Pinky and Perky: Are you ready for colour of the year, Viva Magenta?

Pink has always been in fashion, from the soft warmth of barely-there plaster-tone walls to bold cerise hues.

But this month, color specialist Pantone vividly crowned ‘Viva Magenta’ as its color of 2023.

A bold pink so deep it almost seems red, this pulsating tone is bold and fearless and requires a deft hand when it comes to interiors.

Inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes in the world, the tone expresses a new signal of strength and also represents an adventurous and rebellious spirit.

“Using a strong statement like magenta in your decorating scheme has the same effect as putting on a pretty pink dress to go to a party,” says interior designer Natalia Miyar.

“An injection of color can make us feel cheerful and confident.”

Make a statement

In such turbulent times, both politically and economically, it’s not surprising that trends focus on statement-making tones in the home.

“When a crisis hits, we often respond with something to counter that feeling of malaise,” says Natalia.

“I’ve always loved using shades of pink, but they come out at a time when we’re looking for freshness and reassurance.”

The key is to pair this tone with shades that complement it, rather than creating too many color clashes.

If you’re bold enough to go all out, try painting the walls of a small or less-used space, such as a pantry, guest room, or hallway, in magenta.

“Vibrant lush pinks like our Magenta or Raspberry Blush work well with pure whites, as well as anchoring tones like Mid Gray and Midnight Blue,” says Benjamin Moore’s Helen Shaw.

Balance exercise

If painting entire walls is a step too far, incorporate this tone into unexpected corners of your home.

“Think of it as a highlighter,” says interior designer Emma Stevenson.

“It works on the back of a door as a surprise in an otherwise soft scheme, on window frames or as a modern decorative border.”

Whether you go big or small with this look, a sense of harmony is key. “Try to be playful yet considered,” says Gisela Lancaster of Sofology, who prefers pops of color over bright chairs.

“Magenta is invigorating, but often works best as a statement focus.”

Thanks to the balance between warm and cool, Viva Magenta is a color that can be woven into different palettes.

Green and blue work well, but for more ‘pop’ in a room, pair with crisp white.

Another way to exploit the boldness of this tone is to combine it with the colors and textures of nature. Think of jute, sisal, wool, linen and wood.

The scalloped and plum trim jute rug from the Huddle collection, from £70, perfectly expresses the harmony that can be achieved between vibrant colors and relaxed, natural materials.

Nod to the trend

The High Street is sure to be filled with bold magenta home accessories this year.

Try Original BTC’s Alma Pendant Lamp in Coral, £489, to spice up neutral schemes or Pooky’s Pat Table Lamp in Cosmo Pink, £147.

Do you want to brighten up a living room? Introduce magenta tones through throw pillows.

Designers Guild has a gorgeous velvet cushion that’s bold magenta on one side and a softer rose-red on the other (£30, reduced in price from £60).

Amuse La Bouche, meanwhile, has a clashing magneta and pink striped pillow with oversized ruffles (£79, roseandgrey.co.uk).

Ultimately, this is a color to have fun with.

“In some ways it feels like a very British tone, in that only Brits would be brave enough to use it,” says Emma Stevenson.

“I appreciate magenta because it is vibrant and cheerful and evokes feelings of joy, happiness, love, fervor and excitement.”