11/15/11
Sara McLean
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specs+spaces Editor, Dunn-Edwards Corporation, Allied Member ASID, CMG
PURPLE: a product of opposites, warm red and cool blue, purple is an enigmatic color. In its deeper tones, it remains majestic while in its palest tints, it provides a refinement. Purple is a complex balance of opposites – sophistication and innocence. Bold purples typically play supporting roles in decorating, while softer lavenders, lilacs and mauves play the lead in color schemes.
Making Purple Work:
- Keep purples vibrant or light and airy for a rich look in the design that won’t overwhelm.
- Darker tones of purple absorb light so the color looks darker than it is. Break up an entire room of purple walls with a feature wall peppered with a pattern of purple and lighter tone. Utilize the powers of wallpaper or stenciling for this effect.
- Add areas of white or off-white to inject a brighter note.
- Choose fabrics with subtle shimmer, such as silks or velvets, or texture, such as natural woven materials or chenilles, to add extra depth
- Play up purple’s majestic effect by placing opulent furnishings and mirrored effects to reflect light around the room
- Choose accessories that match the purple wall color, throw in some accent pieces in a darker tone, and mix in some vivid pinks for bright contrast
Sunny Disposition:
Lavender & Olive |
Bright Idea:
Purple & Aqua |

Hazy Sky (DE5912)
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Soft Purple (DE5954) |

Simply Violet (DE5941)
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Surfside (DE5765) |
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Palm Frond (DE5522) |
Fresh Grown (DE5548) |
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Light Beige (DE6211) |
Falling Tears (DE5792) |
Punch of Power: Violet,
Orange & Red |
Dramatic Stylings:
Plum & Platinum |
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Tinted Iris (DE5961) |
Cloudy Plum (DE5984) |
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Redstone (DE5082) |
Alpine Moon (DE5953) |
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Deep Coral (DE5173) |

Geyser (DE6037)
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Floating Feather (DE6142) |
Iron Fixture (DE6384) |
Suite Dreams: Lilac, Pink
& Apple Green |
Jazz It Up: Amethyst
& Gray Light |
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Shimmering Sky (DE5960) |
Elusive Violet (DE6010) |
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Olive Martini (DE5562) |
Purple Springs (DE5955) |

Muddy Mauve (DE5016)
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Smashed Grape (DE5963) |
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Light Gray (DEC789) |
Antique Garnet (DE6027) |
Come back next time for our final installment of No Fail Color Palettes where we take a look at Neutrals!