When it comes to color trends, I'll admit that I don't usually gravitate toward purple – but Emma Stone has just reminded me exactly how elegant the shade can be. At last night's Actor Awards, the Bugonia star graced the red carpet wearing a lavender-hued gown, and I've been thinking about it ever since.
To me, the lilac color trend brings to mind the joys of spring, which is perhaps why I was so taken by Emma's gown. It's playful and charming, but it's also undeniably sophisticated – especially since it happens to boast a striking metallic finish.
With both lilac hues and polished metals emerging as some of 2026's biggest interior design trends, I'd say that Emma's look holds a particular kind of significance. (And if it's inspired you to bring a dash of purple into your interiors, I've curated a few of my favorite buys below.)
Shop the Emma Stone-Inspired Lilac Decor Edit
If vibrant lavender shades aren't your first choice, try a dusty lilac hue instead. This quilted sham is the perfect way to bring some springtime cheer to your bedroom.
I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many blankets – and I'd be more than happy to add this fringed lilac throw to my collection. It's uplifting and yet elegant.
If you're wary of experimenting with color, start small using faux blooms like these. I adore the delicate, wispy look of faux dandelions, especially in a pastel shade like lavender.
With a classic silhouette and subtle decorative details, this vibrant purple vase is a guaranteed talking point. Fill it with daffodils to really nail that joyful spring feeling.
What better way to add a touch of lilac to your home than using faux lilacs themselves? These will bring plenty of charm to any room in your home, and they'll last for years to come.
Whether you're dressing a sideboard, shelf or, of course, a dining table, a large platter like this one will always make a statement. I'd say it's the perfect pop of color.
Pastel shades like lilac might be a cheerful reminder of spring, but they can be difficult to style within the home. It's precisely because lilac is so uplifting that I often feel wary about bringing it into my interiors: go overboard, and a room can start to feel kitschy, or even childish.
Yet Emma's spectacular gown is a clear indication that lilac can, in fact, feel mature and refined. And paired with sleek metallics – think polished chrome or nickel – it feels strikingly contemporary.
If, however, you're looking for a more timeless way to decorate with purple, there's another distinct advantage to lilac: it serves as the perfect soft neutral.
To add a breezy, tranquil feel to your living room, bedroom or even home office, consider a dusty lilac shade. (Designers recommend Calluna by Farrow & Ball, or Peace & Happiness by Benjamin Moore.) Colors like this one will bring depth and dimension to a space without sacrificing that sense of softness and calm that comes with a neutral color palette.
Lilac is, in fact, one of the best colors to bring into your home to make it feel fresher and brighter – especially as the seasons change. It not only adds levity to delicate neutral palettes, but it also pairs brilliantly with a range of different textures. (Dark wood is a particularly stylish choice, not to mention those all-important metallics.)
I like to think of lilac in a similar way to gray – and by that I mean it's often underestimated. I was certainly guilty of thinking that decorating with gray creates a flat or lifeless room, but many designers see the pale shade as the foundation of a chic but understated design scheme. Lilac, too, can produce plenty of movement and visual interest, without overwhelming a space.
That isn't to say you can't have some fun with pastels, of course – and Emma's gorgeous dress is proof. If you're keen to venture out of neutral territory and into a more vibrant landscape, lilac also pairs brilliantly with bolder shades like olive green, navy and brown.
'Used sparingly, purple adds softness and intrigue while letting colors like green remain an anchor,' explains interior designer Abigail Ray. 'These combinations feel intentional and layered, rather than decorative for decoration’s sake.'
In Abigail's view, design is moving away from 'safe' color options and toward bolder tones. This means 'pieces that carry mood and personality rather than disappearing into the background'.
Ultimately, Emma's breath-taking lilac look demonstrates that expressive, personality-driven design is what we're craving in 2026. A color like lilac can feel breezy and serene, but it can also make a statement – and this versatility is what makes the color so refreshing.
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