Purple rain
Purple is one of the most provocative colours of the spectrum, embracing all hues from palest lavenders, mauve pinks, magentas and deep violets through to dark aubergine, created by varying their blue and red composition.

Purple symbolises royalty, spirituality and creativity. It has a quietness about it that lowers blood pressure, depresses the appetite for food (and other things!) and calms overactive glands and organs. On a positive note, it encourages lateral thinking, daydreaming and activates the learning process by linking both spheres of the brain. Those who love purple tend to be visionary, complex and elegant.

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Pretty and pastel, purple tinted with white creates delicate lilac or mauve. Pale yellows, from sharp lemon to primrose, are complementary to the whole range of purple shades. For a zingy accent, add a splash of bright lime. Softer pistachio teamed with purple makes a fresh vibrant statement, while muted grey-greens are restful when the purple is softened to a smoky haze. Duck-egg blues and eau-de-nil are always a safe bet as they harmonise well with purples.

The more intense shades of purple are more dramatic than their paler relatives. Rich, clear and vibrant, they are perfect for a very showy dining room or hallway. Decor will appear opulent and daring. The addition of antiques, gilded mirrors, picture frames and elaborate light fittings will evoke feelings of comfort and luxury.

If you have a budding fairy princess in your family, use soft lavender with lemon trim, voile or muslin curtains and crisp white and coriander green furniture to create a bedroom fit for a princess.

Don't despair if purple makes some feel like a shrinking violet or is too passionate for your home. A neutral background like pearl grey provides a wonderful foil for a little splash of purple - the perfect way to enjoy purple without being overwhelmed by it.