COUNTRY DECORATOR
Magical, magnificent, reflective and regal, purple adds power and purpose to country homes. Interiors expert and stylist Sara Bird shares how to use it best
Established as the shade of show and supremacy, purple is used in decorating to indicate command and illusion. Natural purple is rare, found in afew minerals or processed from Murex snail shells into the dye Tyrian purple, apractice discovered in 1200BC by the Phoenicians.
Used only for those people, to quote the Byzantines, ‘born into purple’, it has been the colour of royalty and religion for centuries, observed during significant events, investitures and rituals. Recently, it was the colour of King Charles III’s coronation, appearing in memorabilia and ceremonial décor and costume.
Purple also has mythical and medicinal connotations. It is believed to enhance our mental wellbeing and is often used in spas and retreats, as well as our own home environment.
WAYS TO USE PURPLE
Found in kitchen gardens and country potagers, the flowers of lavender, rosemary and sage radiate calm and restful influences. In our homes, the hues of these herbs can lift our mood, lull us to sleep and soothe our stress.
Matched with equally organic green and calming blue shades, herbal purples are aperfect accompaniment in abedroom.
Originally reserved for the ceremonial, only the most powerful or godly would wear this deep purple-red colour. Adopt the splendour of this shade in your home by keying into darker tones for maximum magnificence. Colour-drench with asolo mulberry shade or match to apigment partner of equal gravitas, such as ruby red or jet black, to create an impressive scheme for adining room.
History’s design books show different shades of purple finding popularity through the centuries –and these can bring charm to country homes today. The shell-inspired pearlescent French Rococo purples couple well with pink for tiling or curtains, while Swedish Gustavian style offers chalkier and greyer tones. Often matched with blues and reds, this clever combination can evoke a range of looks, from simple cabin chic to stirring castle-core.
Impress with less and feature purple in curated detail to ensure it really makes its mark. While the paler shades are easier to use, deep or dark violets are trickier, and need aconsidered treatment. Try using it on asingle hero piece, such as an upholstered headboard or occasional chair, to draw the eye. Mural or tiled walls serve strong colour and pattern well, adding personality in proportion. Countrystyle favourites include botanical, textural or pictorial backdrops.
The colours of purple fauna and flora can tickle the taste buds as well as be easy on the eye. Soft sensory shades of lavender and rosemary flowers settle well with all greens, but are particularly inviting when paired with silvery or paler
