Avoid the wilt of fresh flowers and buy yourself lilacs with staying power. This pale purple oozes calm and has a  contemporary edge when paired with soft greys. Go big with a lilac-painted wall to create airiness without overwhelming a space, or choose a lamp, vase or glassware for just a flirty wink.

1. Duotone self-adhesive wallpaper strip by Meraki in lilac ($115), simons.ca

2. 28T table lamp by Bocci in purple 1 ($1,140), livingspace.com

3. Hydrangea paint by Benjamin Moore (from $74), benjaminmoore.com

4. Calice vase by Kartell ($558), livingspace.com

5. Cala club armchair by Kettal in wild lupin ($7,380), inform.ca

6. Tommy old fashioned glass by Saint Louis in purple ($900), atkinsonsofvancouver.com

7. Carry-On Pro suitcase by Monos in purple icing ($415), ca.monos.com

8. Botanic sofa by Natuzzi Italia in violet (from $5,030), inspirationfurniture.ca

Katie Nanton

Katie Nanton

Katie is a Vancouver-based writer and editor specializing in travel, food, and design. Over her 20-year career, she’s written hundreds of articles, snapped dozens of published photos, and spent a decade on staff at NUVO, a national luxury lifestyle magazine.