Pantone named Ultra Violet its Color of the Year for 2018. Personally, I’m not convinced. Purple? Ultra Violet feels like a fancy name for purple, and while I do appreciate dusty lilac or soft lavender, full-on purple doesn’t immediately win me over. That said, the concept behind the selection is compelling.
According to Pantone, Ultra Violet evokes “the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and discoveries beyond where we are now.” That imagery and idea are inspiring; from a design standpoint I’m simply not fully sold yet. Still, I like a creative challenge, so I decided to embrace the hue and create a floral arrangement that highlights violet tones—an attempt to convince myself (and maybe you) that Ultra Violet can work beautifully.
Below is a DIY bouquet inspired by Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year.
I’ll admit I forgot to photograph the step-by-step process while I worked—perhaps a sign I’m not completely back in the swing of blogging yet. The technique I used, though, is straightforward and follows a classic hand-tied bouquet method: cross stems in an X pattern repeatedly, rotating the bunch as you add flowers to build an even, rounded shape. Add filler and greenery as you go to keep balance and volume.
The flower recipe for this arrangement includes dried lavender (which fills the bouquet with an amazing scent), violet anemones, blue thistle (with a purple cast), and a touch of evergreen to nod to the lingering winter season. The contrast of textures—soft lavender, flat anemone faces, and spiky thistle—gives the bouquet depth and visual interest while staying true to an ultraviolety palette.
If you want to try this at home, here are a few quick, practical tips:
- Start with a few focal blooms—like anemones—and build the bouquet around them, crossing stems in an X pattern to create a stable, rounded shape.
- Add filler flowers (lavender, thistle) and greenery between the focal blooms to fill gaps and soften the silhouette.
- Vary stem lengths slightly so the bouquet has dimension; trim stems at an angle for better water uptake if you’ll place the arrangement in a vase.
- Use dried lavender to add scent and to introduce a lasting texture that complements fresh blooms.
So—what do you think about Pantone’s Color of the Year? Do you love Ultra Violet or dislike it as much as I do at first glance? I’m genuinely curious: does the color inspire you, or does it feel too bold? Share your thoughts in the comments—no judgment either way!