Another year, another color. The Pantone Color Institute has selected its 2018 “Color of the Year,” which it expects to influence design choices next year. According to the release, Pantone chose Ultra Violet because it conveys “originality and ingenuity.” They said they are fascinated and intrigued by the shade.
I can’t disagree. It is a lovely shade of purple, which to me represents a majestic royalty – something or someone who is the best in their field. New apple watches are of a similar color, for example. It’s just a sheer coincidence that I like this color so much and also happen to color all my logos with a similar hue. Total coincidence. Objectivity at its finest!
In all seriousness, it is a really neat color, and I applaud Pantone for its choice. As for using it in a house? I have mixed emotions on that. It is pretty strong, and could freak people out to use such a deep, dark color on walls and other features of a home.
That said, this Houzz article includes some great shots of rooms redecorated with the Ultra Violet hue, and you can see that – if used properly – it would really make certain rooms pop.
From the Pantone website itself, they call the Ultra Violet color (PANTONE shade 18-3838) “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade.” Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, says:
“We are living in a time that requires invetiveness 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 spirituatl reflection, ituitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”
Wow, that’s like a color horoscope, and makes me proud to have a similarly-shaded color scheme to my work!
