neutral Foundations
It’s also important to incorporate neutral colours into your home through your foundations. Neutrals act as a calming backdrop, allowing purple accents to shine without overwhelming your room. Providing balance and sophistication to your home.
For your walls, colours like white, cream, beige or light grey can effectively create a clean canvas that highlights purple accents. White walls can make your room feel more spacious and airier, while grey ones can add a touch of modern elegance and warm beige tones create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Although, you could paint an accent wall or an entire room in purple if you wanted for a more immersive experience!
With flooring, think natural solid wood flooring in light or medium stains; offering warmth and timeless appeal. These complement purple décor by grounding the space. Carpet in shades of beige, grey or taupe add comfort and softness. You could also consider neutral luxury vinyl tiles that are practical for bathrooms and kitchens.
Choosing the Right Shade
Pastel shades like lavender and lilac are perfect for creating a calm and serene environment. They’re ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and bathrooms. Mid-tones such as mauve and violet, on the other hand, are great for living rooms and kitchens. They provide a balance between calmness and energetic. Deep, rich purples like aubergine and plum then add a touch of luxury and sophistication. These are best suited for dining rooms, living rooms and home offices.
Mixing and Matching
Purple pairs well with a variety of colours.
Think about purple and grey, which creates a modern and sophisticated look; you can use grey as a neutral base for purple accents. White can help balance the intensity of purple, making it feel clean and fresh. For a more luxurious feel, pair purple with gold accents; think gold picture frames, lamps and hardware. Alternatively, combine purple and green to bring a touch of nature indoors; you can use various shades of green to complement purple for a harmonious aesthetic.
Starting Small with Accents
If you’re new to decorating or don’t feel too confident about filling your home with purple, consider starting small. You can incorporate purple accents to see how the colour fits with your existing décor.
Add purple cushions or throws to your sofa or bed for a quick and easy update. Purple-themed artwork can create a focal point in your room; look out for prints that incorporate various shades of purple. Don’t forget about accessories like vases, candles and decorative bowls; these can add a subtle touch of purple without overwhelming your space.
Textiles and Patterns
Incorporating different textiles and patterns can add depth and interest to your décor. Consider a purple rug to anchor your room and add warmth. Purple curtains can frame your windows beautifully; you could choose lighter shades for a more subtle look. Purple bedspreads or duvet covers can transform your bedroom into a calming retreat too.
Lighting
Lighting affects the way colours are perceived. You’ll want to ensure you have the right lighting to complement your purple décor. Consider how much natural light your space gets as this can make purple look different. For artificial lighting, warm or cool bulbs can change the mood. Warm light will make purple feel cosier, while cool light can enhance its vibrancy.
Seasonal Changes
One of the benefits of choosing purple is that it can be adapted to the different seasons. In the spring and summer, pair it with lighter colours like white or pastels. In the fall and winter, combine it with deeper, richer colours like burgundy and forest green.
