Periwinkle: Playing With Blue-Violet
Is it Lavender Blue? Blue Violet? Either Way, Periwinkle Blossoms Inside
According to Wikipedia, periwinkle is defined as a color in the “blue-violet” family. It’s also referred to as “lavender blue,” as well as considered a “pale tint of indigo.” I don’t know about you, but I feel like this definition manages to elicit all sorts of interpretations of this popular color. And, from conversations with friends, who have pointed to everything from gray-blue hues to bold lavenders in determination to identify periwinkle, I can tell you for a fact that it does. For the sake of argument, let’s investigate the use of several mystery shades that fall in the gap between blue and purple — whether you see them as periwinkle or not, I guarantee you’ll still find the color fun, inspiring and a great addition to your décor!
To me, this is quintessential periwinkle, maybe with a hint more lavender. I love the interaction between this playful shade and the brown tones in the bed and the natural wood ceiling, as well as the stone fireplace. Neutral walls would have been crisp and clean, but the cool tone of periwinkle adds instant sophistication.
Wainscoting is a great architectural detail that can be easily emphasized. A great solution is painting the wall a contrasting color to that of the wainscoting, like this periwinkle against the green. Painting the molding a slightly darker shade adds a great punctuation to the detailing.
Need a way to brighten a basement space? Throw a splash of periwinkle on the walls! This shade is another close hit to how I perceive periwinkle, especially when you can see it against the deep purple of the seat cushions.
And here is where we start to deviate: This version of periwinkle definitely contains more blue. I love its use here. Whenever you want to really envelop a space in a color, hit up the ceiling. Plus, this warm yellow shade is a great complement to the periwinkle.
Back to a more lavender-y periwinkle. Mixing several shades of purple into the room makes the space feel richer and, in effect, highlights the periwinkle. This also proves you don’t need to feel stuck in the rut of placing the typical bench or chest at the end of the bed: Try a colorful ottoman with an interesting design to spice up the space!
Gray-tone alert! This periwinkle is barely holding on to its status, but we’ll sneak it in here anyway. This room feels almost princess-like: it’s so soft, and the white bed against white curtains and that incredible window almost seems to fall away into the décor.
Bathrooms can really be a chance to play with color without as much commitment, since they’re usually a smaller space. This periwinkle is so crisp against the white and gives the effect of a very clean bathroom. If you can find tricks to make your bathroom appear as clean as possible, then by all means take advantage!
And we’re back to a more purple-infused periwinkle, painted on the wall with a great texture application that makes the gold radiate. Very cool tree detail added to the wall: It makes this scene feel almost fairy-tale! I’d like to throw some candlelight in here and get totally lost in the aura.
Introducing periwinkle as the pop of color every kitchen never knew it needed! I love that the designer chose to paint the base of this seating area and island in this flavorful color. It adds a little zest to the space and really sets off the richness of the wood floor.
By painting the inside of this porch a more blue-hued periwinkle, the space both mimics the sky and adds some personality. Plus, it picks up the same periwinkle shade found in the floral pattern on the furniture.
If you want your periwinkle to really pop, mix it in with some coral. The combo is playful and bold, and with a green backdrop and some gold touches as seen on these shelves, the look is really maximized!
Sometimes less really is more, and this bathroom proves it. This color makes the room; the white countertop appears fresh and modern, and the patterned sink bowl pulls the hues into the furnishings. What better than a few yellow tulips for a fragrant pop of color?
I’m not much of a gardener, but an adorable periwinkle bench like this one will certainly make me stop and smell the flowers. With a few of those chilled refreshments, I might stay awhile.
More:
Reconsider Princely Purple
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More:
Reconsider Princely Purple
Mauve: America's Most Wanted?
12 Ways to Love Turquoise