Purple reigns as the hot colour: Really?

April 5, 2018

Purple in Formica Laminate Cassi series.

According to the experts, purple is the colour of the year for 2018, especially “ultra violet” hues. Contractors are not so sure of purple’s reign.
“The Pantone Colour of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” said Laurie Pressman, vice-president of the Pantone Color Institute.
The Pantone Color Institute is a consulting service within Pantone that forecasts global color trends and advises companies on color in brand identity and product development.
The Institute partners with global brands to leverage the “power, psychology and emotion of colour in their design strategy.”
And its recommendations carry some weight.
“Deep purples break the barrier of feminine appeal, and broaden its usability into a darker, sophisticated jewel-tone realm,” said Stephanie Price, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets. She added that purple brings “an energetic electricity to add more personality to the home.”
Sherwin-Williams director of colour marketing, Sue Wadden, said “powerful and complex purple sparks creative juices and encourages positive energy. [It] would be an inspiring addition to a home office, or a great conversation starter in a dining area.”
The head of global design at Formica Group, Renee Hytry Derringtion, enthuses,“2018 will indeed be the year of purple. Deep, complex tones like ultra violet, have been gaining global momentum as a symbol of creativity, exploration and individuality. Formica Laminate’s Cassis design is our take on this visionary purple for surfaces.”
But when Home BUILDER asked a selection of Canadian renovators what they thought of painting cabinets or walls purple this year, typical responses ranged from “Purple? Really?” to “I don’t think so,” and “Are you kidding?”