5 Easy Ways to Use Pantone’s Color of the Year (aka Our Favorite Color)

In the biggest news since last year’s Pantone color of the year announcement (it was a vibrant shade called “Greenery,” if you’re wondering), the self-proclaimed “Global Color Authority” and influencer of accent walls around the world has announced its pick for the 2018 color of the year.

And we’ve just gotta say: We’re in love. (Although we might be biased.)

The Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Is…

This year’s Pantone color of the year is Ultra Violet — or what we here at The Penny Hoarder HQ affectionately refer to as “Penny Hoarder Purple.”

And while this shade of purple can be, well, a lot to look at in large doses, it’s going to be everywhere pretty soon. And you, like me, are all of a sudden going to need more purple in your life.

(Listen, I don’t make the rules. It’s just that when Pantone announces that color of the year, it’s short order before the hue turns up everywhere and on everything. And while we all try to resist, ultimately our attempts are futile: Pantone’s color choice is law, and — mark my words — you’ll be crazy for it soon enough.)

But here’s the problem: When a new color is announced and hits the height of popularity six months out from the next color of the year announcement, it can be difficult (and pretty expensive) to change up your surroundings every time.

Still, we here at The Penny Hoarder believe in doing things that make you happy, and that includes making your living space pretty and pleasant to be in — and that sometimes even means following a trend. (Gasp!)

So while we’re not going to encourage you to buy a $2,000 Ultra Violet rug that you’ll end up selling for a fraction of the price when you’re ready to move on to the next color, we feel there’s no harm in adding a few splashes of this regal pigment around your home.

How to Incorporate This Trend Without Busting Your Budget

When the purple passion comes a’knocking, these ideas will help you incorporate it without breaking the bank — and in a way that allows you to change your mind should you find yourself surrounded by too much of a good thing.

1. Paint a Stripe (Not a Whole Wall)

Listen: An accent wall is a commitment. And while painting is one of the less expensive updates you can make (one that may even help you sell your home for more down the line), purple is a, ahem, highly saturated color to be painting an entire wall that you might want to cover up someday.

Instead, take a cue from the blogger over at Vintage Revivals and paint a simple, playful stripe on one of your walls. (And pay no attention to the Sherwin-Williams color of 2015. We’re talking about Pantone and purple today.) The best part? This update will cost you all of $15 in paint and supplies.

2. Throw Some Throws Around

Snag a couple of inexpensive purple throw blankets and drape them over the back of the couch or the end of your bed. If you’re more of a pillow person, this cozy velvet pillow sham would be the perfect way to update your existing decorative pillow arrangement with a pop of purple.

If you’re looking for a less obvious way to incorporate the hot new hue into your bedroom, try outfitting the bed with purple sheets.

3. Purple-fy Your Kitchen

Purple might be a bold choice when it comes to walls and linens, but it’s a natural (and pretty common) addition to any kitchen. If you’re down to your last glass because somebody can’t wash dishes without breaking them (Anybody else? Just me?) consider restocking with an inexpensive set of purple drinking glasses.

If you’d rather not invest in purple dishware (although this set is sort of really gorgeous) an inexpensive pack of purple dish towels might be the perfect way to introduce the color.

4. Brighten Up the Bathroom

If you’re looking for a simple update that packs a punch, a shower curtain ranks high on the list. I mean, it’s the same effect as an accent wall with a pretty minimal commitment, and whether you go for all the purple or take a more conservative approach, the bathroom is the perfect place to ease into the trend.

If you need even more purple (aren’t you satisfied yet?!) this bath mat would be a gorgeous addition.

5. Don’t Forget the Animals

Pet beds and dishes often wear out quickly, and your beloved, fur-covered friend might be due for an update anyway. A purple food and water dish will have your cat feeling like the king we know he is, while a colorful, cozy bed will show your dog she’s loved (and pretty trendy, if she cares about appearances).

So there you have it: Five easy—and relatively inexpensive—ways to add Ultra Violet (and other variations of our fave hue) to your home. You don’t have to go too crazy, but there’s no harm in treating yourself to a little decor update once in a while in the name of a trend.

Either way, we’re glad Pantone knows what’s up.

#PennyHoarderPurple forever.

Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Every year, she tries to resist, and every year, Pantone pulls her right in. She’s not too cool to follow a good trend when she sees one.