Ultra Violet: Pantone’s Ultra Contemporary Color of the Year
At first glance, Ultra Violet—Pantone’s choice for Color of the Year for 2018—may not seem like the most versatile of colors—but this jammy jewel tone is surprisingly multifaceted. Described by the Pantone Color Institute as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade,” Ultra Violet “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us to the future.”
With a mix of warm and cool tones, Ultra Violet finds a home in an array of palettes. Depending on which colors it’s paired with, it can create a drastically different mood. In its tools for designers, Pantone suggests experimenting with the following color sets, each of which evokes a unique feeling:
Energetic
“Exploding with zest and energy, this palette of pure, unadulterated color which screams “look at me” comes together to create a bold statement with feelings of excitement and high voltage effects.”
Warm
“Emulating a desert sunset, this is a dramatic palette of brilliantly heightened warm shades that radiate resplendently across the early evening sky.”
Dramatic
“An unusual combination of show-stopping saturated color with rich and elegant earth tones creates an adventurous mood full of excitement and drama.”
Mysterious
“Invoking a sense of mystery, a palette of nature’s blues and greens, combined with the unconventional Ultra Violet and a Silver and Pale Gold metallic, exudes a quiet strength.”
Natural
“Inspired by the colors we see in our surroundings, a combination of soft and sweet pastels with an enchanting Ultra Violet and a deep, dark navy Astral Aura conjures up a summer garden in full bloom.”
Playful
“Sitting side by side on the color wheel, this palette of like-minded hues with their spirited good humor and playful exuberance makes for easy and engaging color mixes.”
Calming
“Embodying calmness, a palette of hazy and smoky hues effortlessly commingle to create subtle blends and harmonies that are both timeless and time-honored.”
Reassuring
“Soft and warm, a subtle palette of natural and organic shades accented by a Frosted Almond metallic evokes reassurance and conveys a sense of calm and quiet.”
It even pairs well with Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year, Greenery!
Outdoor Decorating with Ultra Violet
While going all-in on Ultra Violet can overwhelm your outdoor space, using it as an accent or as a focal point can complement any patio, garden or deck. From cushions and pillows to umbrellas and drapery, there is ample opportunity to incorporate Ultra Violet into any outdoor décor.
