Hello EHD world, it’s Arlyn, new Editorial Director around here. In a recent blog brainstorm meeting, we were throwing around ideas for design trends we’ve been spotting lately, and the topic of lilac came up. Is it just me, or does it feel like you can’t swipe a thumb up on Instagram or Pinterest without a lilac-heavy photo popping up? It’s EVERYWHERE. As someone who would swiftly classify purple in home decor and fashion (especially in light, pastel-y hues) as a hard sell personally, I did have to concede that even I’ve been wavering. While we knew we wanted to talk about this kinda controversial (at least in our office) color, at first, I didn’t think I had any place assigning this article to myself, but then I thought “no, maybe I’m exactly the right person to talk about this.” If I can be swayed, maybe I need to tell you why and how this non-purple lover has come to rethink her choices.
I admit my hesitance toward purple with no offense to anyone who lives for it, but, look, we all have the colors that we gravitate toward, don’t we? It’s a perfectly lovely color, sure, but I tend to prefer deep, dramatic jewel tones in both my home and wardrobe. That, or basically any shade of blue (this is a prerequisite to working at EHD if you didn’t know…it’s part of the interview process—naming as many shades of blue as you can in 60 seconds flat…I passed the grueling initiation). That is until I got my hands on Anthropologie’s Spring 2018 catalog a few months back which was chockfull of lilac. Flipping through those pages, my opinion of purple turned faster than a clamshell of freshly-bought raspberries (for real though, those go from perfect and pristine to green fuzzy mush balls in the time it takes to walk/drive home…what gives?).
Lilac as a trend isn’t brand-spanking new; in fact, it’s been trending for the better part of 2018, though I’m going to pat the EHD team on the back because they declared it the new blush back in 2016 and they were right. While everyone was hoarding millennial pink everything, these guys were ON IT, seeing past the “now” back then to the “now” well….now, in the future). Though, while it might have been a “thing” two years ago, it’s definitely back in a big way right now. This resurgence might be an answer to people being ready for something a little different than blush, but not quite ready to move on from pastels. It could also be that with Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year pick—Ultraviolet—there’s a renewed interest/buzz in purple-y hues. As a reminder, Ultraviolet is an electric grape-y shade that, well, isn’t the easiest tone to work into a living space. OR, it’s an intersection of both these points.
Anyhow, I had to pause and think for a minute about why I think this color I normally shy away from is so intriguing to me (and maybe some of you who also don’t lean into purple easily) all of a sudden and the answer was pretty clear: it’s about the color palette. It’s not JUST lilac or lavender that I’m responding to, but the mix with warmer hues like terracotta, soft yellows, and peaches, and yes…a touch of the ever-pervasive blush. It’s like a dusky desert sunset that I just want to melt into/live in. It’s peaceful and friendly while still being totally unexpected and chic…and that’s something I can definitely get on board. If speaking all “science” about colors, purple and yellow happen to be across from each other on the color wheel, which means they complement each other, while purple and orange—in this case, a soft, muted version of it—are analogous (read: they are next to or near each other on the color wheel, and these combos usually create serene and comfortable designs that are pleasing to the eye).
And just when I thought I was slowly turning the corner on my feelings for purple, I saw the above kitchen (so good, we had to include it twice), and that was it. I was done. Total convert (at least in terms of admitting to myself that light, hushed purple can work in an adult home and look insanely chic/polished/not fussy). This kitchen, designed by Yun Architecture and Penelope August, is like a cupcake if a cupcake were to one day transform into a dreamy kitchen with the most darling cabinetry/backsplash/range combination.
There’s a certain poshness-meets-IDGAF attitude that comes with going all-in on lilac. I wish I could rewind to 2016 Arlyn, slap the haughty derision for the color from her resting “I hate purple” face, and say “just watch…you’ll see,” whip around and walk back into present-day knowing that she would, in fact, see (and be writing this post).
I admit I haven’t actually crossed the line in the conversion from covet to purchase, but I’m in the process of moving into a new apartment and rethinking a few things. In a move to BOTH service you dear readers in case you’re really loving the lilac look and get my jollies out and live vicariously through the blog (without fully taking the plunge…yet), let’s dive into some rooms that are doing this whole lilac thing RIGHT. Oh, and stay tuned for a Budget Rooms: Lilac Living Room Edition next week to see our EHD take on the trend (even I can admit that what we came up with is good).
But wait, first, I’d be remiss if I didn’t bring up the fact that this whole lilac-berry-mustard-terracotta palette is hot hot hot not just in interiors, but also in fashion (where often decor trends trickle down from). Where pastel purples like lilac and lavender can often come off a little young or just too frilly for my tastes, the addition of warmer shades really elevates the color and lends a freshness that feels very now without screaming “trendy.”
Okay, sorry for the interruption…time to ogle some rooms:
Remember Lo Bosworth, from Laguna Beach fame? No? Yes? Either way, this is her living room and I think what she and her designer, Justin DiPiero, did with the palette is spot on. While a purple sofa would normally look super girly paired with fluffy Mongolian lambswool accents, the addition of the warmer wood cabinet, sandy camel leather armchair and gray-and-sherbety-orange floor pillows really brings everything down and simultaneously lets the sofa stand alone as a star without it feeling obtrusive.
That mustard-yellow pillow right there…that changes so much in the above room. Without it, the vignette would be perfectly sweet (and really, really shiny with the velvet sofa and chrome table), but just that hit of an unexpected earthy tone takes it from almost cloying to cool. In fact, this space could probably use another dose or three of that yellow (or something more natural) to cut all that glitz, but you see the idea, right?
Remember how I said I was all “meh” about purple until I perused the Anthropologie Spring 2018 catalog and then I was all like “oh wait, maybe…YES”? Well, the three photos above are from Anthro’s new line and this delicious combination of colors seen in the shots is what initially converted me. I’ll go ahead and say what you might be thinking: this blend of terracotta, lilac, sand, and brass feels a little ’80s (when this Southwestern vibe was last in the design zeitgeist). While I can see why you might jump to that conclusion, to me, it feels quite modern with just a touch of ’80s throwback (in a good way).
As is generally a good rule to follow with any trend pool you’re dipping your toes into, I think taking a cue from A Beautiful Mess‘ room above and bringing in lilac through smaller decor items like throw pillows is a great way to test out your feelings. It’s like dating…you don’t really want to commit until you’ve gone through a few things together and are sure you actually like each other in all lights.
I think the above room does a nice job of being mostly neutral and warm (thanks to all those yummy wood tones) with a welcome pop of purple.
Without those purple chairs (which yes, are technically mauve, not lilac, but you get the gist), this living space would feel much more vibrant/warm/heavy(?). I’m jotting down a mental note (and I recommend you do, too) that a muted purple can really take the edge off something with some bite. The sour cream to your spicy taco. (Also, I see you green door…you’re also welcome in this palette.)
So…what do you think? Are you a perpetual purple lover who (naturally) loves this palette trend or a purple skeptic who might be convinced to cave? Or are you still like “nope, sorry, nice try”? Let’s hear it down below in the comments, and don’t forget to check back soon for our lilac living budget room roundup.
Lilac all lovely and they are beautiful pictures … but I am waiting for Emily to say something about refugee children being ripped from the arms of their parents? As a mother of two small children, what is Emily’s view on this? I know in the past Emily has made social commentary part of her blog. As a Brit seeing this from the outside (and it makes my heart bleed to hear the cries of those babies begging for their mothers and fathers) I would like to know how American’s can justify using children for political blackmail? I’ve read that refugee parents have been breaking the law by entering the US and asking for asylum. Of course, the real cause is Trump’s Administration’s policy of “zero tolerance” who by criminalizing refugees have brought about this separation (despite what is being spun out of the White House). Protecting borders does not require cruelty to children. American readers who voted for Trump (and there was a great debate here after the election result came in) have you changed your mind on him now? Do you regret your choice at all? As to Christian Republicans – how do you feel about the Bible… Read more »
This comment is inappropriate given the context.
Why inappropriate? Emily frequently comments on social and political events in the USA – Trump’s election, gun control, gay marriage …
Please! Do not try to derail this post! Children are ripped from their parents daily …in this country and others.. for not considering the consequences of their risky or illegal behaviors. Please do not taint this post with political ranting. the end.
Oh dear. Barbara, seeking asylum is not against any international law. Unless of course your country is planning on disregarding basic human rights and becoming more like Russia and North Korea and other similar countries which your president seems quite interested in!!!!
My own country has appalling policies in place to supposedly ‘manage’ asylum seekers, and I am equally opposed and disgusted with them.
Please think again, review your understanding of human rights and world politics before trying to justify what is just an appalling, unforgivable and hateful and unnecessary policy.
I’m sure Emily is as disgusted and outraged about these inhumane policies as the *majority* of Americans are. Most of us watch in fear and horror as innocent kids are used as pawns in a sick political game. But you shouldn’t put the weight of all of this on Emily’s shoulders. She’s made her political opinions pretty crystal clear in the past. There’s very little any of us – including Emily – can do other than protest and keep pressuring politicians with our collective outraged voices. It feels hopeless enough.
Yes – but Emily has a platform here and a wide readership. She has indeed made comments in the past. This is not an accusation against or criticism of Emily at all but a genuine request to hear her voice – and her readership’s voice – on this controversial issue.
Exactly. She has a platform with a wide variety of readers. I would love to see the discussion that could follow a post by her.
My parents are Christian Republicans (though they wrote in Rubio for President and are thus definitely not Trump voters) and they are horrified by this new policy. I think there is a distinction between practicing deeply devout Christians who are appalled by this, and people who claim “Christian” on a box on a survey (but are on-practicing) and do not practice Christian love and empathy in their daily lives.
For the record I am a non-religious liberal.
And for the record I would maybe get lilac cushions or pants but NEVER lilac kitchen cabinets, though frankly that top pic was a hot mess of trends…
It’s Emily’s blog, she can use it however she wants. But Bea: As a reader, I’m not on this blog to share my views on this issue. When I want to protest or express my political views about our immigration policies, I will do that on the New York Times or some other relevant web site — not on an article about lilac.
This.
100%
Yes, I would love Emily to use her platform to discuss this issue! It hard to think about colors or design when this is going on. Cup of Jo just did an AMAZING piece on it that you should definitely go read!
It’s heart breaking for most Americans . 75% don’t agree with this policy. I dont even understand how one equates a refuge seeking asylum with a criminal. And finaly I dont understand why they even separate families. It would be less expensive without foster care, and additional facilities for minors. It’s cruel as well as fiscally irresponsible. Those who agree and make excuses are heartless. But this is America, a land where people die because they dont have health insurance. Love to hear from Emily, but let’s face it. We’re preaching to the choir. The need is to pressure politicians.
Hey all. I always appreciate a debate. Obviously this is something that we are thinking about and are planning a post. I always try to at least learn and understand the other side in order to feel the most informed and really come to an understanding even if its not something i believe in. It’s almost unbelievable, inconcievable that our country would let this happen – and the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ aren’t adding up. Politics isn’t our expertise, but empathy is something we all should know how to display. There might also be some answers tonight after the GOP meets with Trump. So yes, we are thinking about this and thanks for the motivation to ensure that this is something that you want to talk about, too. In short – its horrific. We are very ashamed of our country in terms of our current immigration policy. We will certainly start rounding up the best ways to help, because regardless of politics kids should be with their parents. Families should stay together at all costs. We are breeding terrorists, corroding our national morality and losing our collective soul. I mean, its just insane. but lets stop this comment thread here and… Read more »
Thank you Emily! I will indeed stay tuned.
Its why I came here today. In between calling my congresspeople and tears for those immigrant families, I needed 5 minutes to pull my shi* together so I can get back to work. I appreciate thinking about lilac for a hot minute while it feels like everything else is on fire. Its a hard balance. I salute you.
Bea, please know that the vast majority of Americans (75%) vehemently disagree with the atrocities that are happening. As someone who is 4 months pregnant with her first child, it’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch and not be able to do anything about it. With all the money and control from special interest groups, the political landscape here often feels hopeless. Please also remember that Donald Trump did not win with an outright majority – in fact, if it weren’t for the electoral college, he would have lost the election. Thanks for voicing your concern as someone from another country. I, too, would love to hear Emily’s perspective on this although I’m sure, like the vast majority of Americans, she is absolutely appalled.
Bea, I for one and loosing my mind over this policy. I’ve called my congresspeople repeatedly, donated to RAICES, and gone to a rally last week and another one on June 30th. Everyone I know is livid and speaking out about the atrocity at our border created by our inept, cruel, immoral leaders.
Thank you for bringing this up. I feel the same way. It’s gut-wrenching.
I also sooooo appreciate that Emily jumped in on this instead of ignoring this thread.
Also, I love the lilac trend.
The other day I came across an article that pointed out that many of the photos being posted currently regarding this issue are attributed to the Obama era (gasp). It’s an ongoing problem that has been going on for years, but just recently being brought to light. Kind of like the women who complained about Bill Cosby and Harvey Einstein for decades. Who knows what finally makes people ‘care’ about an issue that has been in front of them the whole time.
No regrets about voting for Pres Trump. This has been going on for years. Including under Pres Obama. He had problems with immigration too. Why can’t we take care of our own first? America spends around $3000 a month each on these people, my Mother’s Social Security check is $900 a month. I don’t understand the outcry. Come to America, but please do your paperwork.
Yes – it is a problem that has been going on for years and needs desperate attention and humane solutions. Whether the photos are from the Obama era or Trump’s regime is irrelevant. Children are suffering huge trauma though this policy of separation. What I find hard to understand is the lack of compassion .
Has Trump so dehumanised infants that basic concern for their welfare flies out the window amongst the Republican core?
My husband would move out of the house if I designed it around lilac. And I would, too. There’s nothing about lilac I like — on a sofa, on a cabinet, or on a dress. It makes me want to throw a vase.
But change the shade to eggplant and now we’re talking.
Eggplant or plum. Both can be lovely. Had them and loved them in my house. When toned down they work as neutrals. They work with white, ivory, pastels and saturated jewel tones
This post is convincing, but there’s no way that purple will fit in my house without bringing in visual chaos since there’s already enough going on. I’m still looking forward to the purple budget room post though – I love those types of posts. On another note, is milennial pink “out” now? And what about blush? I don’t know if it’s still cool, or if it screams 2017.
Well-researched post with lovely inspirational photos which I really enjoyed…… but PLEASE steer away from the irritating AT-style click-baity titles!!
I thought the same! The title didn’t read like EHD to me and I was really thrown.
As for lilac, I have a lovely linen duvet that is sort of halfway between lilac and pink, and it makes my bedroom amazing (for me). It’s paired with sort of a light mind. I just bought a bunch of old Nancy Drew double mysteries with these colors in the spine and my life is complete now…
ugh, *mint not mind.
Hi Gina, thanks for your comment! Just wanted to pop in really quickly to say that the intention with the headline was never to be click-baity (but rather, playful). I myself am not a fan of a blind headline!
The point of a title is to entice the reader to read the article, in print or on the Internet. I don’t understand the point of complaining about “click-bait.” If the title intrigues us and we click, and it wasn’t what we expected or wanted, it’s not like we paid for something and then got swindled. We maybe wasted .5 seconds. I don’t get it.
I have a blog post request. Could you guys do one on printing, framing and hanging family photos in a stylish / modern way? For example can you print a series of kid pics from your iPhone as a contact sheet, or blow up old family photos really large, etc? I’m trying to figure this out for myself and I’m struggling!
This blog post they did a month ago might help!
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/used-family-photos-home-framebridge
I’m not Emily but Emily A Clark has a gallery wall in her kitchen. Here’s a link to her blog. She uses white frames and large matting. It looks great. If it doesn’t take you directly to the kitchen post, look for the blog post titled “A high low mix in our kitchen dining area”. https://emilyaclark.com/
We’ve done a lot, but because this site is so hard to navigate (changing soon!!!) its probably lost. Maybe we can round them up … if you search ‘family photos’ you might find a couple of the posts, Thanks ‘other Emily’ for linking to it 🙂
Thanks, all!
Okay, wow. I feel like you wrote this post for me, a non purple person. I had a red front door for years – classic white stucco, black shutters and red door, Our 4 Square house was built in 1920. then about 6 years ago we repainted the house in SW Natural and the Shutters in SW Andiron. We recently laid new blue stone on our large front porch and entry – which totally opened up the idea for a new front door color. I had a vision of a gray-lilac front door or a smoky violet. I went with Farrow and Ball Brassica. IT IS VERY LILAC. It looks like the dresser color in the third picture of this post. I feel like people either love it or hate it… I am completely in the middle. I love that is fresh and unexpected. – I loaded the flower pots with pink Bougainvillea vines, pink Caladium and peachy hibiscus which I could not have done with the old door color …. and I LOVE that. But it is still a shade of ‘purple’ and I got to be honest, every time I pull in my driveway I struggle with it.… Read more »
Sounds stunning! I’d love to see a pic somehow….
Yes me, too!
+1 on saying no to the click-bait titles (please)!
i am getting on the lilac train too (in moderation). just got this shop block scarf that pairs so beautifully with darker tone clothing! https://www.blockshoptextiles.com/collections/aw-17-scarves/products/taos-lilac
and, bea, i would say that many, many Americans are embarrassed over what is happening. sadly, there are also a scary number who have a death grip on their blinders and will continue to support him, believing the lies around this being someone else’s problem (despite the fact that true or not – and it is not – he has the power to fix it). much of it fueled in white supremacy, whether those who follow him are willing to admit or not.
Thank you for your considered response. I really am genuinely interested in Americans’ views on this. Unfortunately much of what I see “across the pond” is filtered through news outlets and other media sources.
I have learnt so much from reading responses to Emily’s questions – and I really do want to know.
Cup of Jo just did a post about this yesterday and there are 400+ comments on that post. Might be exactly what you’re looking for. https://cupofjo.com/2018/06/family-separation-what-you-need-to-know/#comments
Thank you – I will definitely read this
I’m trying to get out of here. Moving to Berlin in six weeks, probably without a job. Every day he destroys something new, and of course he didn’t get there on his own. Having a son who is black just makes it scarier.
Mmm….. No. Sorry.
I once bought a purple bowl in 2011 and regretted it immediately, and I think the last time I had any clothing in purple was a sparkle halter in 2001 that was perfect for the under 21 club. HOWEVER, I typed this EXACT TEXT to my sister a few days ago… “I am really wanting to wear some orangey-red shoes with a muted LILAC colored wrap top”. So Arlyn, I think I’ve been convinced too (at least in clothing).
It’s a quick descent from “I like this in my clothing” into “ohhh give it to me in any form”. Just wait… 😉
I’m somewhat allergic to dark purples, but lilacs and lavenders are wonderful. Lilac with ochre yellow and coral accents are gorgeous! I don’t do trend colors on anything but the decor (pillows, art) that is easy to change. There will be no purple sofas or walls in my house.
I really don’t see how this headline is “click-bait-y”. It pretty well encapsulates what the post is about – no hyperbole or promise with no payoff, etc. To me, click bait implies there is some sort of bait & switch happening. Regardless, I think loyal readers will be clicking no matter what the title is, so it’s pretty irrelevant.
Great article, BTW!
It’s click bait because it doesn’t identify the color in the title, so you have to click through to see what color she’s talking about. Which is exactly what AT does that is super annoying so I think since there is a lot of crossover readership who are annoyed about it over there, they’re not thrilled to see it here.
The color was clearly identified in the title (although called out purple, not lilac, if you really want to split hairs). But I concede that everyone is entitled to their opinion. That being said, please mark me down in the “I don’t care” column regarding these very inoffensive (IMHO) titles.
First of all, not the place to discuss political biases.
On a higher note though, what a wonderfully refreshing, articulate and grammatically stellar post this is.
An informed, clever and intelligent addition to the EHD team…welcome!
Btw I’m loving a touch of lilac – refreshing and pretty.
I’ve always liked lilac, especially when it’s small accents with a touch of silver that pairs nicely with gray. It’s always been so hard to find though. Exciting to think that it may be more plentiful (though, like the bell sleeves I’ve always loved but that were so hard to find, does that mean that now that I can find them they are so trendy that now I can’t wear them?).
I’m into it, and looking forward to the budget room. I hope it’s a small bathroom designed around vintage lilac/pink hex tile – ha! – because I’ve found it very hard to decorate around in my home.
It’s safe to say I dislike purple on/near me, though from time to time I do admire it elsewhere like in several of these inspiration photos you’ve chosen. I like the ones best that have it in small doses and lots of natural colors/materials! Yes, it looks fantastic with mustard. I am a weaver and did an all-shades-of-purple/lilac/berry piece with accent threads of mustard and gold and orange-red running through it – it was one of my most popular and I loved to look at it, but every time I held it up to myself I was all, heck no. So, I’m enjoying these as something irrelevant to my own decor decisions!
It’s the yellow stove that caught my eye!
It’s SOO good. I don’t think I would have been as taken with that room had it not been for the stove (and some of the other colors mixed in with the grayish lilac cabinetry).
I did a small powder room in a lilac/periwinkle color – very pretty in small doses, in the right tone.
Not the Donny Osmond purple sock hue, though…
That sounds like a nice color! A Donny Osmond sock (lol!) accent might be. nice, if you like tonal matching, but something very small, like a vase or framed dried violets.
I wish I could see a place for lilac in my home. I love it paired with dark colors and wood like the one in Lo Bosworth’s home. I can think of so many Victorian homes in my neighborhood it would look great in. I’d really love to see all shades of purple getting this treatment since I’m sure many of us have husbands who oppose purple and we try to work around it and compromise.
Yes! I just used Destiny by Sherwin Williams in a bedroom and a downstairs bath and LOVE it — lilac but not too lilac! It’s my new Seasalt!
That is so funny that you brought this up and referenced the Anthro catalog and included those pictures. When I got that catalog a few months ago, I became obsessed with the color lilac to go in our living room. Our walls are tangerine and i now am in need of a lilac sofa to go in there! and it’s those exact same pictures that made me turn my head as well! I had never considered it for our home until then. Sigh!
Yes! I’m so glad to hear I have a partner in my obsession with that Anthro catalog. Stunning. Good luck with the sofa hunt (and you’ll def want to see our budget room coming up, which encompasses how to do lilac in the living room at three different price points).
When I was a little kid I told my mom my favorite color was lavender. I think she thought it was cute that I knew a “big” word, so she used to tell people all the time. I had a lavender voile dress that I thought was the prettiest thing evah. When I was in high school I realized that wearing lilac made my blue eyes really stand out (I ALWAYS got compliments on my eyes when I wore lilac). So, this color is always been part of my palette.
I’m not so hot on pastel living spaces, but I think these colors are divine in a bedroom or bathroom.
I never thought I was a fan of lilac, but then I saw a wall of shelves and cabinets painted on this blog – http://www.domicile37.com/2017/03/power-paint-transforms-space.html/ – and I could suddenly see the possibilities.
Those are pretty special shelves. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to do that in my own home, but man do I like to look at it.
That kitchen is lilac? Could’ve fooled me! I can see doing something like the color of those cabinets in the entryway/central hallway of an apartment.
The brighter shades I can picture in my living room. I could probably find a shade for my couch, but I doubt my son would go for that. I don’t mind tossing around a few accents for him to roll his eyes at, but a whole couch is too much. And I expect it would be dated pretty soon.
It’s definitely a much grayer purple, which makes it a lot less scary for me!
I painted my childhood bedroom a light shade of bluish-lavender in 2010. It bounced around light just right and was honestly a lovely/calming space to sleep and wake-up in. And my high school colors were purple & white, so I’ve always been pro-purple.
I’m now 25 years old and my husband and I are renovating our first home. I’m an open book and could go in any direction with the entire decor. I didn’t originally picture lilac as a main color in my “grown-up” home, but you could be slowly changing my mind.. I could see sprinkling it around in accessories – and that lilac front door from another commenter sounds adorable!
Thanks for insight to new trends and pushing us to think outside the box 🙂
This post is very timely. I was just thinking today as I put on a lilac shirt. Purple is the new pink. I love it in clothing and interiors.
My favorite color is purple ?. In the 70’s I had purple bell bottom jeans and purple socks to wear together. I was so cool! (I was 7)
Fast forward to someone just in the beginning of her 5th decade and I still wear purple (tops/undies). I have accents of purple from light to more saturated in my home. Mostly lighter though. Bring on the purple!!
I love it! To me purple is what blue is to Emily I just painted my kitchen purple and my front door in that cool salmon color that’s on the fireplace. We are listing our house for sale so I hope that everybody else loves it as much as I do LOL
I am 100% here for this lovely, playful prose and impeccable punctuation (the subject matter is close to my heart, too, as a longtime lilac fangirl). Arlyn, your voice is so welcome here! Can’t wait to read more from you.
xx Hannah
Thank you so much for the lovely comment. You made my day!
I’ve been a purple-avoider most of my life but I just painted our front door Green Agate by Behr (house is cream with brick accents) and suddenly the purpley notes in our landscaping are popping and looking really good. In fact, I think this whole palette is there, hiding, and I didn’t realize it! Dark to light camel tones, cream, greens and small shots of purple. Love it!
While this is Emily’s blog and she is free to express whatever opinions she may have, I don’t think that any of us should assume that she should or must reply to all political decisions currently happening in the US or anywhere else in the world.
I did enjoy her post on gun control and I felt many people expressed informed opinions and opened an interesting discussion.
However, I read this blog to enjoy design related posts and not constant political discussion. I am sure many other readers feel this way as well. If I want political content, I will go to news sites or other political blogs.
Again, Emily can post anything she wants but I hope she sticks to what she is good at and what her readers want and that is design.
this is so validating! just last week i gave my final answer to my contractor on a 13′ row of built-in cabinets in SW Orchid. I feel like for so many years, you were either a purple person or very much not a purple person thank you very much…. but the lines are blurring and i’m running at it with arms wide open. i’ll never count myself a purple person, but i think i’ll be a non-purple person with purple lacquered cabinets in my living room for the long haul.
Well designed but still didn’t work for me. Team Nope!
Thanks for giving me something entertaining to take me away from today’s horribly heart wrenching news, if only for a few minutes.
I love violet/lavender colors color in nature, lilacs are one of my favorite flowers; Sunsets, I revel in the colors most summer evenings as I walk my dog; and yes, I had a lilac painted bedroom when I was nine.
However, I am not convinced that it will ever debut in any major role in my home. I can take a touch of lilac in a print (like on a pillow) where it’s a minor player but really that’s all. I have tried over the years to wear lilac but I eventually realize that it washed me out every time and so I finally stopped myself from ever wearing it again.
I get that it feels sort of fresh and different with ochre tones and color-theory-wise that works: but I lived through all of the 80’s and that combo will always feel cheesy. So my perception of lilac remains the same: yes to all the purples out in the garden but not inside my home, unless they are flowers in a not-purple vase.
I noticed the lilac shades I liked best in the inspiration pics here frequently read almost pale gray. I think the cooler undertones and very pale shades do much to make the purple more universal.
Also, I find it odd that you describe orange as being analogous to purple on the color wheel. It may be closer to purple than yellow is, but it’s only one step closer. Just a surprise, really.
If the topic of immigration begins again in another post, perhaps someone will address my thoughts on immigration. Since I was a child, I’ve wanted to move to Paris. I can not imagine myself going there and expecting them to take me in when I don’t have the money that one needs to buy property there or support myself for the next forty years and I don’t have any of the other requirements needed to become a citizen. That’s the part, I don’t understand. If Americans live in a gang area or there is no work in the area where they live, we move to a different town or city. But, I don’t understand children being seperated from their parents. That is just too terrifying for the children.
Regarding the color lilac, I think it is lovely in a statement piece and certainly on clothing, but I think the kitchen cabinets, just look a wee bit dirty,
Hi Ginene – if you really would like to live in Paris it is worth checking out the French Embassy website in Washington and investigating their visa regulations. It’s not always necessary to own property (renting it OK too). You can apply for a work visa if you have a “special” skill or a student visa if you wanted to study there. If you are wealthy enough, I know there is a category for that too! Of course, you would be making an official visa application via the French Consulate. The difference between your application and that of a refugee escaping violence in their home country is that you are not seeking asylum – which they are – and under international law they have the right to do so at any border crossing (not just legal ports of entry). The Trump Administration is criminalizing these refugees by charging them with misdemeanors. Rather than processing the family’s asylum application as a group, they are separating the children and putting them into internment camps – from “tender” years through to teenagers … The politics and civil situation in these asylum seekers’ home countries is the cause for this mass movement of people… Read more »
If I knowingly break the law…will someone fight for my 4 kids to stay with me while in jail serving my time?
Daniella – if it is for a misdemeanor, I would say absolutely – YES. I sincerely hope you would find legal aid and someone to fight for your four children’s rights and what is in their (not necessarily your) best interest – which may or may not include being with you.
The courts should think about what is right for your children and for a misdemeanor I am absolutely convinced that would mean being with their mother rather than separated from her to be lost in the system maybe never to be returned to their biological parents.
Wow.
1. Many families are being separated when declaring asylum at LEGAL points of entry. Those that are NOT breaking the law are being separated from their children all the same.
2. These people did not “break the law” by robbing a bank or murdering an innocent bystander on the street. The vast majority of families crossing the border are doing so because the situation in their home country has become so dangerous, desperate, or unlivable that taking a huge life-altering risk is the only available option. How wonderful for you that this concept is unfathomable. If you are ever in a desperate situation where leaving your home is the only possible option for keeping your family safe, I sure hope you don’t encounter people like you along the way.
A simple but very beautiful house, thank you for sharing. i like your blog
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I like this! In a previous house with a small outdated kitchen where at the time I had almost zero budget, I was gifted (early 2000’s) some very gorgeous, expensive slate floor tiles that were grey but subtle hints of lavender/yellow/green, etc. I mean very subtle. I painted the cabinets white and did a lavender painted backsplash. It really went well together but it was also a small enclosed space. I think subtle colors like these can work if you really love it, not because it’s trendy.
The subtle, softer shades of purple are so pretty. And perfect for those who tend to shy away from colorful statement pieces.
I immediately recognized that room designed by Dabito. The green door gave it away..he’s brilliant. What I wouldn’t give to get him to decorate my house. I don’t know about the purple or lilac thing…I just can’t get with it. If it were don’t tastefully by a professional (like Dabito), I’m sure it would look amazing. He could decorate my home any time 😉
Loving this hue! Thanks for the post!