Oh, it was bound to happen. Just like all those things I swore I hated—sour cream, lilac (the scent, not the flower), freesia, guac (how could I have been so wrong?!), and, yes, purple—I now find myself completely obsessed. Purple, the color I once wrote off as a total unicorn-mermaid-Princess-Fairyland vibe, has officially become essential in my life. It used to feel so... fluffy, right? Not exactly the shade you’d anchor a room (or wardrobe) on. I mean, just picture it:

And that’s exactly why purple is gearing up for an interior design takeover—think millennial pink or shiplap levels of dominance. Well, hopefully not shiplap exactly, but you get the idea. Imagine it: purple cabinets, purple sofas, entire purple rooms. We’ll dub it “Forever-Young-But-Now-Financially-Stable-Purple.” It's for the person who once roamed the L.A. streets like a punk when they were young, couldn’t afford anything fancy, but has since grown up, got a steady gig, and still refuses to bow down to the beige, so-called “sophistication.” So help me, I will never give in!

Lately, it seems like red has swooped in and claimed the crown for serious design mojo. The whole “unexpected red theory” became a major vibe, and I get it. But honestly, I’ve always believed that any color can be effortlessly chic—when used judiciously, of course. Just take a look below!

history

The Royal Journey of Purple: From Forbidden to Fabulous

Purple. The color of kings, queens, and now—your living room sofa. But did you know that this bold, luxurious hue has a seriously royal history? Grab your crowns (or at least a comfy seat) and let’s dive into the regal ride that purple has taken through the ages, landing squarely in the middle of modern interior design.

Purple’s Price Tag Back in the Day

Let’s rewind to ancient times when wearing purple wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a declaration of status. We're talking about a color that was literally worth its weight in gold. Why? Because it was so dang hard to make! The OG purple dye came from the Phoenician city of Tyre (we’re going way back here, folks) and was derived from—wait for it—tiny sea snails. Yes, you read that right. Those little mollusks produced just a few drops of dye, and it took thousands of them to make enough for even one toga. The whole process was time-consuming, expensive, and let’s be honest, a little bit stinky (the snails, duh).

As a result, only the wealthiest folks could afford to deck themselves out in purple threads. In fact, in some cultures, laws were put in place to make sure only royals could wear the color. It was basically the ancient version of "You can't sit with us." Sorry, peasants.

From the Vatican to the Velvet Underground

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and purple was still living its best life. The church adopted purple for its bishops and cardinals, keeping the color firmly rooted in power and prestige. But it wasn’t just for the Pope—purple was a favorite of European monarchs too. You’ve probably seen those old portraits where kings and queens look like they haven’t smiled in 20 years, draped in rich, purple robes. That’s because they knew they were wearing something special.

Then the Victorians took things to the next level, because if there's one thing they loved, it was excess. Thanks to William Henry Perkin's accidental invention of synthetic purple dye in 1856, suddenly the color was more accessible, even if you weren’t rolling in dough. Cue every fashionable person in London drenching themselves in purple.

How to use purple

Let’s talk natural light. One of the biggest factors in interior design that often goes overlooked is how the direction your windows face affects the colors you choose. But you know what? Purple—a color so misunderstood for so long—just happens to be the unsung hero of rooms in every orientation. Unlike green, blue, red, yellow, black, or even WHITE, different shades of purple can adapt to what your room needs. That’s right. North, south, east, west—purple adapts to them all like a total pro. Let me break it down for you.

North-Facing Rooms: The Cool, Calm, and Collected Purple

North-facing rooms typically get softer, cooler light, which can make some colors feel a bit... flat. But not purple. No, no—purple thrives in these spaces. Cooler shades of purple, like lavender or dusty violet, bring out the softness of the northern light, giving the room a calm and tranquil vibe. If you want a moodier effect, deep plum or aubergine can give your space the kind of rich, luxurious feel that cooler light only enhances. It’s a color that thrives in the shadows and feels even more decadent because of it.

Pro tip: To keep things from feeling too chilly, balance the coolness of the purple with warmer textures like brass accents, soft throws, or natural wood furniture.

South-Facing Rooms: Let Purple Play with the Light

South-facing rooms, on the other hand, get that gorgeous, all-day sunlight that makes every color pop, and purple is no exception. The intensity of the light brings out the richness in both bold, saturated purples like amethyst or eggplant, and lighter, more playful shades like lilac or mauve. In this warm, sun-soaked light, purple can feel vibrant and alive, making it the perfect statement color for a room that wants to show off.

Pro tip: Want to up the drama? Use a glossy finish on purple walls or furniture in south-facing rooms to really catch the sunlight and make the space glow.

East-Facing Rooms: Rise and Shine with Purple’s Versatility

East-facing rooms are blessed with that beautiful morning light—bright but soft, perfect for starting the day. As the day goes on, these rooms lose a bit of that light, which is where purple really steps in. In the morning, lighter shades of purple like lilac or lavender feel fresh and airy, working with the natural light to create a peaceful, uplifting atmosphere. As the sun moves, those same purples take on a deeper, more introspective tone, creating a cozy feel even as the light fades.

Pro tip: Play with purples that have a hint of blue in them for east-facing rooms to complement that cooler light. Think periwinkle or a muted violet for a perfect morning-to-evening transition.

West-Facing Rooms: Sunset Magic with Purple’s Warm Side

Now, west-facing rooms get the softest light in the afternoon and evening, with that magical, warm golden hour glow. It’s practically designed for bold, warm purples like wine, berry, or even reddish plums. The warmth of the sunset light deepens these colors, making your room feel inviting and rich without overpowering the space. It’s like your room just knows how to shine when the day winds down. Even lighter purples can take on a rosy warmth in west-facing rooms, creating a sense of serenity and comfort.

Pro tip: If you want to lean into the warmth, pair your purple with gold accents, blush tones, or even a hint of burnt orange for that perfect sunset-in-a-room vibe.

Why Purple Just Works Everywhere

Here’s the magic of purple: it’s a color that can swing in any direction depending on the light and your design choices. It can feel cool and calming in a north-facing room or vibrant and alive in the southern sun. It can start your morning bright and fresh in an east-facing space or wrap you up in warmth as the sun sets in the west. It’s versatile, adaptable, and brings a touch of unexpected elegance no matter where you put it.

The best part about purple is that it literally goes with everything (if you’re brave enough!). There are some colors I’m a little careful about when it comes to pairing — red, yellow, and orange particularly — but not so with purple. Go wild! But here are a few ideas:

It might sound crazy, but I swear any colors above would be a killer combo with purple. What are you waiting for??? Go forth and combine!

Purple purple everywhere

Are you ready to take the purple plunge? Great! Here are a few items to get you started.

There’s just something about purple that captures my deepest and sincerest respect and fascination. Unlike most colors that feel shallow and temporary, purple is a part of my soul.

How do you feel about purple? Let me know in the comment section below!

Chromatically yours,