The range of the color purple spectrum is rich and magnificent

Learn how to create some outstanding rooms by using this royal color in your home color scheme

The color purple was the most difficult color to obtain centuries ago. For this reason only the most affluent section of society was able to afford cloth of this color. It became the color of royalty and in many countries, only kings and the ruling class were allowed by law to wear garments of purple.

The color purple continues to be worn in positions of wealth, influence and power. The rich hues of purple still to this day evoke images of grandeur and wealth.

From the deep, regal, royal purple to the softest violets, this color family has a wide range of decorating possibilities.

Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. According to surveys, almost 75 percent of pre-adolescent children prefer purple to all other colors. Light violet evokes romantic and nostalgic feelings. Deep dark purple symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance.

Purple is at the bottom of the color wheel. It is the darkest most intense color of the spectrum. Because of this, it is also the color with the most tints.

Below are various ways to introduce this color into your home:

Monochromatic

The monochromatic color scheme is developed using only shades, tints, and tones of only one color. A neutral color such as white or beige may also be used in this color scheme.

If you were to go to a paint store and select a handful of sample purple paint strips, from the lightest light to the darkest dark, you would be able to develop a monochromatic color scheme from these.

The child's room below has a monochromatic color scheme.

A Child's Bedroom and Matching Bath in a Violet Color Scheme

Child's room using Violet Color Scheme	Matching Bathroom using Violet Color Scheme

Complementary Color Scheme

The complementary color scheme is made of two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.

The complementary of the color purple is yellow. If you are developing a color scheme for a young child, consider using the palest shades of violet and light yellow or cream. If you find this combination is too dull for you, consider adding a bold accent color in some accessories. For example, add some cushions in shades of royal purple and chartreuse to enliven the color scheme and make the room pop.

The color purple is believed to help children develop imagination and it is often used to decorate children rooms.

If rich and powerful is the look you are aiming for, the darkest royal purple and gold are traditional colors to portray this impression.

Split Complementary

The split complementary scheme uses a color and the two colors adjacent to its complementary.

For the color violet these colors would be violet, golden-yellow and chartreuse (golden-yellow and chartreuse being the 2 colors on each side of yellow which is the complementary color)

Triadic Color Scheme

The triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. The triadic scheme is more balanced and harmonious than the split complementary.

Green, orange and the color purple would be a triadic color scheme. Choose one color to be used in larger amounts than others. If you find the colors are overpowering, used subdued tones to create a pleasing color scheme using triads.

Analogous Color Scheme

The analogous color scheme uses colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Avoid combining warm and cool colors in this scheme.

By using the color purple and its closest neighbors you can create a harmonious analogous color scheme. Usually analogous schemes use three, five or seven neighboring colors. Avoid using too many hues in the analogous scheme, because this may ruin the harmony.

An example of an analogous color scheme would be: violet, blue-violet, blue, cerulean blue, turquoise.

Of course this progression would be used if you were using this Ives color wheel. However, if you were using a different color wheel the progression would be the same but you would have different shades of color.

Analogous Color Scheme

The color purple and Feng shui

In Feng shui the color purple has a function similar to red. It can be used with red and gold to symbolize wealth. Associated with royalty and pageantry, it is best used in the wealth area of your home. If the purple is on the bluish side, it is then linked with the element of water and has the power to calm and generate self-discovery.

Shades of lavender and mauve are considered colors that enhance spirituality. They are best used in spaces where you wish to create a haven of peace and harmony.

The healing properties of the color purple

The gem Amethyst helps many types of physical disorders. It has been used for headaches, insomnia, hearing difficulties and addictions. And in today's world where stress related disorders are manifest, the use of violet gemstones can be very helpful in dissipating these conditions.

The color purple also operates on a spiritual plane. It can be used to promote artistic creativity and deep inspiration. Shades of the color purple provide mental and spiritual balance both in your life and your home.

The color purple promotes a sense of grandeur

The color purple is not as difficult to incorporate into your home as you might think. With so many tints and shades of purple and violet, there are bound to be colors you might easily bring into your color scheme.

Color therapist use shades of purple and tints of violet to promote relaxation and clear thinking. This color also relieves tension, nervous disorders and depression.

Considering the healthful properties of the color purple, who wouldn't want a touch of this color in their surroundings?

Exercise - Develop an Analogous Color Scheme

In this exercise, go to a home improvement or paint store and pick out a handful of purple (or any color of your choice) sample cards. Get a large variety of cards. Look through magazines, books, the Internet or any other resources you may have. If you shop in fabric stores, see if you can find a purple (or color of your choice) anologous print you could use as a basis for your color scheme.

Build a Storyboard in order to help you see your color scheme. If you have some old home dec magazines, cut out pictures you can use in your room decor.

These exercises are not etched in stone. They are just some fun ways to help you develop your decorating skills and creativity. You may find yourself inspired by some of these exercises to try and do many things in your home that would not have occured to you if you hadn't tested yourself with these exercises. Feel free to ignore these if you feel they are not useful or take too much of your time.

If you do use them, have fun, take your time, use your creativity and choose color schemes you would never consider. You never know what is lurking inside you. Let it out and have fun with this!