Historically, purple has been associated with distinction, luxury and nobility, but in home design it is often seen as a risky color. Today, designers are experimenting with rich purple hues as vibrant and moody tones are becoming more common in modern interiors. Imagine dramatic powder rooms, ethereal bedrooms and cozy living spaces defined by bold purple accents.
Blues and greens have been popular for years, but it looks like purple is becoming the latest color trend – and we love the possibilities it offers for virtually any room. Design experts are taking on this color challenge, whether it’s with purple walls, upholstery or kitchen cabinets.
Why has purple become a big color trend?
“Purple conveys a sense of creativity and luxury,” says Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Design Collective. “We live in a time when people are looking for comfort and a little escapism in their homes. Purple offers a vibrant yet calming presence that is both rich and enveloping.”
Clean, minimalist interiors are no longer the norm. Instead, designers are moving toward bright and moody colors that make a statement and express individuality. “These tones, especially in a post-pandemic world, help to delineate our homes as sanctuaries of personal expression and joy. They are also a response to the neutral palettes that have dominated the last decade—people are ready to be bold,” says Umansky.
“Purple can add richness and drama to a room that needs some depth,” adds interior designer Zoë Feldman, who warns that decorating with purple can be tricky. “It’s a complicated color because if used incorrectly, it can look kitschy. We use very specific shades of purple that make the color more palatable: think a rich eggplant or muddy lavender rather than a grape tone.”
Aubergine-colored zellige tiles look luxurious when combined with a gold shower head.
If you’re not ready for monochromatic moments, you can incorporate shades of purple into furniture pieces like sofas and accent chairs, or more subtle pillows, artwork, and lighting fixtures. “Accents are the perfect way to add color without committing,” says Dana Schwartz of Dana Schwartz Design.
Purple is more versatile than you think. Light lavender and fresh lilac can be calming and feminine in bedrooms, while deeper purples like eggplant and burgundy add warmth and richness.
Purple is an increasingly popular color and accent color for bedrooms, both for young girls and adults. “Purple works beautifully in private spaces where its calming qualities are most appreciated – like bedrooms,” says Umansky. “However, in communal spaces like living rooms or dining rooms, a darker shade can spark conversation and add a layer of sophistication and unexpected whimsy.”
Try a royal shade of purple if you’re looking for a trendy way to bring color into your home. “Purple brings so much to a room,” says Schwartz. “It represents peace and harmony, so in a softer tone it can bring a sense of calm. Purple also represents royalty, so in a bolder tone it can bring a sense of presence and power to a room.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is deputy lifestyle editor for Good housekeepingwhere she reports on everything related to living and interior design. Before joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications such as ELLE Decor, Chairman, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine And LODGING Magazinein addition to writing product copy for household brands such as BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
