7 Favorites Featuring Cattleya, a Most Unusual Color

There are some very unusual color names, but perhaps none as esoteric as cattleya (pronounced cat-lee-yuh). The name comes from William Cattley, the botany patron and orchid lover who sparked a major collecting and gardening trend for orchids in England in the 1700s. One of his original orchids, cattleya labiata, is of the color now known at cattleya (see photo at right).

Merriam-Webster defines cattleya as being

A moderate purple that is redder and paler than heliotrope, bluer and paler than average amethyst, and paler and slightly bluer than manganese violet.

This color is difficult to find in decorative objects, but we kept our eyes open and came up with seven favorites that incorporate this rich, beautiful purple hue. Click on each photograph for more information about each piece.

As lead curriculum developer for Sheffield School, I get interested in unusual colors. If you're interested in learning more about interior design and decorating with color, then I encourage you to explore the Sheffield School, New York, NY. Sheffield began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng Shui, Wedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

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Comments

[James Anderson]

Hi Jay!

Good article. The best use of cattleya color in 7 favorites is stunning and fabulous.

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Excellent work man.Great job..

[sıcak videolar]

That shade of purple is a very challenging shade to implement and I rarely see it perform well. I look forward to a longer list of items featuring such a shade. I love the owl artwork though!
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[danya]

Fantastic colours. Thanks

[Lauren]

Nice site i love to some much.!!

[empresscouture.com]

What an unusual beautiful color!! Really like your finds.

[Webdesign Antwerpen]

Some nice collection. Love to see vintage stuff. Keep up the good work

[Web Design India]

I like the purple chair most. Its really nice. I also love other pictures too.

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I like purple it reminds me the childhood days when I go to ice cream parlor for my favorite Black Current I like the design of weblog.

[Architecture Dissertation]

There are some very unusual color names, but perhaps none as esoteric as cattleya

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I have to say that this is a great article, let I learned something.

[Cormel S]

Very good that matter learned a lot here. thank you very much...

[webawang]

wow, that is very good , fantastic , creative , i wont to have it

[Shahzaib]

i love that purple sofa :D

[Hardwood Floors Atlanta]

The owl picture. TAKE MY MONEY NOW!

[Gezond Afslanken]

Hi great taste , loving the purple chair. Keep me informed pelase on this post

[ebay sites]

I must admit that you have a very nice collection!

[epoksi boya]

hi,
very nice collection.. www.galaxypaint.net

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great pictures and blog :)

[Partnerhoroskop]

The pale purple looks good, especially with the "eingemaischte Gerste".

[Peter Brown]

Use of cattleya color in different products is awesome. Cattleya color is commonly used for female products but in furniture is really make a change in flavor and style looks stunning.

[John Hill]

The best use of the crystal clear and light purple rhinestones in hand jewelry .

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I loved your post, I am Brazilian but like to visit your blog.

good luck!

[Seal Beach Rentals]

I love the color purple. It looks so cool.

[James Anderson]

Superb blog. The use of unusual color " Purple" in the jewelry, sofa, paintings, and show pieces is stunning .