Hue Represents Ingenuity, Creativity, Mystery
With roots in royalty, Ultra Violet (Pantone 18-3838) , Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 “communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking,” said Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in an interview with the New York Times.
“It’s also the most complex of all colors,” Eisman said. “Because it takes two shades that are seemingly diametrically opposed – blue and red – and brings them together to create something completely new.”
According to Pantone’s press release, the blue-based purple also signifies “the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now … the depth of (the color) symbolizes experimentation and nonconformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world …”
Prior to Pantone’s December 7 announcement, All Makes’ on-trend sales team and manufacturers’ reps began seeing splashes of purple in office furniture.
“Traditionally, Allsteel has stayed with natural fabrics and finishes, but earlier this year, we proactively expanded our offering with more color pops,” said Arsal Shareef, Market Specialist with Allsteel. “For example, we launched the Amethyst Mesh on our Mimeo task chair (pictured on the right), which was something we never offered before.”
Interior Design Magazine recently awarded Allsteel’s Retreat collection “Best of Year” for 2017 in the Seating – Contract/Guest.
“Allsteel continues to monitor and stay abreast of market trends and these new offerings reflect our research,” Shareef said.
HON, another main furniture line at All Makes, is responding to these recent color trends, as well. HON introduced Iris into the Centurion seating family in July 2017.
“Purples, blushes, emeralds and warmer grey are expected to be more prevalent in the industry in 2018,” said Emlyn Jacoby, HON business development manager. “Our new textile launches for January will include a variety of pastels, jewel tones, and bright pops (of color) with several purple hues to align with the color of the year and stay ahead of the pack.”
So, where are furniture designers using this vibrant color?
“You can expect to see these colors mainly in heads-down, focused areas, as they have a calming effect,” Jacoby said. “Bright pops of color are still popular, but in more unexpected places, such as accessories and paper management.” 
To read more about how Ultra Violet will affect the fashion, graphics design, packaging and more, click here.