La vie en rose

Pantone Colour of the Year 2023

Let’s start with ‘vim and vigour’ courtesy of the new Pantone Colour of the Year 2023.  It's a stunning shade called Viva Magenta. This bold and pulsating colour is said to represent joy and optimism, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of positivity to their surroundings.

“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute.

“PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”

That’s quite a powerful force to invoke in our surroundings. So, how can you incorporate Viva Magenta into your interior decoration? The good news is that this colour is incredibly versatile, meaning there are countless ways to make it work in your home. One simple way to incorporate Viva Magenta is by adding accents of the color throughout your space. For example, you could add pink throw pillows to your sofa or use a pink area rug to add some interest to your flooring. You could also add magenta curtains or drapes to your windows, which will create a dramatic and vivid atmosphere.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you could even consider painting one of your walls in Viva Magenta. This can be a great way to make a bold statement in your home, and it works particularly well in smaller rooms or areas where you want to create a focal point. Alternatively, you could add a magenta feature wall by using wallpaper, which is a great way to introduce pattern and texture into your space.

So what else is trending aside from vivid magenta in 2023? It seems the mood is maximalist and bold with many trends, a contrast from sophisticated and muted colour palettes and styles of the previous year.

1.    Maximalism

Maximalism is making a comeback, so if you adore an eclectic, colourful ‘more the merrier’, now is the time to introduce more, more, more to your space courtesy of vivid accessories, eccentric colour combinations and fearless combinations of texture, style and fabric. 

2.     Big, bold texture 
This year’s big and bold approach carries over to materials, with evocative, tactile textures and surfaces that feel rich and rewarding. Natural wood, bold colourful surfaces, lustrous marbles and innovative new materials all reflect a mood amongst consumers to live life fully again after the Covid years.

3.     It’s only natural
The Pandemic brought about a renewed interest in the great outdoors and it’s no surprise that natural materials – from wood to marble – are reappearing in homes. Synthetic surfaces are giving way to textures that reveal their natural origins.

4.     ‘Hipstoric’ homes
A Pinterest phrase that we think describes this kind of eclecticism well, there is a trend for including repurposed, older items with new décor. This reassuring inclusion of things that are familiar sees family trinkets, heirlooms and inherited furniture items sit alongside brand new spaces and items – perhaps reflecting our desire for reassurance in a turbulent and fast-moving world.