Viva Magenta, the Pantone color of the year 2023, often works best in public spaces rather than private interiors. This insight comes from Ksenia Kuznetsova, product director at Mr.Doors, who shared thoughts with socialbites.ca. According to Kuznetsova, while Viva Magenta is striking and lively, it can overwhelm a living room if used for large-scale furniture. In apartments, she advises moderation rather than ambition with this bold hue.
Bright colors can energize a room, but they can also impede unwinding after a long day. Kuznetsova notes that a color as intense as Viva Magenta tends to push the user toward activity rather than rest. She suggests letting the color shine in smaller doses—through accents like textiles, decor items, or a standout cushion—so the space remains calm and functional. Those who love retro vibes from the 1970s might enjoy incorporating a Viva Magenta pouf or a sofa as a playful focal point, without sacrificing comfort and balance.
For interior design that aims to host and socialize, Viva Magenta can create an inviting atmosphere, especially when integrated thoughtfully with neutrals and natural materials. The designer points out that this color is ideal for spaces that require energy and a dynamic mood, such as lobbies, bars, lounges, or event areas within hospitality settings. It can energize guests and spark conversation, yet it should be chosen with restraint to avoid overpowering the environment.
Kuznetsova emphasizes that Viva Magenta serves as a guide rather than a rule. The Pantone selection is a promotional and creative touchstone that designers can use to spark ideas, not a mandate to be followed rigidly. In practice, designers mix the color with calmer tones to achieve harmony, ensuring that the space remains welcoming and comfortable for daily use. The main goal is to balance vibrancy with practicality so that the interior remains livable and appealing over time.
In public spaces, the color palette can lean into Viva Magenta as a unifying accent that energizes guests without dominating the room. Public venues like restaurants, cafes, or nightlife venues benefit from a carefully curated touch of color that supports branding and mood while maintaining a sense of flow and accessibility. The key lies in proportion—small bold statements can do a lot without overwhelming the overall design. A well-chosen Viva Magenta detail can become a signature element that visitors remember, while the rest of the space maintains a serene and sociable environment.
Overall, the color guidance for Viva Magenta is flexible and creative. Home interiors can incorporate the shade in limited doses, used strategically in fabrics, art, or decorative pieces. In contrast, public interiors can embrace the hue more boldly to energize and engage guests. The evolving understanding of color in design means that today’s spaces benefit from thoughtful experimentation rather than rigid adherence to a single trend. The Pantone color of the year should be viewed as inspiration, a starting point for exploration rather than a fixed rule that dictates every design decision. [Attribution: Pantone Institute]