Magical Violet

Violet . . . the color of royalty and wealth. In ancient times and throughout the middle ages, purple dye was the most precious material in the world because of the difficulty - and therefore expense - of obtaining it. Only the extremely wealthy could afford the pigments for their portraits or the dyes for their textiles and interiors. 

Plus it looks is smashing when paired with its royal complementary - gold.

Violet ranges from the red violets seen above....

Jamie  Drake

...to the blue violets seen above in this tranquil living space above. 

Because of its placement between passionate red and soothing blue, its physiological and psychological effects are neutralized or will be based on whether that violet color tends towards the reds or towards the blues. A red violet will be more energizing and warmer and maybe a better choice for enhancing skin tones in a bathroom and using an indigo or blue violet may be a perfect choice to use in a restful bedroom.

Pinterest

Historically, violet has been associated with magic and enchantments. Think Harry Potter! People who prefer violet tend to be eccentric, whimsical, enigmatic, and artistic and often violet interiors are eccentric, eclectic, and fantasy inspired, just like we see here. I think everyone should own a violet hued harp!

Markham Roberts

Violet trends more than other colors. Used as an accent,  particularly for decorative toss pillows or an accent wall color or in decorative accessories as seen here, makes it easy to change out as it waxes and wanes with our culture.

Lavenderandlovage.com

My question to you this week -- what magical elements will you add to your interiors through the use of violet.

A Passion for Red

Red inspires excitement and danger! Think of your emotional reaction when you conjure up images of magenta stilettos or a cherry red sports car or an exotic room like below. Red sends really strong messages that just cannot be ignored. And why is that?

Studies show that people in who spend time in  red rooms have increased body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate... and an increased appetite as well. And it's not only our appetite for food but all appetites:  drinking and lust and sex and spending money.  Watch out the next time you're on a shopping spree or lounging in a bordello!

I love the curved door, the lighted obelisks and the Renaissance details in the wall motifs
 in this rich interior.

lifamilies.com

Red flatters to our skin tones and as such is a n excellent choice where we want to see our best image-

like the bath or powder room.

 Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

What color for the dining room?

 How about one that makes us want to linger, around beautiful looking people, and eat luscious, 

mouth-watering food with great gusto? No wonder it is the color for this area of the home!

sasinteriors.com

Add a bit of white to red and you get a sumptuous, delicious pink. Paired with white trim and furnishings, 

this room just exudes happy sophistication!

countryliving.com

Red constantly demands our attention, and it's not subtle in any way. Used judiciously in smaller ways, it can be a powerful little accent. The punch of red in this kitchen livens up an otherwise sterile room and

 touches it with just the right amount of charm and personality.

Rich, bold and powerful....Are you daring enough to use red?