Remember the sometimes-dreaded screaming-red letter grade on papers in school? In some school systems, it’s no more. Instead, that grade is now inked in a nice diplomatic purple. With purple you get red’s sense of authority mellowed by blue’s association with serenity, making it a less aggressive and more constructive color for correcting student papers—and a great choice for adding a touch of sophistication and creativity to any room.
Long associated with wealth, royalty and divinity (because of the difficult process to create the color purple, in the old days it was worth far more than gold), the color continues to have its own brand of richness and air of mystery. Think magic and mysticism, imagination and romance.
Cozy Comfort The inviting chairs pick up on the purple tones of the painting in Simon Temprell's cozy dining nook.
Anne Krueger is the editor of HGTV.com’s Decorating newsletter. She has written for In Style, This Old House, Martha Stewart Living and The New York Times.
