Just a few weeks ago, Pantone released their Color of the Year for 2023 — Viva Magenta! This vibrant, vigorous hue is powerful and empowering. It “revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, [and is] an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement.”
In our hyper-connected, technology-centered world, Viva Magenta represents a refreshing reconnection with the natural world. It is inspired by the red of cochineal, which is one of the most precious dyes in the natural dye family — as well as one of the brightest the world has ever known. According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Viva Magenta “reconnects us to original matter…[and] galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”
This bright color is bound to make a statement, whether it’s worn on your shirt, your lips, your shoes, or in your home. If you’ve fallen in love with this color as much as we have, there are several ways to incorporate Viva Magenta into your home, whether you’re bold enough to paint an entire accent wall or want to add a few magenta throw pillows here and there. Here are some ideas for thoughtfully bringing this electrifying color into your space!
Combine It With Complementary Colors
A color is only as strong as its surrounding counterparts. In other words, the colors you choose to pair with something are very important! Thankfully, Pantone has done all the work by creating a color palette that works well with Viva Magenta — and certainly lets it stand out! The colors include Pale Dogwood, Gray Sand, Gray Lilac, Pale Khaki, Fields of Rye, Agate Gray, and Plein Air. These calm neutrals are the perfect colors to pair with Viva Magenta, whether you’re looking for a wall color or fabric shade.
Add a Few Decor Items
A few pops of color in your decor landscape adds variety, contrast and interest — and Viva Magenta certainly does that! Visit your favorite thrift store or vintage shop to search for magenta vases, bowls, figurines, lamps or other items that will amplify your bookcases, shelves and side tables. There’s something so special about collecting second-hand items over time and incorporating them into your home.
Hang Some Artwork
One of the most non-committal ways to incorporate Viva Magenta is by finding a piece of art with the shade in it — or making your very own, if you’re the artistic type. Vibrant red hues are commonplace in modern art, or you can opt for a more realistic, nature-themed look with magenta flowers, a sunset, or a butterfly. Etsy has plenty of Viva Magenta artwork, including this set of two Henri Matisse posters, available in multiple sizes. And if you’re willing to dig, vintage and antique shops are some of the best places to find unique, one-of-a-kind artwork!
Paint an Accent Wall
Crank up the drama by painting an entire wall in this brilliant hue. Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, paint an entire small space — like a half bathroom or pantry — Viva Magenta! Make sure you really love this color first, as it can be a lot to take in, when administered in large doses. But if you’re sold on this energizing color, go for it! It’s sure to make a statement in any space.
Paint Your Front Door
If you can’t quite get yourself to paint an entire room in Viva Magenta, consider painting your front door instead. And lucky for you, a red front door actually carries quite a bit of meaning — most notably, that the home is a welcoming, inviting place. It can also signify good luck, prosperity, safety, and wealth — or that you’ve paid off your mortgage. Above all that, it provides a splash of color, which is especially effective if you have a more neutral house color.
Add Some Throw Pillows or a Throw Blanket
One of the easiest ways to refresh your living room or bedroom is by swapping out the throw pillows or throw blankets every once in a while. This small and inexpensive update can completely change the look of your space! This velvet pillow cover or this velveteen plush orchid blanket would be the perfect colorful addition to your living space.
Incorporate a Pattern with the Color
We’ve talked a lot about solid instances of Viva Magenta — but it doesn’t have to be that way! You can instead find a pattern that involves the color in a more subtle way, whether it’s an oriental rug, a floral design, a colorful plaid, or another pattern. You can choose to wallpaper a whole room with this pattern or simply use a fabric to sew some pillow covers. This is the perfect option if you’re a little more color shy!
Add a Statement Couch or Chair
Maybe you’re feeling adventurous and are looking to incorporate this in a more bold, long-term way. Consider adding a couch or chair upholstered in a magenta fabric to make a statement in your living room. Velvet adds a particularly luxurious and upscale feel — or find a funky pattern with magenta accents.
How Will You Viva Magenta?
Let us know how you plan to incorporate Viva Magenta in your home!
