Pantone Color of the Year: Viva Magenta
Teenager's bedroom in Gary Hutton Design's House of Earth & Sky. Photo by Matthew Millman
Pantone has announced its color of the year for 2023: Viva Magenta. This vibrant, bold hue possesses an undeniably strong energy. Pantone describes the shade as “a nuanced crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool.” As we begin 2023, there’s more excitement in the air as we anticipate all that lies ahead. With the past years filled with more uncertainty, we are now back in the swing of things with newfound vigor.
Viva Magenta, inspired by nature, specifically the red carmine dye from the tropical and subtropical cochineal beetle, translates well to the digital space. It interconnects the natural world with the online. The crisp color is representative of the current times and makes for the perfect splash of daringness to add to an interior.
Shawback Design’s Butterfly House, Photo by Joe Fletcher
Since Magenta Viva can be a powerful tint, using it as an accent is an excellent way to add an eye-catching element to a room. Shawback Design uses magenta glassware to add a subtle pop to the bar cart in this mid-century San Francisco residence rebuilt by John Maniscalco Architecture. In an Orinda home, Katie Martinez Design with Butler Armsden Architects and FTF Engineering created a relaxed yet engaging living room employing a mix of rich tones, including a statement ottoman in magenta leather.
Library in Ann Lowengart Interiors’ Historic Ross, Photo by Paul Dyer
Ann Lowengart Interiors and Cook Construction collaborated on this residence in Ross, California. For the library, varying iterations of Viva Magenta make the space inviting. Libraries can often lean more neutral, but the lacquered-painted walls add a unique playfulness to the room.
