viva color, viva magenta!

With a motto like “Banish the Beige” it’s clear that color calls the shots at Emily June Designs. In last week’s blog, we discussed the psychology of color. This week we’re going to sharpen our focus on color by talking about Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta!

You might be thinking, "Hang on a second, what’s Pantone or the Color of the Year?” Not to worry – usually it’s only those in creative industries who are clued in to the company’s annual tradition. Pantone is a company that’s long been relied upon by interior designers for color planning and continuity across mediums, from wall paint to fabric. Simply put, Pantone’s business is color. They offer products and services that define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization, including trend forecasting.

Part of Pantone’s trend forecasting tradition is to select a specific shade (usually along with a fun name!) that represents the upcoming year. Each December, when the rest of the world is wondering what’s under the Christmas tree, designers are wondering about Pantone’s big reveal!

The ball drop of 2023 brought Pantone’s choice of Viva Magenta to the design landscape. Pantone describes the bright, saturated shade as “brave and fearless…a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.” Pantone’s decision is always made with consideration of current cultural events and shifts. For example, this year’s color was presented with the tagline “an unconventional shade for an unconventional time.”

Click here to read Pantone’s delightfully thorough introduction of their 2023 pick!

In terms of interior design, the shade is perfectly perched between the warm and cool sides of the color wheel, which offers rare flexibility for such a bold, vibrant color. Viva Magenta is a powerful shade that can be delivered to more neutral spaces in small doses via prints, accessories or fixtures for a punchy effect. Below you can see the small but mighty ways we’ve introduced the shade to client’s homes:

playful splashes

Here, the bright splash of magenta in the armchair’s fabric unexpectedly breaks up the cool tones in the room. The strong contrast infuses a bit of playful energy into a calm, almost neutral space. This color play is continued with the addition of a perfectly coordinating blooming plant, which carries the eye to other accessories in warm-shades in the room. 

Design by: @emilyjunedesigns

Photo by: @kerrykirkphoto

powerful pops

Emily June Designs subtly used magenta for this client project through saturated velvet accent pillows, a richly colored patterned bedspread, and small accessories such as a vase of fresh flowers. The small pops of color brighten the bedroom, which features a grounding shade of navy and various neutrals.

Design by: @emilyjunedesigns

Photo by: @juliesoefer

You can see how this shade of magenta really brings exuberance to any space, even temporarily. If you’re looking for subtle ways to introduce this on-trend shade to your living spaces, shop the links below for our ideas: 

In contrast, you may be looking to really channel this shade’s show-stopping qualities! Try your hand at going all-out by devoting more square footage to this dynamic color in a space. The inspo photos below show just how gorgeous magenta is as a large-scale wall color, along with the shade’s talent for transforming basic trims, furniture, and forms into notable statement pieces.

unexpected uses

From the upholstered crown molding to the light fixture, to the lacquered reading nook and baseboards, the designer decided that magenta ruled supreme in this quirky and whimsical space! Her clever use of lime accents (hello, complementary colors!) do a magnificent job of livening things up and visually expanding the window, which reveals more lush green tones outside.

Design by: @creativetonic

Photo by: @ccasbo @juliesoefer

magenta maximist

This designer made a big statement with this color by layering different shades and fabric textures to add depth to an almost monochrome magenta room. The subtle contrast between the ottoman, sofa, and trim details creates a pleasant continuity to the space, expertly broken up by an abstract painting and accent pillows in shades of yellow, green, and blue. 

Design by: @lisagilmoredesign

Photo by: @seamuspayne

Ready to take the plunge and join Pantone in saying “Viva, Magenta!”? Shop the links below for the ways we’re dreaming of incorporating this beautiful shade into our designs:

Your living spaces are a reflection of you, your personal style, and particular interests. As we know, nothing stays the same – which means your environment shouldn’t either! Incorporating Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year into your home or office is an easy way to refresh that space in an on-trend, powerful way that reflects strength, boldness, and audacity.