Color Crush: Is Lavender The New Blush?

Word to your mother. And word to your grandmother too, who I think will be pretty happy about the color we’re talking about today. Typically reserved for granny-type things like broaches, scratchy bedspreads, and Sunday Brunch eyeshadow, this color has pulled a fast one on us by making it’s way onto the “Top 10 Colors for Spring” list. That’s right, today we’re talkin’ about LAVENDER.

Lavender (or any shade of purple) may indeed be the least used color when it comes to interior design. In chatting with Emily, only one of her past gazillion clients has let her come near them with a purple paint swatch (and probably only because they were on TV). Well folks, today I am here to prove the haters wrong. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that this trendy new color from the fashion world CAN work in the home too.

Before we dive into lavender interiors, let’s look at some well-dressed ladybirds who are rocking this new fashion trend, without looking like Barney.

As you can see, all of these gals look effortless and chic by keeping the overall palette simple and wearing minimal to no pattern. Fun touch-me textures, like fur and suede, keep the hue looking rich and interesting instead of overly feminine or tacky.

Popping a lavender jacket on your bod is one thing, but incorporating a such soft, frilly color into your home is a much more serious matter. Let’s take a seat in these lovely lavender chairs and get to business.

If you search “lavender bedroom” on Pinterest, you’re gonna be overwhelmed by the abundance of super ornate, over-the-top styling. I’m talking about rooms with lavender walls, rugs, lamps, bedding, and tacky chandeliers. EVERYTHING is lavender. Too much lavender can go Gaudy McGauderson pretty quick, so if you want to use the color to make a bold statement, let’s look at ways to do it tastefully.

Pairing a lavender sofa and artwork with more muted blue/grey tones and rich wood makes this room feel sophisticated, calm and masculine.

Who woulda thought lavender DRAPES could look chic? The dramatic height of these bad boys keep them looking luxe and elegant. And look at those pretty kitties, would ya?

Keeping the rest of this room neutral not only allows the lavender chair to shine, but also keeps the space from looking too girly.

But what if girly is your jam? Let’s look at some rooms that play up the use of other colors for a more feminine appeal.

I would never think to pair lavender with a deep red, but somehow this just works. And a wood horse head thingy never hurts.

Pops of metallic keep this room looking sophisticated and chic.

How fun is that crazy rug?

While this many trinkets personally gives me the heebie jeebies, hats off to this gal who played up the femininity of lavender with loads of jewelry, vintage artwork from Vogue, and a dreamcatcher.

Another fun use of lavender – and bonus points mixing a SECOND shade of purple, lilac.

A chandelier AND a lavender sofa? Where’s a girl supposed to eat her Ortega tacos and watch House of Cards? Alas, it’s still a beautiful room.

And now it’s time to get the look. Check out this plethora of all things lavender. Since I’m a sucker for ruffles, I particularly like the sweatshirt and bikini. How about you? Have you already been rocking lavender for years? Still skeptical lavender can reinvent itself? Discuss.

For more posts about color trends, check out Buttercup Yellow and Powder Blue.

1. Knitted Mink Sweater | 2. Fuchsia Rose Print | 3. Leather Crossbody | 4. Sunglasses | 5. Arm Chair | 6. Shibori Pillow | 7. Knitted Pillow | 8. Vase | 9. Peplum Tank | 10. Chair | 11. Sheet Set | 12. Vacation Duffle | 13. Color Block Pillow | 14. Ruffled Sweater | 15. Fur Pillow | 16. Lace Top | 17. Sofa | 18. Bathing Suit | 19. Tufted Chair | 20. White Sea by Julie Hansen | 21. Accent Table | 22. Rug | 23. Purse | 24. Pouf | 25. Bed | 26. Lamp | 27. Pan

*Post authored by Carla

 **Carla Fahden is a Creative Director at a creative agency in Minneapolis with a focus on fashion art direction. Off the clock she devotes her time to writing her blog, designing wedding stationery and watching her Felicity box set. 

*** Image Sources 1 | Grid 1 | Grid 2 | Grid 3 | Grid 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

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