An unconventional color for unconventional times, the Pantone Color Institute chose 18-1750 Viva Magenta as the Pantone Color of 2023. Three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, global lockdowns have drastically changed how most people choose to work and live. Off late, there have also been some unprecedented circumstances, such as facing war, an unstable economy, climate crisis, and breakdown of supply chains that have added to the challenging times. Hence, as we usher into the new year, the human race must redefine its vision and write a new narrative. Resonating with this idea, Viva Magenta has an electrifying aura, signals strength, energy, and vigor, encourages one to be optimistic and motivated, and gathers collective strength to move forward. Additionally, this unique color communicates power in an assertive but not aggressive way and is also the color of the resilience of the human spirit.
“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” says Leatrice Eiseman, the Pantone institute’s executive director. She adds, “Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE galvanized our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”
The Pantone color of the year is a vibrant and nuanced hue lifted from the red family. Featuring a balance and fusion of warm and cool tones, the bold and one-of-a-kind shade inspires one to be fearless and echo exuberance. Nature was considered one of the most inspiring sources for choosing the color, and it takes a cue from natural cochineal dyes derived from a type of small insect, one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Viva Majenta is also an attempt to revisit, respect, and reconnect with history while hoping for a more positive future, as the rich hues of the natural dye have been used since the second century BC.
Viva Magenta is evocative of the metaverse as it examines the connections between the real and virtual worlds and strives to balance nature and technology. It promotes out-of-the-box thinking and innovation and encourages one to choose unconventional paths and carve new journeys. The hybrid color oscillates between the physical and multi-dimensional virtual world, thus offering an opportunity to reconnect with the earth. The intent is to immerse ourselves in creative energies and enhance our well-being.
As digital spaces have accelerated globalization and brought forth a new way of living, the virtual world is a prominent part of our everyday life. It cleverly merges the warmth of the natural world with the endless, rich possibilities of digital space and artificial intelligence. A psychological and emotional component also allows people to connect with others and deepen their empathy. As a result, the ecosystem of the metaverse needs to explore this, too, as it will enable people to connect and be empathetic toward others. This year’s Color of the Year is audacious, empowering, and inclusive of everyone, with the same verve for life and a rebellious spirit. It is an audacious color and is full of strength and wit.
Color attracts attention, sets the tone, and plays a key role in enhancing one’s mood. Hence it is important to choose the right color palette for the interiors. So break away from the traditional interior design schemes and discover how Viva Magenta can infuse a fresh, dynamic, and joyous vibe into any space.
Choose the Colour Combination
Viva Magenta is a rich color that adds depth and weight to the walls and pairs beautifully with neutral shades of whites and grays to achieve wonderful contrast and balance. It creates an uplifting and playful atmosphere in any space. When paired with light woody tones, it infuses an organic vibe into the room and lends an outdoorsy quality to the interior space. The generous dose of this hue works well with other pops of bright colors and injects vibrance and personality while offering a cozy and inviting vibe. However, at times this combination may seem a bit dark, so it’s pivotal to introduce layered lighting to balance the space. Beautify the interiors with plenty of plants or flowers. The hues of red and green are on the opposite ends of the color wheel and tend to contrast each other and impart elegance.
Create a Focus Wall
A splash of Viva Magenta on a focus wall enlivens the area and prevents the space from looking cold and sterile. It’s a rich accent hue for the interiors, and a perfect way to inject personality in the form of wall paint or wallpaper, or one can experiment with visual textures or textured paint. Note that a burst of this eye-catching color has the potential to inject quirk and lift the interiors of a muted space. To create a focus wall, select a spot that immediately catches the eye — think of the wall behind the sofas or dining table. One can also create an accent wall to bring a joyful visual flavor. Opt for a refreshing variety of tiles for the backsplash wall of the bathroom and make a strong style statement. Lending character to the walls with photo frames or murals in neutral colors will do wonders on such a focus wall.
Accesorise the Space
The Pantone color is clearly a show stealer and is striking enough to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Small doses as an accent color do not overwhelm the space, and small accessories are easy to swap for a seasonal look. Viva Magenta is a beautiful hue that adds drama and can be introduced through artwork, candles, vases, and sculptural décor pieces. Consider using this nature-inspired shade in a matte finish, as it may impart a synthetic look in a gloss finish.
Bring Statement Furniture
Accent pieces of furniture in this attention-grabbing color can make the space stand out. Viva Magenta is not only energetic but there is a richness to this color that not only brings in an opulent feel but also goes with materials like wood and metal. Colorful pieces of accent furniture such as the sofa, accent chair, ottoman, and cocktail table create a bold statement; they add a pop of color and draw the immediate attention of the eye in both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Add Color with Soft Furnishing
Get creative with the soft furnishing and add personality, as these pieces quickly change the look and feel of the space. Viva Magenta is a dark color that may look intense, so introduce it in smaller ways with decorative accents like pillows, curtains, throws, bedspreads, carpets. Use it in limited doses; the heavier the color, the more visual space it takes up, making the room look smaller. Consider a single showstopper element in Viva Magenta, like a rug or runner, to create a warm and intimate space and demarcate spaces on the floor. A statement piece is striking enough to infuse glamor and create an inviting atmosphere and offer playful freshness into the space. However, make sure that the rest of the furniture and walls are in neutral tones. For a luxurious look, opt for furnishing with a soft and rich texture in this unique shade.
