How to decorate with purple

Ferm-Living - Tree Bomb Purple/Gold
Purple can be grown up and fun
© 95% Danish

Once reserved for royalty, purple is now a colour enjoyed by everyone. Trend forecasters have declared purple the colour for autumn/winter 2009; stay ahead of the game with our guide to decorating with purple.

1. Why use the colour purple?

Purple is a rich colour steeped in history with strong connections to royalty, wealth and spirituality. It is also very versatile; it can be understated and natural as well as flamboyant and dramatic. Sneak previews of major retailers' Autumn collections showed mydeco that purple is monopolising future trends. Habitat, Marks & Spencer and many more are bringing purple to the forefront come September. Discover how to make it work for you!

  • Blueberry Table Lamp

    2. Silver adds a modern spin to purple

    Mix purple with certain colours for instant mood change. Add orange for a retro look, black for a boudoir and silver for a modern approach. Shiny chrome lights and polished candlestick holders and mirrors quickly bring purple up to date. This purple glass ball lamp (£89) from Graham and Green mixes traditional purple with daring black and ultra-modern silver.

  • LSA Orietta Vase, Purple, 25cm

    3. Co-ordinate your walls

    Co-ordinate accessories in the same purple as your wall colour or add a slightly darker tone, mixed in with bright pinks. Another tip is to go for mirrored furniture which will reflect light around the room and add to the opulent feel that purple creates. A vase is a great way to accessorize, we love this LSA Orietta Vase (£32)from John Lewis.

  • - Walcot Medium Sofa H75 xW170 x D90cm - Purple

    4.Rich textures add depth

    Crunchy silks and lustrous velvets carry intense colour well, adding depth, dark flooring, such as chocolate sisal, glossy boards or deep-hued rubber, provides the perfect foil for shimmering lilacs and metallic pinks, according to Living etc. Steal the show with a purple velvet sofa such as this Walcot (£1,895) one from Heal's.

  • Purple silk-edged throw

    5. Sleep in lush purple

    A purple bedroom doesn't need to mean a gloomy bedroom. Lilac can be restful while richer tones create a vibrant space. If you feel purple bedding might be too intense for your room just go for a splash of colour with some cushions or a throw. This purple silk-edged throw(£64) from Debenhams will add a touch of luxurious glamour.

  • GRAPE PURPLE 520C Pantone Coffee Mug and Pantone Tag

    6. Experiment with shades

    Purple is a secondary colour and is the collective name used to describe a range of shades between red and blue. These include lavender, lilac, plum, thistle, violet, raspberry, wine, mulberry, mauve, magenta, royal, orchid, amethyst and eggplant. If you want to introduce different shades of purple into your home this Damask Purple Wallpaper (£16) from Next is perfect.

  • Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst'

    7. Purple means business

    As we've learnt, people associate purple with wealth meaning it’s a great colour for an office. Decorate and accessorise meeting room walls with deep plum to get the business talk flowing. Offer your guests a beverage served in this bold and stylish Pantone mug (£7.49) from Amazon – it could be just the key to closing that all important deal.

  • Floral Embroidered Silk Cushion - Pink/Purple

    8. Bring purple outside

    Purple doesn’t just have to be about the home it can also extend into the garden. Some of the prettiest flowers are purple – lavender, tulips, orchids and violets. Salvia nemorosa (£5.99) from Crocus flowers from July to September, they love the sun and are a magnet for butterflies and bees.

  • 3 Wick Purple Church Candle

    9. Don't be afraid to mix it up

    Create different styles by mixing purple with other colours. If you want a rich Indian vibe mix purple with green and other jewel colours. For a more natural look, choose mauve and beige. If it’s the feminine feel you are after mix purple and pink. This Floral Embroidered Silk Cushion(£60) from Heal's will give any room a girly lift.

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