Would you paint your kitchen purple? What about your living room or primary bath? If the thought leaves you totally perplexed, take a look at these 14 lavender color decorating ideas from design pros. As they show, purple’s lighter hue—hex code e6e6fa, if you’re into color codes—is at home in just about any room. “It doesn’t feel girly if paired with the right colors,” says Jessica Davis of Atlanta-based interior design studio Atelier Davis and hardware brand Nest Studio. “Lavender backsplash tile in a kitchen? Sign me up! Lavender ceiling in a bedroom. Yes, please!”
Not only does lavender work, it also makes a room feel more luxurious, says interior designer and Behr paint ambassador Cara Newhart, who points to the historical significance of color meanings. “The color of royalty in the ancient world, purple adds a dimension of richness and sophistication, and lavender is a perfect way to embody this in a softer and more subtle way compared to highly pigmented or more true-tone purple,” she says.
To get more insight on how to make lavender work, we talked to design pros around the country.
What are the lavender colors that interior designers love?
Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design in Gainesville, Georgia, likes Whisper Violet by Benjamin Moore because “it has a mostly gray tone with a touch of lavender,” while Sarah Tract of New York City–based Sarah Tract Interiors says her go-to shade is Cake Shop by Backdrop. “It feels light and airy, but also bright and fun!” she says. Purple Cream by Benjamin Moore is a favorite for Stephanie Mahaney of Stephanie Rae Interiors in Jupiter, Florida. Though she points out that she generally likes to mix 50% white paint in with colors for walls—though she goes for a higher saturation when painting trim and millwork.
What other colors go well with lavender?
“Muted green and soft white looks beautiful with lavender,” Mahaney says. “I also love a little orange with lavender if you’re feeling a bit more risky!” And Tract reiterates that you don’t have to stick with pastels. “The colors that go best with lavender are navy, tangerine, and emerald,” she says. For a color combo that’s totally unexpected, Griffin says to pair the lilac-like shade with red.
Beyond paint, how can you work lavender into a space?
“Lavender is such a fun color. Think plush velvet cushions, textured throws, wallpaper with a cool print, or even a statement rug,” says Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs in Los Angeles. “For a more subtle touch, lavender-colored glassware or ceramic vases can add just the right amount of color. I also like seeing lavender in artwork—whether it’s a bold abstract piece or a delicate floral print, it adds a soft yet striking visual pop.” And don’t rule out actual florals. When in season, Janine Carendi MacMurray of Area Interior Design in New York City includes lavender flowers in arrangements to bring a natural and fragrant touch to the space. “Around my kitchen, I dry lavender once a year and it brings fragrance and color,” she says.
