Decorating With Purple

Dark Purples

The deepest purples, like aubergines and brooding blue-tinted shades, imply grandeur and strike a serious, formal note. These tones are best used boldly, with commitment. Advises Elizabeth Bauer, New York City interior designer and purple advocate: “To make them work, do something major, like all four walls or a set of built-ins.” But go a few tones lighter, and even dark purples will make gathering spaces seem cozy and conversation-friendly. Bauer shares a few of her favorite shades.