Color Collisions: Amaranth let me Introduce you to Tyrian Purple
A Story of Riches and Everlasting Color
These two jewel tones are a rich duo, literally. The stories of these colors are deeply intertwined with riches, of all sorts. The pairing is almost overwhelming, and at first sight I must admit I am not all that excited by the idea of it, but then that is where the fun lies, finding the beauty in colliding these colors. And in the process, getting to know them.
I will never forget my job working as a sales associate at J.Crew during my university years. At the time velvet was all too in vogue, and I remember we were selling a velvet blazer in every color, including a deep purple which I couldn’t fathom sporting. It wasn’t until the sales manager advised us to “tell customers that purple is the color of royalty” that it piqued my interest. It was a sales pitch, and I was sold. Royalty, okay—now that I can get down with. Of course I am no princess, and it’s not often you’ll find me sporting this deep ruby‑hued pink, but when there is a story behind a color we can fall for it more easily. So let’s start at the very beginning. Once upon a time…
The Royal Legacy of Tyrian Purple
This hallowed hue is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid, and it’s even found decorating Ancient Egyptian tombs. In the film Cleopatra, Hollywood royalty—Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton—are decadently draped in Tyrian Purple costumes. But what does “Tyrian” have to do with this tone? The term “Tyrian” derives from the Phoenicians of Tyre, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a city that reigned over the seas, Tyre’s influence waned after the Crusades, yet its legacy remains inked in history through Tyrian Purple.
Secrets that lie within a Snail
The pigment itself was born from the Murex and Thais rock snails that too called Tyre home—each snail excreting merely a drop of the liquid required to craft this shade of riches, made literally only for the wealthy. The expense became so costly it was said that Tyrian Purple was worth its weight in gold. That cost, paired with the symbolism of power and status, made this hue as rich in story as it was in pigment. It’s said that Byzantine royal birthing rooms were even coated in the ink of Tyre—being born in purple solidified a right to rule. Even though the royal shade fell into ruin, with the manufacturing process lost to history with the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Purple had already cemented its place in history. Like the Byzantine royals, Tyrian Purple was born to rule.
Immortal Amaranth
Another story of riches, this one of the immortal kind. Amaranth’s history dates from 4000 B.C., when the Aztecs used the plant for its many food sources. The leaves, like spinach, and the seeds—once milled and toasted—could be used in a plethora of ways. It is said the Amaranth were farmed in floating gardens: boats filled with soil set adrift on lakes, where the water regulated temperature and kept animals at bay. What a sight that must have been—a field of floating Amaranth doubled by the water’s reflections.
But what of immortality? Amaranth is synonymous with everlasting life for its ever‑blooming perseverance. The etymology of Amaranth comes from the Greek word amarantos, relating to a mythical tale of an “unfading flower.” These seemingly immortal blooms were revered for their toughness as much as their usefulness. Unlike other blooms that follow seasons, Amaranth endures. The richness is found in this shade’s deep raspberry‑plum hue, its abundance of uses, and its seemingly eternal lifespan.
A Jewel Toned Collision
Now onto the fun—colliding these two pigments so you can see them at play. My visuals are more maximalist, comme normal, but I’ve included one reference that plays with these hues in a more minimalist manner. I wasn’t sold on this combination initially, but now seeing the power—not only in their stories, but also on display—of these two together, I am feeling inspired. My favorite reference above is perhaps the one of West Horsley Place, once home to the Marchioness of Crewe. The image is from the 1930s, and with a Tyrian Purple rug and Amaranth‑drenched walls and sofa, the Marchioness really nailed this color collision.
Materials & Paint Picks
I can’t leave you without a jumping‑off point, so per usual here are some paint finishes and materials to play with. Farrow & Ball Brinjal is a beautiful Tyrian hue that hits those deep reddish‑purple notes, and Little Green’s Adventurer is another great choice. As for Amaranth, I am loving Sarah Lavoine’s pigment from Ressource—Piment SL24—and House of Hackney’s Salvia will do the trick. I would also be remiss not to highlight this stunning sofa I stumbled across and this rug from Revival, which packs a punch of Tyrian purple while fitting into a more minimalist landscape. Also we can’t forget this perfect lamp shade from Charish that combines these two beautiful shades—pun intended.
A Spoil of Riches
Et voila. Another tale woven of colors, and this one of riches. I never fail to be surprised by my own pairings and how beautiful they can be expressed when we dare. Here to welcome any color combinations you want to challenge me with—leave me a note in the comments.
If you are looking for more inspiration, check out this pinterest board where you’ll find even more ideas and inspiration. And if you dare to decorate with this dynamic duo, do let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how it turned out.
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