„Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative." — Pantone Color Institute.
Viva Magenta was announced as Pantone's Color of the Year in early December, and we couldn't be more excited to enter into the 'magentaverse.' Viva Magenta is a bold and courageous shade of red whose vigor elicits joy and verve for life. The vibrant hue is rooted in nature and history; it is inspired by the crimson red cochineal dye, one of the most precious, strong, and bright natural dyes the world has known, initially produced by the Aztecs from the cochineal insect.
Viva Magenta drags us out of the virtual world by which we have become consumed, reconnecting us with our primordial strength and sense of what is real. The nuanced shade marries the digital and physical realms. It embodies fierce grace, fuelling us with strength and confidence to take on new challenges while tapping into our sense of compassion and shared humanity. The Pantone Color Institute described Viva Magenta as 'a transformative red tone capable of driving design to create a more positive future.' To that, we say, what better color to kickstart 2023?
What are the Best Ways to Use Viva Magenta in the Home?
The saturated hue encourages experimentation and freedom of self-expression. Maximalists can harness the full potential of Viva Magenta with lacquered walls or statement furniture pieces. Those who prefer a more paired-back and neutral everyday environment can introduce pops of the vibrant color with decorative accessories and textiles. Either way, the Pantone color of the year is packed full of drama and makes a brilliant addition to your home. Here are some ideas for making the most of the majestic shade…
1. Revamp Your Kitchen
Give your kitchen a facelift by painting your kitchen cabinets in Viva Magenta. When used in abundance, the fearless shade infuses a room with electric energy and makes a bold statement. This shade of carmine red perfectly balances warm and cool tones, so it works well in any space. The hue will feel warm and embracing in a small kitchen or bright and invigorating in an ample, light-filled open-plan space.
2. Brighten Up Your Kitchen with Accessories
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Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen
If Viva Magenta kitchen cabinets feel a bit OTT, brighten up your kitchen with vibrant accessories instead. Splashes of Viva Magenta bring this modern white kitchen to life with matching bar stools. The trick is to evenly distribute pops of color throughout the space for a balanced and cohesive look.
3. Bring Wow-Factor to Your Downstairs Loo
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Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Transitional Bathroom
Wow your guests by adding some unexpected pizzazz to your downstairs loo with a Viva Magenta accent wall. As well as being a timeless design feature, accent walls are a cost-effective way to instantly update a space. Here, the accent wall wraps around the corner, adding depth and blurring the architectural boundaries of the small room. Together with the brilliant white of the bathroom fittings, the color feels bright and energizing.
4. Add Style to a Built-In Bookshelf
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Contemporary Dining Room
Contemporary Dining Room
Contemporary Dining Room
Contemporary Dining Room
Add a surprise splash of color to the back of a built-in bookcase or shelving unit. A bold color like Viva Magenta will instantly transform built-ins from background noise into a true focal point. The richness and depth of the shade have the added advantage of making items stand out, providing the perfect platform to showcase your favorite books and collectibles and give them the attention they deserve.
5. Hang Captivating Wall Art
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Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Large Modern Painting
Artwork is a savvy way to add interest to a space without making drastic, life-changing decisions. It's also a great tool to brighten a space by introducing an accent color, like Viva Magenta. Here, the oversize abstract painting makes a captivating focal point, and the vibrant color creates a striking contrast against the gray monochrome scheme. Soften the impact of the saturated hue by introducing lighter shades of pink or red.
6. Slap it on the Walls
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Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Bohemian Formal Living Room
Here's another idea for the maximalists amongst you: paint the whole room Viva Magenta! Certainly not one for the color shy, this room is unapologetically loud and audacious. Up the ante by challenging the red shade with furniture and accessories in other equally saturated hues, like this abstract multi-colored rug and ochre velvet chesterfield sofa. Remember, 'more is more' when it comes to maximalist decor, so don't hold back on patterns and whacky accessories.
7. Add Unexpected Drama to the Fifth Wall
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Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Traditional Teen’s Room for Girls
Bet you hadn't seen a Viva Magenta ceiling before now! Most people think laterally with color, but we like to think outside the box. Rather than painting your ceiling a predictable white, why not paint it in a high-contrast color for an unexpected bit of drama? Dark-painted ceilings also drop the ceiling height, generating a cozy and intimate environment, perfect for a living room or bedroom.
8. Take it Underfoot for Some Cozy Glamor
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Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Feel the electric energy of Viva Magenta under your feet with a vibrant carpet. Rumor has it bright carpets will have a moment in 2023 as vivacious hues come off the walls and onto the floor as underfoot luxury. Maximalists might paint the walls in a contrasting color to the cochineal-colored carpet. Otherwise, keep the walls a neutral and complementary shade and let the floor bring the wow factor. Opt for an oversized rug instead if you don't want to commit to an expensive carpet.
9. Opt for a Half-Painted Wall
Not only are half-painted walls fun, but they are also a great way to manipulate the architectural boundaries of a space. Here, the two-tone painting technique breaks the tunnel effect in the hallway, stretching the space horizontally and making it appear wider than it is. Painting the bottom half in a darker shade creates the illusion of a higher ceiling and bigger space.
10. Introduce a Velvet Accent Chair
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Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Large Classic Children’s Room
Viva Magenta is a vivacious color that is perfect for an accent chair. Combine the saturated hue with a sumptuous texture, like velvet, and you have yourself the best cozy, glamorous, empowering, and energizing seat in the house. Rather than buying a new chair, you could re-upholster one you already have, restore a family heirloom, or give a new lease of life to a second-hand find. Velvet is ideal for upholstery because it looks luxurious and is surprisingly hard-wearing.
11. Test it on Textiles
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Window Decoration
Window Decoration
Window Decoration
Window Decoration
Window Decoration
Window Decoration
Build your color confidence with a Viva Magenta cushion and throw. Small accessories like these can easily be swapped out and moved around, so you can decide how much color you want. It also gives you time to live with the vibrant hue and evaluate what effect it has on you. As the color grows on you (which we're sure it will), you can take it onto furniture (via paint or upholstery) or a window treatment. Look for patterns that feature the color if you'd prefer to keep it as an accent color instead of making it the primary hue.