Emma Stone's Lilac Gown is Unexpectedly Sophisticated

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.

Emma Stone wearing a metallic lilac gown at the Actor Awards

Shop the Emma Stone-Inspired Lilac Decor Edit

Muted shade

Linen Cotton Stitch Quilted Euro Sham

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.

Cozy charm

Matouk Pezzo Fringe Throw Blanket

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.

Delicate look

Crafted Botanical Pastel Dandelion Stems, Set of 5

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.

Statement piece

Lizzie Terracotta Decorative Vase

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.

Timeless blooms

Faux Purple Lilac Bundle

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.

Textured finish

The Jasper Portuguese Stoneware Platter

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.

Purple living room — Purple shades are a brilliant addition to neutral color schemes

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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Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.