To many, mauve is just a color, a shade of purple that may have adorned an aunt’s bathroom in the 1980s. But this striking color has a storied history and is poised for a comeback in 2022, perfect for complementing all kinds of interior décor.Â
Mauve, usually thought of as a pinkish-purple hue that has adorned various rooms and outfits throughout the years, is a fascinating and versatile color that is once again ready for its time in the spotlight.
History Of Mauve
You probably didn’t know that the color mauve has a storied history dating back to 1856 when a young scientist named William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered a way to make the first synthetic organic dye in human history, which happened to be mauve in color. Perkin was trying to find a way to synthesize quinine. This naturally occurring substance was the only treatment for malaria at the time, an increasingly common problem for British soldiers in tropical colonies.
Although he was unsuccessful at his original goal, Perkin did revolutionize the way clothing was dyed, opening up a new world of possibilities for people who previously could not afford the expensive natural dyes that the wealthier classes had used for centuries.
Following this discovery, the popularity of mauve exploded, with Queen Victoria appearing at a public event wearing a gown dyed using Perkin’s technique. Like most trends, mauve has gone in and out of style many times since the 19th Century. It is one of the most popular colors for decorating your home in 2022.
Getting Mauve Into the Mix
To avoid a makeover that makes it look like your home is from the Reagan era, use shades of mauve that are more saturated than the pastels popular in the 1980s. You can incorporate a few different shades of mauve in the same room for an ultra-modern effect. Balance it out with neutrals like white or gray or with a cool blue that works with mauve’s undertones.
Find the Right Space
Mauve is best for cozier rooms where its sentimental qualities can be appreciated. Incorporate the color into bedrooms with pillows, comforters, curtains, or even an accent chair. Or, you can upgrade your home office space with calming splashes of the color incorporated in art or other accessories. You can also bring softer mauve into your living room, but if you want to use it in a space like a dining room, choose a darker shade to keep things sophisticated.
Choose the Right Accents
Once you’ve chosen a room and brought a few mauve touches into it, the next step is to accent it properly. To keep the color chic rather than childish, choose your accents carefully. Mauve goes well with white linen, gold, and brass, so you can look for ways to bring these materials into your rooms. Or, if you have a bigger budget to work with, you can think about installing some marble with gray or purplish lines that work together with the mauve.
Embrace the Mauve Spectrum
specific spaces. You can choose a lighter shade, go bold and dark, or go anywhere in between, so take your time and pick what seems right for you within mauve’s broad spectrum.
Like so many other things from the 1980s, mauve has made a real comeback in design and décor. If you’re feeling nostalgic for this versatile color, there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your home, so bring it into the 21st Century in style!Â