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The Pantone 2023 Color of the Year (+ How a Designer Recommends Using It)
Paint giant Pantone has announced their annual Color of the Year for 2023. It’s Viva Magenta – a hue so bold and vibrant we’re getting excited just thinking about it. Our designer Courtney Marquez tells us the best way to make the trend pop in your space, the best colors to pair it with and how to embrace the story it tells.
Viva Magenta: the Pantone Color Institute's 2023 Color of the Year is bright, warm and optimistic. It's also relevant and inevitable; after three years of a pandemic, our mood feels ready for something new. A bold splash of red with warm pink tones, Viva Magenta encompasses such a feeling – and decorating with it is the best way to celebrate its optimisim.
2023 Viva Magenta Color Palettes
According to our interior designer Courtney Marquez, “the key with new color trends is having a base of neutrals. Stick with light palettes. Stay away from light grey, unless you want to wash out Viva Magenta’s warmer tones. Khaki, sand and cream upholstery, rugs and walls will make Viva Magenta feel the warmest – an important factor in creating a home space that still feels cozy. If you’re done with neutrals and want to pair Viva Magenta with another statement-making hue, the designer goes on to give her thoughts on a more radical color combo idea. “For a fun beachy spin,” she says, “and to balance out magenta’s undertones, pair with teal, turquoise or other shade of blue.”
How to Make Viva Magenta Pop
Viva Magenta pops all on its own. It’s one of those rare shades that feels simultaneously warm and cool, so you really can’t go wrong with complementary colors.
For those whose interests are piqued by the 2023 color but are not quite sure where to start, Courtney recommends starting “with small accents like throw blankets and pillows.” The Living Spaces designer also notes that Viva Magenta isn’t just for subtle accents: “A feature wall in Viva Magenta makes a beautiful statement. This color’s pink undertones softens the red roots, which refreshes a space with just the right amount of boldness.” She also quips that “the living room is my favorite place to incorporate new color trends, especially if those trends are red tones. Keep your bedroom as is; Viva Magenta is too bold and exciting for a good night’s sleep!”
The Color of the Year – & How Natural Motifs Fit In
As Pantone puts it, Viva Magenta is a shade “rooted in nature descending from the red family.” On being asked her top tip for incorporating Viva Magenta in the home, Courtney says to draw from the meaning behind the color: “In nature, the brightest shades of magenta live in florals. Let design mirror this; magenta flowers in vases, floral motifs in bedding and other natural inspiration merge 2023 décor trends with Pantone’s color pick.”
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
