Posted on: April 8, 2009
Bold and Beautiful
From Parisian runways to your own backyard, purple is the color of summer
By Mirielle Cailles
CTW Features
Image courtesy Sherwin-Williams
When purple exploded all over runways this past year, color experts took the hint and ran with it: Purple is here with a bang. And when it comes to your outdoor space, the color couldn't be more perfect. “[Purple] has two personalities,” says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Krylon Paints. “The really dark shades are mysterious and masculine, while the lighter shades are more feminine.”
Whether it's in your lawn furniture or garden bed, purple’s versatility allows for simple, dynamic looks. “Light shades against a darker background can really pop, but you can also use a dark shade to ground against brighter colors like pink or orange,” Schroeder says. Let the games begin!
1. Snooze in color
Image courtesy Hammaka
Refresh your yard's palette and paint your planters, window boxes or panes a shade of purple. Add a hint of color to your outdoor furniture by repainting your plastic furniture this bold shade. Throw a colorful hammock or hammock chair into the mix for a touch of relaxation.
2. Paint it pretty
Image courtesy Krylon
According to James Martin, founder of The Color People in Denver, having a colorful exterior is very fashion forward. He recommends using a dark purple to accent different features of your outdoor space. “Paint the back of your garage to accent your patio,” Martin says. It's also a great color for a front door in a darker shade with really high gloss, he says. Pick from various shades and types to find the best fit for your home.
3. Learn from the flowerbed
Image courtesy pwcertified.com
If you’re looking to combine your favorite shade of purple with another hot color, Schroeder recommends yellow. These two colors really complement each other, she says. Other great color combinations include purple with blues or reds. But if you're unsure about mixing colors, experts advise to look in your own backyard.
“See different flower arrangements in nature and how they work together,” Schroeder says. Whether it's Florida Blue lisianthus or some easygoing petunias, take a page out of Mother Nature's book. “Take cues from nature and incorporate them into your color scheme.” To go bold, try mixing purple and bright green. Because of purple's many tones, a monochromatic scheme is also great for the outdoors.
4. Mix and match
Image courtesy Crate&Barrel
To grab just a taste of the color, choose entertaining pieces in any shade of purple – everything from plates and tablecloths, to candles and cushions. Smaller accessories like birdhouses, doormats and pillows also allow you to test the color with the rest of your outdoor décor.
5. Follow a theme
Image courtesy Smith & Hawken
Martin loves to see purple added to create an entire theme from head to toe to tools. “I love when people incorporate the color into their gardening clothes and tools – items like gloves, boots or shoes,” he says. “It becomes a whole ensemble, a personality.”