How to Use Ultra Violet, the Pantone 2018 Color of the Year, in Your Interiors

A new year means a new Pantone Color of the Year. Image: Nexus Designs

Every year, Pantone shakes up the design world with its choice for the color of the year. 2018 is no exception. This year, the winner is a striking shade called Ultra Violet and this bold color has already begun shaking up the design world for the better.

If you’re curious about how this shade came to steal the spotlight, keep reading. We’ve got the scoop on how this color came to be and the tips you need to make it work in your own interiors. Consider this your definitive guide to tackling Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year.

And, the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year is…Ultra Violet. Image: Pantone

Why Ultra Violet?

To some, Ultra Violet may seem like a bold choice, especially when compared to the self-explanatory Greenery, which was last year’s pick. (Not to mention the soothing tones of Rose Quartz and Serenity that topped the list in 2016.) So, to what do we owe this sudden change?

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, had this to say regarding their bold choice in a statement accompanying the color’s unveiling:

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. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.

From what we can see of 2018 design trends thus far, Eiseman has a point. This year is set to bring big changes to the design world. It seems that a landscape full of neutrals and subtlety may be giving way to more daring aesthetics. Maybe this is just the first step.

Don’t shy away from putting Ultra Violet on the walls. Image: Danenberg Design

Cover the walls

No guide on color would be complete without telling you how to handle the walls. While, at first glance, it may seem like Ultra Violet is only fit for a kid’s room, that’s far from the truth. Our guess is that we’ll start seeing electric purple walls pop up throughout a variety of modern and industrial-inspired spaces.

With that in mind, you may want to consider this shade for an accent wall, since it will very clearly succeed at drawing the eye. If that’s your goal, remember to choose the back wall, so you can create a line of sight that encourages viewers to take in the entirety of the space. Those bold enough to consider allowing this shade to carry an entire room should focus on spaces like dining rooms and powder rooms, which can stand up to a strong pop of color.

Give your kitchen cabinets a splash of color. Image: Momoko Morton

Highlight kitchen cabinets

Though this may seem like an oddly specific use of color, it’s a natural extension from one of last season’s hottest design trends. In 2017, we saw navy kitchens take over. It’s not too much of a stretch to think that a shade only a few spots down on the color wheel would come to take their place.

Use the picture above as an example. If you decide to go this route, be sure to offset the look with plenty of neutral shades. Think about adding some crisp, white marbles or even a variety of natural woods to balance out the color’s intense impact.

Consider highlighting a statement piece of furniture. Image: Smart Homes

Add statement furniture

If you’re planning on using Ultra Violet in a bedroom or living area, consider incorporating it in a piece of statement furniture. In this case, the piece will act as the focal point of the room, since it will undoubtedly capture plenty of attention. With that in mind, bed frames, ottomans and reading chairs are excellent options to fill this role.

Again, in this case, contrast is key. You want your statement furniture to take center stage, so build the rest of the room around more neutral items. In particular, monochromatic shades really help set off this deep purple hue.

Don’t underestimate the value of accessories. Image: Lindi Reynolds Interior Design

Opt for accessories

For those who are a bit nervous about jumping into a design full of intense shades, keep in mind that you can always incorporate Ultra Violet into your accessories. These are a great starting point because they generally include lower-cost items that can easily be replaced when your tastes change or if you decide you’re not a big fan of the look.

As for what counts as accessories, the sky’s the limit. Typically, an accessory is considered anything that primarily adds aesthetic value. So, with that in mind, look to add this purple hue into items like wall art, blankets, throw pillows and décor pieces.

Are you ready to use the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year in your interiors? Image: Gail Race Interior Design

Each year, Pantone helps set a tone in the design world by naming a color of the year. This year’s pick, Ultra Violet, is no exception. This saturated and sassy hue is indicative of the changes for the better currently taking place in the interior design world. Use our tips to stay ahead of the curve and carve out a place for the 2018 color of the year in your interiors.

What do you think of Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year? Will you be using Ultra Violet in your interiors? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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