Colour of the Year 2018 - Ultra Violet

This year Ultra Violet is set to take over. According to Pantone, this “complex and contemplative shade, suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now”.

The colour was announced in December 2017, and deep purple is perhaps not what people expected as we headed into spring. Pantone’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman said “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.”

Full of emotion, the depth of Ultra Violet symbolises experimentation, stimulating individuals imagination about their mark on the world. Musical icons including Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, brought shades of purple to the forefront of pop culture.

The decision of Colour of the Year is not an easy one to make. Experts take into account influences from the world of interiors, fashion, design, travel and current socio-economic conditions. The Colour of the Year has come to mean much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute, explains “It’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2017 was Greenery. An optimistic green that was chosen to represent the current environmental issues, threat of global warming and political turmoil of Brexit.

Colours come in and out of style all the time. However, pink and purple hues have been persistent in home decor for some time. Millennial pink is definitely here to stay but here are a few ways to introduce the Colour of the Year into your home, without your house looking like you’ve left Cadbury chocolate wrappers everywhere.

Ultra Violet is a statement shade, it may be best to use it sparingly to prevent the space from becoming overwhelming. Ultra Violet combined with deep, rich jewel tones will still make an impact on your interior. Jewel tones look great with golds and dark greens, so if these shades are already part of your colour palette, the Colour of the Year may be easier to introduce than you think.

Ultra Violet is the colour of imagination and spiritually, allowing us to get in touch with our deepest of thoughts. What better way to incorporate the colour into the place where we reflect the most… the bath. At Pentagon we of course have to mention tiles. A simple sink and bath backsplash, adds a touch of luxury and decadence into a bathroom. If you can’t commit to tiles or paint, use Ultra Violet as an accent colour to set the tone of the room, without it being overpowering.

Utilise accessories such as matching towels, soap dispensers, vases and even roller blinds and shutters to slowly introduce colour into your bathroom. The Colour of the Year also works well with soft greys and blues. Tie the colour scheme together with a piece of artwork that feature these colours.  

Our Press range features a deep purple shade, a great way to introduce the Colour of the Year into your bathroom or kitchen. We also offer other tile ranges, such as Crackle and Spectral, in lighter shades of purple if Ultra Violet is not for you, but wish to incorporate the trend into your home in a more understated way. 

Go big with accent chairs in the living room or bedroom, to give the room an instant vibrant upgrade, that will sit perfectly in your room well into the colder cosier months. For an excuse to buy more candles, different sizes and shapes of deep purple arranged on your coffee or dining table, will inject a small but bold burst of colour into your home. 

What are your predictions for Colour of the Year 2019?