Pantone – Viva Magenta

The Pantone Color Institute, the world’s authority on color, has picked an “it” color every year for two decades and 2023 is the year of Magenta. Well, apparently it’s back but it’s a more vivid version of it and not the pastel version we saw in the 80’s. It’s more like a 90’s bright fuchsia which partners with the current emphasis on 90’s fashion that’s going on right now. 

Every year Pantone analyzes entertainment, fashion, cultural events, travel, technology and socioeconomic conditions to forecast trends and come up with a color that embodies a moment in time. With global wars, post-pandemic financial stress, social unrest and supply chain breakdowns, Pantone says that Viva Magenta is “an unconventional color for an unconventional time”. It looks to the future with strength and it’s a way to combine the natural with the digital age.

When Pantone picks a color, it goes on to influence product development and purchasing for fashion, furniture, industrial design and product packaging. Pantone has partnered with Art Basel Miami 2022 to showcase artwork using this color and they will also have a “Magentaverse” which will allow attendees to immerse themselves in the color.

Viva Magenta is from the scarlet red family but is more nuanced with undertones of deep pink. Vibrant pinks are definitely having a moment; cue the Barbiecore interior design trend that’s going on right now. 

Here are some examples of how to use this color. I think it should be used sparingly because a little goes a long way but below there’s a living room with the wall color in Viva Magenta. They brought it down with neutral colors so it’s not quite so bold.The second picture uses it as a banquette seating area which is just enough color to make it exciting.

Benjamin Moore – Raspberry Blush

This next color by BM is another red based color but it has orange undertones and BM compares it to the “best color in a sunset”. It reads as pink and is definitely on trend. Like the Pantone Viva Magenta, Benjamin Moore is going in a more adventurous direction. In looking to the future BM sees a time of courageousness,  

The picture below is saturated with color and it works. Use this monochromatic look to lend an air of sophistication to your room. The second picture cools down the color with touches of white and cream. The black and cream rug also takes the color from fun to more sophisticated. 

Sherwin Williams – Redend Point

This color is a mixture of clay with a blush pink tone and plays into the trend of desert tones. Desert tones have come to the forefront of trends since it invokes Arizona, New Mexico, spa treatments and self-care. At this time, self-care and interpersonal care is still at the top of everyone’s mind post 2020.

It’s a mid-tone neutral and goes well with cooler neutrals such as gray and beige as well as warmer terra-cottas, wood and textiles. SW even has a partnership with Etsy to showcase a curated selection of decorative accessories and art in Redend point.

Here are 2 examples of Redend Point used in a bedroom and a kitchen, but you could also use it unexpectedly on the ceiling, in a bathroom or in a powder room.     Get creative; this color is very versatile once you try it.

Behr – Blank Canvas

At first glance, Blank Canvas might seem like a boring choice to pick as a “Color of the Year”, but a closer look should be taken. It’s a warm white with undertones of brown and gray and adds a freshness to every room. Some people are referring to it as a “reset” with all that’s happening in the world. Behr refers to it as “that perfect artistic color for people to start expressing their creativity”. 

The best use of Blank Canvas is as the primary color on walls to set the tone of relaxation and tranquility.

The examples below of Blank Canvas shows how it makes a clean look in the bathroom as well as creates a warm and welcoming entryway.

Dunn Edwards – Terra Rosa

Terra Rosa is a deep dusty pink color with a touch of terra cotta. It can act like a neutral when you pair it with other colors since it has the cinnamon undertones. It’s pretty without being overly feminine.

The two examples are a bedroom and dining room. This color makes everybody look good with the lights dimmed and/or by candlelight.

PPG and Glidden – Vining Ivy

With a total departure from other paint companies, PPG and Glidden has settled on a shared blue/green color. PPG is their professional brand and Glidden is the DIY brand. They’re looking from the past with all of the green colors and the future with the blue adding a jewel tone quality to it. 

There are other paint companies that do not pick one color, but several that you can use separately or together. 

Valspar – 2023 Colors of the Year

Farrow & Ball – 2023 Colors of the Year  

So, to sum it up, if four paint/color companies have 2023 colors in the pink family, I think we can safely say that pink is THE color of 2023 in all its variations. I’m not a pink girl traditionally and I don’t have any pink in my house, but I’m starting to like pink in fashion. What do you think? Would you use pink in your house? Let me know in the comments.