Spotlight on Brinjal: The Deep, Wine-Rich Purple That Transforms Any Room

Left Woodwork: Brinjal No.222 . Image Credit: @jenniferbeekhunter, Photo: rikkisnyder, Styling: francesfinds | Right Kitchen Cabinets: Brinjal No.222 , Walls: School House White No.291 . Image Credit: @anyszka_studio, Photo: Migdal.studio

Few colours strike the balance between drama and comfort quite like Brinjal No. 222 . Deep, complex and quietly confident, this best-selling purple has long been a favourite for those looking to create spaces that feel intimate, layered and full of personality.

It recently stepped into the spotlight thanks to Kendall Jenner’s Wyoming home, where designer Heidi Caillier used Brinjal to cocoon a bathroom in rich, moody warmth. But beyond celebrity interiors, this aubergine-inspired shade has enduring appeal throughout the home. From kitchens and mudrooms to powder rooms and home bars, it’s a shade that instantly adds depth and character wherever it’s used.

First introduced over two decades ago, Brinjal sits somewhere between purple and red – a nuanced, wine-like tone reminiscent of a ripe Pinot Noir.

Its depth means it’s wonderfully responsive to light. In golden afternoon sun, its red undertones gently emerge. While on cloudy days, its richer purple character takes centre stage.

Rather than feeling flat, Brinjal shifts subtly throughout the day — adding movement and intrigue to your walls.

Walls, Ceiling and Woodwork: Brinjal No.222 in Dead Flat | Brownstone Boys, Photo: Jonathan Hokklo

There’s a natural intimacy to Brinjal . Its strength and depth envelop a room in much the same way as dark wood tones, creating a sense of comfort and ease.

That’s why it works beautifully in:

• Bathrooms and powder rooms
• Bedrooms and dressing rooms
• Snugs and smaller living spaces
• Home bars and pantries

Under warm lighting, Brinjal becomes especially atmospheric. Candlelight, wall sconces or layered lamplight enhance its richness, intensifying the cocooning effect and making even the smallest room feel considered and luxurious.

Designers often lean into this quality in compact spaces. A small powder room or tucked-away bar becomes far more accomplished when drenched in a saturated aubergine, transforming what might be a purely functional space into something memorable and inviting.

It’s also a brilliant choice for rooms with limited natural light – particularly north-facing spaces, where its red undertones introduce warmth. 

Plum tones like Brinjal are surprisingly versatile in kitchens, especially on cabinetry. Used on inbuilt units, island bases or pantry cupboards, it brings instant depth and a sense of considered design. Pair it with a sympathetic neutral on the walls – such as a warm mid-tone like Skimming Stone – to soften the overall look and allow the cabinetry to take centre stage.

Antique or unlacquered brass hardware is also a natural partner. Over time, the patina develops beautifully, adding to Brinjal’s lived-in, characterful feel.

Applied to walls, Brinjal creates a deeply comforting backdrop for relaxed living spaces. It colour drenches beautifully, especially when extended across walls and woodwork in ultra-matt Dead Flat for a seamless, enveloping effect. Layer it with:

• Earthy neutral linens and cottons
• Velvet upholstery
• Warm wood furniture
• Vintage or patterned rugs

Burnt orange works particularly well alongside plum tones, evoking autumnal palettes of heathered tweed and fallen leaves. For a bolder contrast, consider pairing with a lively green – but steer clear of darker greens, which can tip the scheme into something overly gothic.

In bedrooms, Brinjal feels dramatic yet grounding. It layers effortlessly with natural materials – think stonewashed linens, wool throws and tactile headboards — for a scheme that feels rich but restful.

If using it on walls, consider painting woodwork in the same colour (in an appropriate finish such as Flat Eggshell ) to avoid harsh contrast and allow the space to feel cohesive and expansive.

Like all richly pigmented colours, Brinjal responds to aspect:

• North-facing rooms: Its red undertones introduce welcome warmth
• South-facing rooms: It positively glows in strong natural light
• West-facing rooms: It feels especially cosy in afternoon and evening light
• East-facing rooms: Morning light can make it feel cooler

Rather than trying to counteract a room’s natural light, Brinjal works best when you embrace it.

Brinjal is undeniably bold – and that’s part of its charm. The key is commitment.

It doesn’t have to mean four walls, either. In her Hollywood home, Scout Willis used Brinjal to paint a bold faux runner up her staircase — a playful yet sophisticated gesture that transforms a transitional space into a design moment.

Whether applied to full walls, cabinetry, built-ins or simply as an accent on doors and window frames, it rewards confident use. Even in practical spaces like mudrooms or utility rooms, Brinjal adds an unexpected sense of luxury and personality.

If you’re new to deeper shades, try it first in a smaller space such as a cloakroom or study. Once experienced, its warmth and sophistication can be hard to give up.

Plum shades sit between red – associated with passion and warmth – and purple, often linked to wisdom and depth. Brinjal carries a little of both: it energises without overwhelming, and soothes without fading into the background.

It’s this balance that makes it such a compelling choice – in mountain retreats, city apartments and family homes alike.

Brave, enveloping and endlessly versatile, Brinjal doesn’t just decorate a room — it gives it character.