We blogged a while back about cafe trends to expect for the year of 2018 but I’m not sure we touched on colour. We like to stay up to date not just on cafe furniture but colours too, and for a bit of fun like to check out Pantone’s colour of the year, which in this case is Ultra Violet.
There’s no doubt that this is a big bold colour and while yes, it’s dramatic, it’s not so dramatic or garish that you can’t incorporate it into your cafe or bistro for impact, even in small doses. Last year was a time when ‘neutral’ seemed to be a buzz word, so in a way it’s refreshing to see a lush colour that you can actually get excited about. This rich vibrant colour is a great alternative to those neutral tones and adds a warm and whimsical feeling. So, how can you use it in your cafe or bistro? Well here are a few suggestions:
Think about the room itself
Purple is a soothing colour and is perfect for creating a calm space. Why not consider using it in your cafe’s lounge area complete with a couple of squashy sofas and some tub chairs. Because it’s such a bold colour you can also try using it in rooms that aren’t intended for lingering. For example, if you have a foyer, try using it there just for impact on entry. So as to avoid purple lending a gloomy feel, match it with plenty of natural light and neutrals.
Consider the effect
The best thing about design is the lack of rules. If you want your purple to be clearly visible then add it to more of your public areas. If you’d rather it was a surprise then how about using it in your rest rooms. If you decide to paint an entire wall or the whole room, then pair it with light coloured furniture to accent the rest of your space. Alternatively if you choose neutral shades for your walls, then use the purple in your accessories to make your design pop.
Mix and match with other colours
While this bold colour looks great on its own it also looks good with other colours. For instance you could create a rich regal look by pairing it with lighter shades of blue, rich orange shades, and light wood finishes. Or you could layer it with other shades of purple and blue, to make a space seem intentionally intense.
Use it outdoors
Finally, how about incorporating purple into your outdoor dining areas. This fabulous colour is most likely to be found in polypropylene chairs which look wonderful paired with fresh, crisp white tops. Or how about using some purple plant pots brimming with flowers or greenery to add a pop of colour and attract the attention of passers by.
Sure, ultra violet is a bold colour hallenging colour but as suggested above, a little goes a long way and you can have fun planning how you too can incororate it into your interior space.