It’s undeniably sophisticated. Rich, plum-colored armchairs pop against an otherwise natural palette in this Quebec home. Full-length drapes with light lavender brushstrokes accentuate the chairs’ regal hue.

It adds oomph to a foyer. In the same home, designer Richard Ouellette chose an abstract, purple-smudged rug to impart a more contemporary feel in the entryway and act as a playful foil to the space’s stately moldings and ornate bannister.

Purple can punch up a space. In designer Erika Floysvik’s principal bedroom, a grafitti-esque wallpaper with splashes of plum are dramatic and energizing.

It pairs perfectly with white. Drapery with a soft purple print is set off with serene shades of white in this Palm Beach, Florida, bedroom. “One of the homeowners loves florals, so we always do her bedrooms with a different type of flower,” says designer Richard Ouellette.

It can be dramatic. For a completely saturated look, designer Joel Bray painted out the trim, walls and mantel in this living room a rich purple. Velvet armchairs in a similar dark shade complement the room’s envelope, while muted gold accents add a hint of shine.

Brighter shades of purple look great in kids’ rooms. Sheer violet-tinged drapes, a mottled bed sheet design and Moroccan runner give this young girl’s bedroom a spirited appeal.

It makes statement pieces sing. An angular purple chair is an attention-grabbing piece in this Toronto living room. “I was really struck by the opportunity to take a classic interior and see what could happen when we applied very modern decor,” explains homeowner Elizabeth Margles of the unconventional choice.

In a bedroom, it can have a soothing effect. Light lavender walls are an unexpected, yet surprisingly fitting, choice in this tailored principal bedroom. An intricate floral chandelier creates an elegant focal point.

Or, it can create a cocooning feel. A rich grasscloth wallpaper beautifully envelops designer Allison Willson’s principal bedroom. A faux fur throw adds instant winter luxe.

It makes a room feel more luxurious. A lacquered mid-century modern credenza and wine-colored seat cushions give this principal bedroom an elevated feel.

It can be masculine. Purple veining in large slabs of marble create a sense of movement in designer James Davie’s principal bathroom. Hand-glazed burgundy tiles add to the masculine feel.

Or, it can be feminine. Femininity abounds in this spacious dining room thanks to smoky mauve walls and a color-blocked, Deco-inspired rug.

It can help soften the look of a room. A lilac-toned rug defines the dining area in designer Shirley Miesels’ own Toronto home. The dainty shade helps temper the look of linear furnishings and an eccentric Orbit chandelier.

It has a quiet, calming effect in a bedroom. A relaxed neutral envelope allows homeowner Genevieve Makinson’s treasured collection of plum- and lilac-colored linens to be standout pieces.

It makes architectural details pop. Exuberant color — including mauve accents and a magenta door — and clever architecture make this Toronto bedroom feel rich and inviting.

It has regal roots. Purple is the color historically associated with royalty, and for good reason. Drenched in a deep plum hue, this room sets the scene for sumptuous dining.