Photo by Kristine Zalakmentina on Unsplash
Pantone Inc. is a world-renowned American corporation popularly known for its color-matching system. The company was founded in 1962 by Lawrence Herbert, a chemist and printing company employee who realized the need for an internationally recognized system for identifying and matching colors. Herbert’s system became known as the Pantone Matching System (PMS).
Beyond its color-matching expertise, Pantone has become a design authority with its annual announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year. Every year, the announcement creates a ripple effect in the design industry, impacting fashion, home decor, graphic design, and other products. Pantone’s color of the year serves as a symbolic representation of the mood or trend for the upcoming year.
Viva Magenta is the color of 2023
The Pantone 2023 color of the year has been announced, and it is Viva Magenta. This bold and vibrant color is a mix of pink and purple and is known for its energetic and powerful presence. “Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength,” says the Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman.
This year’s color selection is a departure from the more subdued hues of recent years, signaling a shift towards a more daring and expressive approach to design. But what exactly is magenta? Magenta is a nuanced crimson-red tone created by mixing equal parts of red and blue. It is a color not found in the light spectrum, making it an artificially created color.
While no single meaning is attributed to the color magenta, it is often associated with strength, healing, and a sense of joyous and optimistic celebration. “Three years deep into a pandemic, facing a war, an unstable economy, social unrest, supply chain breakdowns, and mounting climate change, we need to heal,” Pantone explains. With the selection of this color for 2023, Pantone hopes to inspire and invigorate others and drive us toward a more positive future.
What others have to say about the bold color choice
The choice to crown Viva Magenta, the 2023 color of the year, provoked many different reactions from the design world. Some criticized the shade for being an artificially created color, while others celebrated its power and vibrance. Here are a few responses from design experts that had a lot to say about Pantone’s choice:
Many designers are excited that Viva Magenta lends itself to more creativity and self-expression. “Viva Magenta encompasses the sense of playful optimism and self-expression that we see being a big trend for the coming year,” says Annica Wallin, executive creative director at Desenio.
Daniel Prendergast, an interiors expert at The Rug Seller, appreciates that “Pantone’s decision to pick Viva Magenta as its color of the year, really captures how homeowners are becoming a lot more experimental with color.” The boldness of this color attracts those willing to take a chance, encouraging experimentation with their interiors.
However, some experts are more critical of this unconventional shade and urge homeowners not to try to force the color on their interiors. Designer Megan Murphy explains, “if you’re drawn to it naturally, run with it, but don’t try to force it into things you do for the sake of following a trend.” The New York Times was less than impressed with this year’s color selection, calling Viva Magenta “the color no one asked for, coming to a world where no one lives.”
However, many agree that Viva Magenta is a refreshingly bold shade that will lend itself nicely to this year’s interior design trends. “I think a lot of people are bored to tears over the recent beige, gray, and overall minimal color palettes that have saturated everything – especially interior design.” Ohlmann Group motion designer Cody Rayn says, “that’s where I see this thriving the most.”
Benefits of using Viva Magenta in interior design
To fully understand the benefits of Viva Magenta, it’s essential to understand color psychology. The colors we choose to surround ourselves with can significantly impact our moods and emotions. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow evoke energy and excitement, while cooler colors like blue and green can be calming and soothing.
Viva Magenta is a shade rooted in the warm color category, making it an excellent choice for adding energy and vibrancy to a room. Studies have shown that exposure to bright colors like red can boost heart rates and breathing, leading to feelings of excitement and increased energy.
How to use magenta with other colors
One of the critical considerations when using magenta in your home is how to pair it with other colors to create a cohesive and stylish look. From modern minimalist to art deco, the style you choose for your home will significantly impact how this vibrant shade is incorporated.
One effective way to use magenta is as an accent color against a neutral base. Pairing magenta with whites, beiges, and grays can help to make the color stand out and add drama to your space. This approach works particularly well in minimalist or modern rooms where a bold pop of color can help to break up a monotone color palette.
For a more maximalist style in your home, consider pairing a touch of Viva Magenta with deep blues and green. These colors complement each other beautifully and create a more sophisticated and daring look. For example, a deep blue accent wall with some green accents like indoor plants or curtains paired with a touch of Viva Magenta perfectly encapsulates art deco and its eclectic, unique vibe.
How to bring this bold hue to life in your own space
By including Viva Magenta in your space, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that is sure to impress. Whether you use it as an accent or make it the centerpiece of your décor, this color is versatile and can be used in various ways to add a bold pop of color to any room.
Welcome new splashes of paint throughout your home
If you want to incorporate this color into your home, one of the easiest ways is through paint. Adding a fresh coat of Viva Magenta paint to an accent wall can instantly transform a room and give it a new perspective. For example, painting the wall behind your bed in daring color can create a statement and give your bedroom an instant makeover.
Another option for incorporating Viva Magenta is trim work. Painting the trim of a room can give it a cohesive look and add an unexpected pop of color. For example, imagine a white kitchen with Viva Magenta trim around the windows and doors or a modern living room with Viva Magenta baseboards.
Go full-out magenta
If you’re a fan of this unique and vibrant color, why not go all out and bring it to life in your home? By incorporating Viva Magenta into your walls, furniture, accents, and decor, you can enjoy the psychological benefits of this bold shade while creating a truly unforgettable space.
One way to bring Viva Magenta into your home is through your furniture. A couch or set of chairs in this color can invigorate your space and add a touch of energy and excitement to your decor. Magenta furniture can add a pop of color to a neutral space or complement other bold and bright colors in the room.
Be more subtle
While some may be intimidated by such a bold color, there are many ways to incorporate it subtly into your home without overwhelming the overall aesthetic of a room.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Viva Magenta into your home is through accessories such as rugs, window treatments, throw blankets, and bedding. These smaller accents can add a pop of color to a neutral space without dominating the area. For instance, if beige or white walls dominate your living room, adding a Viva Magenta throw over a neutral-colored couch can liven up the whole room.
You can also incorporate this vibrant color in your dining room or kitchen through accessories such as plates, table runners, and cups. This would be perfect for those who want to add a splash of color to their tabletops without committing to anything too dramatic.
Bring in lots of artwork
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to integrate Viva Magenta into your home is through a collection of colorful artwork. Choose various pieces, such as paintings, prints, and photographs, that utilize shades of magenta, pink, and colors from the red family to create a cohesive and dynamic display.
One of the benefits of using artwork to incorporate color is the abundance of choices available. You can showcase different sizes, styles, and mediums, from modern abstract pieces to classic floral prints, to create a look that’s entirely your own.
Upcycle items of your own
If you are looking for a cost-effective and sustainable way to incorporate this striking color into your home or simply have trouble sourcing viva magenta furniture, upcycling items of your own is an excellent place to start. By repurposing and revitalizing these items, you can create unique and original pieces that add character and flair to your décor.
If you have old furniture pieces that could use some sprucing up, consider giving them a fresh coat of Viva magenta paint. For example, a dresser or China cabinet can easily be transformed using this color. You can also add this color to smaller items like picture frames, vases, or even throw pillows.
Shop Kaiyo Today
Whether you want to incorporate Viva magenta into your existing color scheme or create an entirely new look, Kaiyo has everything you need to achieve your desired interior style. In addition, we offer top-rated furniture brands at up to 90% off retail prices, allowing you to find high-quality, secondhand pieces that won’t break the bank.
Additionally, our commitment to sustainability has helped us save over 4 million pounds of furniture from landfills. So, when you shop with Kaiyo, you can feel good knowing that your style choices are making a positive impact on the environment while purchasing items that are high quality and built to last.
