Audacious, full of wit, and without restraint. That’s how Pantone describes the colour of the year: Viva Magenta.
Not quite red, or purple, or maroon, magenta is actually a shade rooted in nature. It’s hard to decorate with, like all vibrant shades. But unlike last year’s nearly neon purple, or the sunshine yellow before that, we think it’s well suited to most homes.
Pops of colour
For those preferring neutral colour palettes, Viva Magenta can be the perfect colour to bring a bit of pop and pizazz into the room.
If you want to go big, consider a couch or a bed head in the hue. Alternatively, if you want something that can be interchanged, grab some cushions or a throw.
You can even incorporate the colour with your window coverings. Go fully magenta or embrace some stripes. It’s never a ‘go big or go home’ situation. Viva Magenta can be incorporated in so many different ways.
Embrace your artistic side
Sure, you can grab some beautiful and striking artwork from the art gallery or even directly from artists themselves, but you can also make your own. Sounds crazy, we know, but art can actually be quite therapeutic and we know our customers have some great talent!
As for what colours to use with it, check out the Magentaverse. Pantone provides a handy suggested colour palette so you know what works beautifully with the Colour of the Year.
Colour the walls
We know there are people who want to fully embrace the brightness of magenta. If that’s you, lean into your desires. Go bold. Paint the whole room. Make colour the star of your interior. While red can be bold, it can also be warm and inviting, and exciting.
What’s amazing, particularly with red and purple hues like magenta, is that natural light streaming in from windows can actually slightly change the hue depending on the time of day.
Complement the colour
Viva Magenta shines on its own. But sometimes, it can be nice to pair colours with either complementary colours or contrasting ones.
Of course, it depends on the mood you’re trying to strike in that particular room. If you’re looking for complementary colours, consider those on the same colour wheel – red, orange, purple and periwinkle blue.
Or if you want to soften the colour a bit, consider some gentle green shades or neutral hues to pair the boldness back.
Things to consider
According to Dulux’s Colour and Communications Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind when decorating using Viva Magenta. The first step Lucena-Orr gives Vogue is to really think about the space you’re working in and the atmosphere you’re trying to create.
“Deep magenta tones can work seamlessly in any space, and can often create a feeling of warmth and intimacy in your home, especially in areas such as the bedroom and living room,” she says.
