Mystical Violet
The Design Avenue has been transformed into a blaze of colour – and a message of thank you – with a rainbow-themed installation that celebrates the moment when the sun breaks through the clouds.
As a symbol of peace and hope, the rainbow has taken on a greater significance in 2020 as an emblem of thanks to NHS and other frontline staff in the face of coronavirus. The Design the Rainbow installation is an expression of gratitude on a giant scale, and it also recognises the design community for the way it has come together over the past few months.
Like red, purple has connotations with opulence and power. Its association with nobility, from Roman emperors to royalty, stems from the fact that purple dye, extracted from sea snails, was once so exorbitantly expensive that only a chosen few could afford it.
Violet and purple still have that luxurious, otherworldly quality, despite the fact that the dye itself has long since lost its rarity. It’s also linked with spirituality, mystery and magic.
This colour is powerful but also versatile: a dramatic, deep aubergine can strike a masculine, formal note that is very different to a romantic, feminine lavender. It’s an uplifting shade wherever it’s used, and needn’t be overwhelming if paired with soft neutrals.
With thanks to our showrooms for their contribution:
Paint: Frames: ‘Lilac Shadow’. Walls: ‘English Lilac’, both Sanderson
Outside wallcovering: ‘Strie’ (W200/08), heather, George Spencer Designs
Inside wallcovering: ‘Florentine’, wisteria lilac, George Spencer Designs
‘Chelsea’ porcelain floor tiles, satin, Artisans of Devizes
‘Marrakesh’ armchair, Frato
Decorative cushion, Frato
‘Seattle’ side table, large, Frato
Seattle’ side table, small, Frato
‘Cubic’ vase, Frato
Orchid, Frato
‘Chelsea’ desk, white dove, Oomph at Nina Campbell
‘Cologne’ lamp, fawn with linen shade, natural, Porta Romana
‘Fluen’ teacup and saucer, Fürstenberg at Miles x Bookshop
‘Herringbone’ blanket, cashmere and wool with custom pink stitching, Brins at Miles x Bookshop
‘Navajo Churro’ sheepskin, natural, Edelman Leather
‘Coupé’ vessels, glass rock and gold leaf, Alexander Lamont at Miles x Bookshop
‘Brooklyn’ mirror, painted metallic trim with faux stingray pewter hammered leather, Simpsons
Books, Potterton Books
‘Kuri Bay’ pouffe, leather, Whistler Leather
