Hello and happy Mon-YAY, color lovers!

How are you doing today all around the world? Tell me in the comments where in the world you live, friends. I’d love to know! Today we’re discussing the recently announced PANTONE 2023 color of the year, Viva Magenta 18-1750 TCX.

Before I dig too deeply into the topic, please feel free to visit PANTONE here for a full description of the color and a welcome to their “Magentaverse.”

FYI….Viva Magenta isn’t really magenta. It is a cool red.

On this morning’s webinar introducing the 2023 color of the year, Laurie Pressman of PANTONE labeled it “a playful, disruptive red,” “carmine red,” and “a blue-pink red inspired by the red dye of cochineal.” The cochineal is an insect whose insides provide this sought after dye!

For interiors, several design elements were considered for use in Viva Magenta, from kitchen cabinetry to velvet upholstery fabric to floral wallpapers, painted entry ways, and counter top appliances.

Why do we even care about the color of the year when planning architectural color and interior design?

Color trends are carefully studied and reflective of consumer tastes, cultural preferences, worldwide events, and are an amalgamation of many factors across multiple industries and continents.

The color of the year is effectively a study in anthropology, sociology, politics, culture, nature, the economy, the arts and current events.

Trends are important because they also determine what colors in design and home decor products you will have access to for seasons to come.

Also, some people DO care about trends and want to refresh their spaces each year with new color and materials.

How do we work with Viva Magenta or similar hues in new color palettes?

Let’s explore five different color palettes. These are my own ideas and not sponsored or endorsed obviously in any way by PANTONE.

Pink, red, orange and purple

The above palette is pure and vibrant. Since Viva Magenta is a heavily pigmented color, it pairs best with other highly chromatic [vibrant, saturated] hues.

All blush and pink tones

Reds and pinks work so well together. Note in the photo above the trio of bright red, candy pink and blush. The red featured is warmer than Viva Magenta, but either type of red coordinates with pinks.

Cool pink-red, aqua and white

Aqua and cool red are a fresh yet timelessly appealing duo in my opinion. I doubt I’d ever tire of this color pairing.

Mixed with warm tomato red, earth tones and sky blues

Bringing in sky blue, cerulean blue, earth tones and tomato red—with Viva Magenta [not presented above]—brings a nice homeostatis, or balance of cool and warm tones.

Paired with vibrant orange

This palette requires a vivid, energetic orange to be sure. What do you think about incorporating cool red and warm orange in your space? Would you be so bold?

Red as a decor color is always a good idea, and this season’s shade is a cool, yet vibrant iteration.

I’m also a fan of mixing and matching various tones of red. Why not? In fact, mixing various shades of red makes a space look dimensional and unique. Done right it is quite tasteful.

In summary, the color isn’t magenta but rather a cool, pink-red.

It’s not supposed to be an aggressive red at all. It’s meant to be playful and a form of self-expression. [That’s PANTONE’s message, anyway!]

As always, I welcome you to comment below with your thoughts. What questions do you have about Viva Magenta? You may either comment below or email directly here.

Until next time, stay colorful, my friends!

Lauren Battistini