BlueStar, manufacturer of professional-grade kitchen appliances for the home, has announced its 2026 Color of the Year — Purple Violet (RAL #4007). Selected by Shumaker Design Associates, a full-service architecture and design firm led by husband-and-wife duo Garry and Suzanne Shumaker, the color reflects a growing shift toward richness, warmth and grounded bold design in the home.
As part of the selection process, Suzanne began by analyzing emerging color trends in fashion, which often inform the design industry across textiles and interiors. Here, purples emerged as a complementary color. Building on last year’s Color of the Year, the timeless Signal Brown, which was chosen for its grounding warmth, Purple Violet continues the narrative of depth and comfort. The color bridges the rooted familiarity of browns with a bolder, more expressive energy. The color dives further into earthy tones, toward deeper, nature-driven hues that feel like a harmonious progression after years of browns and neutrals.
In her recent projects, Shumaker has seen a growing love for darker, cozier family spaces. Considering emotional resonance and what people need most in their homes — togetherness, warmth and comfort — Purple Violet brings energy to a space in a classic, comforting way. Historically, purple is associated with royalty; formed from rare pigments found in nature and therefore only reserved for the elite. Since then, purple has evolved into a hue for embodying creativity, inspiration, and sophistication.
In the kitchen, Purple Violet can make a bold yet refined statement. The Shumaker team recommends pairing it with unlacquered, antique or brushed brass for a luxurious touch. Dark-stained woods such as mahogany or dark-stained oak enhance its depth, while blues and greens complement its undertones.
Each year, BlueStar partners with a leading designer to forecast trends and highlight a distinctive hue from its expansive library of 1,000+ colors, allowing homeowners to turn up the heat on personal expression and craft kitchens that reflect their unique style.
