Design Pros Reveal How To Decorate With 2023’s Color of the Year — ‘Viva Magenta’

Every year, color authority Pantone chooses a Color of the Year, and 2023’s shade is a striking one. Meet Viva Magenta: A hybrid color from the red family that boasts warm and cool undertones. This color is a powerful, cheerful shade that fuses the drama of red with the decadence of violet. Also, the experts at Pantone love it because it promotes feelings of joy and optimism. The best part? It’s easy to infuse Viva Magenta into your bedroom, kitchen, and home office. Below, experts share their tips for decorating with the color of the year on a dime!

Looking to liven up a bedroom? Opt for small pieces.

“Viva Magenta is a crimson red tone that presents a balance between both warm and cool,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “This is an exuberant and welcoming color — it promotes optimism and joy when showcased in any room.” For a bedroom, she suggests peppering pops of magenta into a typically white or neutral room with plush textiles like pillows, blankets and throws, area rugs, or even a soft bench. For an even bigger impact, try out a low-commitment patterned accent wall using stick-on wallpaper featuring magenta tones.

Need to brighten a kitchen nook? Paint an accent wall.

“Magenta is a vibrant color that’s perfect for livening up living or kitchen areas,” says London-based interior designer Rudolph Diesel. “When paired with deep tans and light neutrals or grays, it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere without being too overwhelming.” To bring this eye-catching shade into a kitchen in a bold way, simply paint one accent wall or alcove magenta. This wall color acts as a bright backdrop for neutral shelves and cabinets. Tip: Stylishly “break up” the solid wall color by hanging a wooden planter and a shelving unit or two.

Want to beautify a home office? Add a splash of color.

“Dressing up an office with Viva Magenta boosts creativity and productivity,” says design pro Shanade McAllister-Fisher (ShanadeMcAllisterFisher.com). Her advice for infusing the color into a workspace: “Paint a statement wall behind your desk in magenta or add a splash of color with a magenta-colored print to break up the monotony of a mostly neutral-toned space.” Here, a white desk is jazzed up with a pink chair and magenta accents (a printed area rug, cute desk organizers, fresh supermarket flowers). Tip: Add interest by weaving in one or two extra colors (such as sunny yellow and brassy metallics, which contrast nicely against solid magenta) via small touches like vases, lamps, and pillows.