Plum — rich, dark, high-glaze — reflected all of the whites and brights in this passionately purple-spectrum family room.
Grape, gloxinia, anemone — bold colors many people approach with trepidation — were deftly relieved by Designer Aaron Ast with lots of white. When you add in the glitter of glass and mirror (on the table, floor lamp, and Indian cushion), the room seemed to sing with brightness.
The walls played a part, too, because high-gloss dark surfaces are deeper reflectors than high-gloss light colors.
The vintage decorator’s old-fashioned formula for the carriage-lacquer shine used on the walls of this purple family room: one part varnish, two parts gloss paint.
