Pantone recently revealed that their 2018 Color of the Year is….drum roll... Ultra Violet, a.k.a.: Pantone 18-3838. Color professionals waited with baited breath for this announcement, and as usual, Pantone did not disappoint.
This deep purple hue evokes a sense of mystery and is both complex and contemplative. According to Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute, Ultra Violet expresses our, “desire to explore a world beyond our own”. This color is often used when we seek a higher meaning, such as in meditation, yoga and religious imagery.
Purple hues have represented a plethora of cultural statements. They once were reserved for royalty because of the rarity and expense of purple pigments and dyes. In modern times, purple is the color of non-conformity, individuality, and personal expression. From Jimi Hendrix’ iconic “Purple Haze”, the famous book and movie, “The Color Purple”, legendary artist Prince’s signature color, and more recently Hillary Clinton’s 2016 concession speech suit, purple has represented bold cultural pioneers. As the Millennial generation, known as disruptors of the status quo, are now coming into their young adult years, this exciting color perfectly represents the resulting cultural shift.
How will Ultra Violet appear in home décor, and ultimately in wall décor? As a primary color, it’s not for the timid. This is a statement color that will not be ignored! For the less bold, a touch of purple used as an accent color surrounded by crisp whites and light neutrals creates a fresh modern palette.
Whether your taste is bold or subdued, have some fun incorporating Ultra Violet into your framing designs. To incorporate this color into matting, choose Crescent’s Select 9886 Dark Purple. Or for a richly textured fabric option, try Select Suede 5636 Purple Torch.
