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Posted on: June 9, 2010

Purple Rain

Trade boring neutrals for gentle splashes of purple to create a kitchen and bathroom spiked with a healthy dose of drama

By Danielle Robinson
CTW Features

Purple power: Kickstart a bathroom with Ravello, a natural stone from India that's now available through Ann Sacks. It boasts a deep purple hue and is accented throughout with soft pinks and whites. Image courtesy of Ann Sacks

When it comes to all the different shades of purple that can be used to spice up a room, "shrinking" and "violet" are not a match made in Crayola heaven.

Purple speaks up for itself no matter how subtle the hue or how sparsely it is used.

While richer, jewel-toned shades of years past are certainly still in style, the freshest new purples veer toward more delicate tints. But lighter and softer doesn't mean more conservative - especially in the kitchen or bathroom.

"Purple always feels a bit unexpected and bold, even when used in the softest palette," says Melissa Warner, co-owner of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design. "Softer lavenders tend to evoke calmness, while darker, deeper shades are more dramatic."

Erika Woelfel, the director of color at Santa Ana, Calif.-based BEHR Paints, suggests considering "soft spring lilacs, or whispering lavender grays."

To select the perfect shade of purple, consider what mood you desire to set in a room. "Darker shades of purple, like plum or amethyst, promote a feeling of mystery and creativity in a décor setting," Woelfel says. "Lighter shades feel feminine and elegant."

To make any shade stand out without sticking out, Warner says to choose one element of a room in which to incorporate the shade.

"For instance, if you use purple-based wallpaper in a bathroom, stick with neutral cabinetry, counters and floor to balance it out," she says. White is a classic pairing; chrome silver and gray feel more contemporary.

Still, neutrals aren't the only option for a chic purple palette.

"Believe it or not, purple is actually incredibly versatile," says the Los Angeles-based Warner. "Paired with soft tonal grays and ivory it can feel very serene, but if you add a pop of yellow or orange, the space suddenly feels so vibrant and bold."

Woelfel loves to pair purples with greens. "It feels natural and retains the feeling of calm that purple brings to a room," she says.

For the best look, Woelfel says to base the shade of green on the shade of purple in use. "Purple is a color that balances between red and blue on the color wheel. It possesses the fiery passion of red, and the calming aspects of blue," she explains.

To play up a particular shade, simply look to the more dominant influence within a paint. "For red-based purples like plum or eggplant, use greens that also carry that warm undertone: moss, avocado or herbal greens. For cool purples like grape, violet or lavender, try blue-based greens like mint, sage or even turquoise," she says.

Still, in a kitchen or bath, Warner says allowing purple to be the only vibrant color is the easiest way to ensure top style. "Specifically in a kitchen or bath, use more subtle shades, such as lavender, and pop in a lot of neutral tones to keep it sophisticated and fresh."

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Can't get enough of purple's majestic drama?

Although this bold color family is not often seen as an all-over tone for the kitchen or bath, it can be done, says Melissa Warner, a co-owner of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design. But beware: "Overusing purple, especially in a kitchen or bath, can really overwhelm the space," she says.

Opt for a subtle shade of purple with a gray undertone, like lavender, Warner says. "It looks beautiful with Carrara or Calcutta marble and would also feel very glamorous and modern paired with polished nickel or chrome fittings."