While many people may be anxiously awaiting the arrival of Margo Robbie on the big screen in the new Barbie movie, it seems appropriate that Pantone has released it’s color of the year 2023 as the bright and exciting Viva Magenta!
Seriously, we have all been so over-excruciatingly repressed for the past three years, it is time to break out and celebrate in a BIG way. This color means to do just that. There is no way to not feel happiness when you look at Viva Magenta.
But, please, pretty please, let me caution you about using this color inside your home in a big way!
While most people like to add a splash of trendy colors to their interiors, I do see a lot of homes with just an overwhelming amount of color. Think about homes with red walls in the kitchen or four blue walls in a bedroom. Sometimes that works. Viva Magenta is clearly not a color to use with reckless abandon.
While beautiful, this bold magenta has the makings of a very scary addition in the wrong application. So let’s take a look at how to use it right!
The Old Saying Goes, Less Is More
That couldn’t be truer with Viva Magenta. This color will look spectacular in an interior setting as a bold accent. However, it will only work if it is center stage as an accent on a neutral background. That means, remove all other competing colors around it.
Photo by Designecologist via Pexels
Changing art is my favorite way to update an interior and with that, this color will look fantastic on a neutral wall. It will pop brilliantly off of white, but honestly it may look even better when placed against a subtle griege or even a soft cream.
Once you have that two-tone combo in place, feel free to add small additions of greens or blues for succinct harmony. It will be stunning!
Bold Colors Like Viva Magenta Need A Lighting Update
This color is crisp and clear and you’ll want to take notice of the lighting in the same room.
The brilliance of this color will look best in a cool light if you are using it in any large-scale application. While I don’t encourage you to paint an entire wall in a color this bold, small spaces will enjoy the attention of this pop. For those spaces, you need to be sure to have focus lighting that is cool. Lighting that is too yellow, golden, or soft will tarnish the power of this hue.
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych
Refresh Your Accents With This Colorful Pop
The best advice for decorating with Viva Magenta is to keep the color in your accents. Retailers have eagerly embraced this color trend in a number of ways. Products are already lining shelves in a wide variety of prices and elements.
Some of my favorite items are listed below to get your creative ideas flowing.
When All Else Fails – Add In Florals
If you are at a loss as to how to refresh your interior with this bold color, take a moment to stop and smell the roses!
There are so many beautiful florals available that sing to this hue.
- If you are hosting a group of friends for dinner, maybe add some magenta napkins and keep everything else neutral. Then add a bountiful centerpiece in a range of magenta tones.
- Add a small bouquet to your kitchen island or bedroom nightstand for a fresh, fragrant embellishment.
- If you love to have a seasonal wreath on your front door, maybe add a few blossoms of magenta to a soft, sage background of greens. What a welcome way to greet your guests!
All-in-all, the selection of Viva Magenta is a perfect color for 2023! We are all craving happiness and some fun. Color trends will always reflect the mood of the population and the things that we’re craving. It’s my personal belief that we all deserve this burst of excitement.
