Color Notes: Purple Haze

Welcome to the fourth Color Notes posting. The purpose of this series is to share inspiring products and helpful ideas for the many hues you might want to incorporate into your home's design scheme.

Last month, I kicked off this new series with Red, White and Blue, in honor of the Fourth of July. At that time, I also posted a poll on your next requested color. Lavender won, beating out black, orange and green. So this Color Notes will focus on lavender and its close relatives, lilac, plum, violet and purple, with thanks to my dear friend and flower enthusiast, Cilla, for suggesting it! Shown here is Benjamin Moore's Lavender Lipstick.

Why lavender?

Lavender is associated with the fragrant and relaxing properties of its namesake flower. It is treasured for its beauty and scent, and adds a soft richness to any room it accents. Lavender can be a wonderful hue for a bedroom or bath, as well as a nursery. Its darker relatives, plum, violet and purple would add cool drama to a living room, master suite or formal dining room.

Where not to go lavender

I'd avoid this shade in a boy's bedroom, as it often feels more feminine than masculine. I'd also avoid it in a work room, as its lulling qualities may hinder productivity!

I adore lavender with...

Apple green and white

As shown here in this Alessa Quilt and
coordinated bedding from Pine Cone Hill

Turquoise and pink

On their Bisley cream/green/lilac fabric

Tangerine

As shown on this Teleflora rose bouquet

Tans and taupes

Like those in this Kravet Heather Funtini fabric

And muted yellows and greys

As shown here on Eileen Fisher's
raw silk pillow covers for Garnet Hill

Lavender, lilac, plum, violet and purple delights

I loved collecting these aubergine treasures. Hope you enjoy them, too! Please let me know if you decide to get any for your home -- send pictures!