About Viva Magenta

Every year Pantone selects a Color of the Year based on numerous things going on in the world around us. For 2023, the color that was selected is Viva Magenta, “an unconventional shade for an unconventional time,” Pantone. Check out my previous posts on past year’s Color of the Year for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Pantone’s panel of color experts look at where we as a culture currently are, from the pandemic to sustainability to our digital globalized world to our appreciation of nature.

This deep pink hue is an outgrowth of deep crimson and it has life and energy behind it; bringing it with confidence.

History

Our 2023 color has roots with the cochineal beetle, which produces a very bright and precious carmine dye, giving this pink earthly origins. Curious about the cochineal beetle, so I hopped onto Google, and found this very interesting article from The Smithsonian Magazine. I found out that this hue has a history going back to the ancients. Upon the Spaniards visit to the New World in the 1500s, they witnessed harvesting of these insects to be used for dye. This seemingly new, stronger, and more vivid color entranced the Europeans, so they had tons of this insect shipped back to Europe. This captivating hue’s popularity has never seemed to fall, as it is used nowadays in cosmetics, foods (remember the Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino news back in 2012?), paint, and fabric dye.

The bugs must be scraped off of plant material, dried out and ground up in order to become the pigment. Since the process to create this coveted color is so labor-intensive, scientists are starting to experiment with ways to engineer a chemical compound to create this same color in a more sustainable way. It will be interesting to see if they can do it.

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How to Use Viva Magenta

Now that you know a little more about Viva Magenta, you probably are looking at ways you can jump on this trend.

In beauty, Pantone says don’t hesitate to try this color on nails and as lipstick, as it has a vibrant and universal appeal.

Below I am sharing products in this trending hue that you can incorporate into your home. With over 96% of the products available now, they can be in your home immediately.

Nine Ways to Use Viva Magenta

Let’s dig into the nine ways we are suggesting this beautiful color to be used.

1. Rugs

Rugs are always a nice base layer that the eye will naturally gaze toward.

3. Blankets and Throws

A throw blanket accent is a luxurious touch.

4. Accessories

Accessorizing with a trending color is often an inexpensive way to hop on the trend without a lot of commitment.

5. & 6. Tabletop & the Bar

Laying out a tablecloth in a happy print makes every meal fun. We love the standalone coasters as a preppy-chic happy hour addition.

7. Colorfully Arranged Books

I don’t think the trend of arranging books by color is going away anytime soon, so you can still give it a go. These collections of decorative books have a variety of titles, but we’re really focusing on the color here 😉

8. Wall Art

Pretty framed canvas art prints add a splash of color and personality.

9. Throw Pillows

Casual throw pillows for a lounge chair, bed, or layered on a sectional add color and textural interest to your space.

Hopefully those nine ways to use the color of the year peak your interest in using this color.

In the comments below, let me know what you think of the 2023 Color of the Year. I’d be interested in your thoughts and how you think you may incorporate it into your lifestyle over the next year.

Written by Emilie Kyle

Lush Interior Design LLC is a Hospitality, High-end Residential, and Commercial interior design firm located in the Washington, DC area. Lush specializes in elevating brands through beautiful and functional interior design to make the most impact on guests and users of each space. If you are a restauranteur, hotelier, creative brand, or association and want the Lush team to manage your interior design project, book a complimentary Discovery Call to discuss how we can help!