Just the name sounds powerful and mysterious, but this color is a strong bluish violet, that the Pantone Color Institute says is ‘inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come. A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.’

Pantone is an international color-matching system, the industry standard, that provides complete matching of standardized color for all materials used in interior design, architecture, manufacturing and related industries (like textiles) and printing. If you have a brand color or colors – or just something you’re trying to match precisely – it’s likely Pantone will be involved in the process.

Laurie Pressman, vice-president of the Pantone Colour Institute, said: “The Pantone colour of the year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the institute, said: “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.”

So back to Ultra Violet. Wow, at first blush, it looks pretty intense, a bit tough to dive into. But the more I spent studying it, I could see a variety of ways to use it that would not only enhance, but totally beautify designs. And when I went online and looked at how some people have already used the color in their design work, I was blown away, and I’ll be sharing some of those images with you below. This bold, blue-tinged purple hue, while highly regal, is not as easy to decorate with as a color like blue, for example. But here are a few ways to work Ultra Violet into interiors:

Use it as an accent – The easiest way to start decorating with a new color is to take baby steps, like having a rug with a few violet threads, or a pair of purple throw pillows, or a few sprigs of violet flowers (or lilacs) in a vase.

Soften it with other purples, pinks, and blues – This is a great way to utilize a bold color like Ultra Violet, by working with other shades in the same family of colors – mauve, blue, blush lilac, etc. – which will soften it and have the color feeling completely at home.

Create a moody theme – “Moody” is a great description of purple, dark and romantic. A very bold approach would be to embrace other supersaturated dark colors and rich luxe fabrics like leather, velvet and dark-colored woods. Big, bold…deep and intense…are you up for it?

So check out some examples of some wonderful interiors utilizing this new color in various ways (isn’t Pinterest great?!). Of course these designs are copyrighted by their respective designers, but that’s what PInterest and Google are for…inspiration! Have at it – and let me know what you think, if you find yourself inspired with this vibrant, interesting, rich new color for 2018. Is this color inspiring you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com or call me at: (407) 947-7718

If you received my newsletter, you know it’s “Grandbaby time!” Our son Ryan and daughter in law Jenny are expecting their first baby in July! Jenny and I came up with a theme of a perfectly pink-and-gold nursery. A palette of soft pinks and ivories, enlightened by gently touches of more saturated pink tones and pops of gold finishes. I showed a few idea images of pink and gold nurseries in the newsletter, but want to share more images here in the blog. Some very exciting and inspirational ideas here. Let me know what you think. Email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com or call me at: (407) 947-7718

Floral centerpieces for a good cause and a great group! Colorful Spring flower pom-pom balls…

I created the centerpieces for our annual Ladies’ Luncheon as hand-held bouquets wrapped in brown floral paper, that could be purchased for a donation! They were a huge hit and we had lots of fun (and collected a LOT of donations!) – you’ll notice I also dressed for the part (color-wise and round flowers). For me, flowers are such a joy and you can’t have too many of them in your life!

One of my closest friends asked me to create centerpieces for her daughter-in-law’s baby shower.

I was so excited, particularly since I love working with flowers, and know how they can set the tone for an event. I wanted to make some joyful and memorable pieces, but never something to interfere with what really counts: the joyful emotions and experiences taking place at the event itself. Color choices are very important, and since it was a boy, I selected baby blue hydrangea for the key color component. I also chose white roses for a baby’s purity and innocence, along with Bells of Ireland, beautiful outward-reaching greens signifying thriving good health and growth. Together, these colors would weave a subtle story of love and promise. For the overall shape, I was inspired by an arrangement I had at home, and once I got going, the organization of the elements came naturally…and beautifully! My friend was so pleased with the result, and the guests all wanted to take them home. The event itself was such a joy, and my friend is a proud, beaming Grandmother of a happy, healthy…and loud baby boy!

Forget painting a wall, why not use this new product that I found.

Artis Wall™ is a new product that uses planks of authentic, reclaimed wood, easy to install, easily removed, and made in the USA! The best thing about this product is the the planks are also removable and reusable and won’t damage your walls. Great for renters who don’t want to create anything permanent! Need help selecting a look? Hire me for a consultation and I’ll come to your home and give you a professional opinion before making an investment. Artis Wall™ gathers their authentic reclaimed wood from old barns and other structures around the US and crafts them into Artis Wall™ planks. Their installation system is patented and allows for the planks to be easily installed, removed, and reused in any room.