Purple is showing its sophisticated side. Pantone’s newest color of the year, Radiant Orchid, says royalty much more than girl’s bedroom and offers an intriguing way to liven up classic pieces or a neutral palette.

Though this warm shade bursts with confidence, not everyone will feel comfortable splashing it on the walls. Ashleigh Clark, a designer at Lee Meier Interiors of Westlake, Ohio, recommends testing such a vibrant color in your space before you invest.  “Radiant Orchid is a color that stands out,” she cautions. “Start with some fresh flowers in this color. If you love the way they make the room feel, then go for it!”

Detroit’s Sarah Macklem, a home stylist and writer of the design blog TheYellowCapeCod.com, agrees. “If you are color shy but ready to give a color like Radiant Orchid a try, begin with an inexpensive accessory or two. If you grow tired of the color, you won’t feel guilty eliminating it,” she advises. “Once you are warmed up to the idea of color, you begin to understand how to apply it in ways that appeal to you,” giving you the freedom to create focal points with furniture, artwork or rugs, or keep to unique accents such as glass lamps and throw pillows.

Such an energetic color is a natural for lake homes, Clark points out. Not only does it wake up north-facing rooms, Radiant Orchid’s cool and warm undertones “make a beautiful combination with the lake.” Pair this color with shades of teal, turquoise, olive green or light yellow in addition to neutrals. (Just like last year, grays are still your go-to neutral.)

If you want an edge while sticking to this classic-but-trendy palette, try incorporating chrome elements, says Renee Gignac. Her Windsor, Ontario-based design firm, Décor Innovations Designs, is seeing a resurgence in this finish. It lends itself well to the clean lines of geometric patterns, which are also very current. Gignac recommends incorporating pattern into textiles like curtains or throw pillows as a way to add texture as well as color.

Planning a new build or bigger renovation? Don’t forget first impressions. “The thing I’m excited about for out at the lake is solid siding,” says Jonathan Tucker of Doug Tucker Construction, near Niagara. “We’ve got solid wood sidings with finish guarantees in the 15- to 20-year range,” he boasts. Vinyl siding is waning in popularity, being replaced by higher-end solid siding, which both looks and feels better and is a good choice for windy-weather lake properties. Just as with interior trends, “anything in a gray tone” is popular for exteriors, he adds.

Keep the lively, uplifting vibe going by opening up living spaces. Open-concept plans have been popular for years, says Tucker. But “when it’s possible, higher ceilings” are the latest in design-build trends. “Also more technology. Even 10 years ago, there was little concern about wiring for Internet,” he says.   And while you might be tempted to eschew technology in your vacation retreat, whole-home entertainment systems can make as much impact as bold colors when throwing a party.