Design Notes
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
The meaning of Viva Magenta for 2023
A color meant to emphasize how our physical and digital worlds are increasingly merging, Viva Magenta combines the best of pink and red to bring a pop of color into the world. Homeowners have been adapting their lifestyle for the last couple of years as we work from home, further our education online, turn basements into gyms, and even expand our square footage through outdoor spaces. These adjustments have not all been easy and have required some rearranging in our homes, but now many are enjoying the benefits it brings, such as less commute time and more family time. Viva Magenta is a bright, bold, and even brave color that perfectly reflects who we are today and gives us the energy to continue pursuing a better world.
Ways to use Viva Magenta in the home
Color is one of the funnest elements to use in the design world, plus it is one of the best ways to tell your story because it has a voice all its own. Viva Magenta is a beautiful, vibrant color that can add so much to your home, and there are countless ways to do it:
- Accent wall
- Pillows
- Window treatments
- Furniture
- Area rugs
- Artwork
- Home decor
Sometimes, including a bold color in a room can give you a sense of energy, joy, and even delight as you see it pop throughout the space. It can also be done as strong or as soft as you like. Accent walls are a great way to make a statement while still maintaining a sense of balance in the room, especially with neutral furniture such as off-white or even gray, both lovely complements to Viva Magenta. Window treatments are another option to bring a splash of color to a room without overpowering the entire space. They also work well with a softer wall color. Pillows and other linens, such as bedspreads, are an easy way to incorporate this exciting color into your home, and they can be easily exchanged if you want to change it up again later. Opting to have a piece of furniture transformed with Viva Magenta is not a bad thing; it can be a focal point in the room that draws the eye and becomes the centerpiece for everything else. Area rugs are a wonderful option, plus they are functional. Artwork is an expression of what you love, and this color certainly has a lot to say, making it a great option for new art pieces in your home. The design possibilities are endless with Viva Magenta; places like Pinterest will be a great way to find even more inspiration on ways to use it.
The benefit of using Viva Magenta in the home
As bold colors continue to trend, Viva Magenta will complement many of the color schemes emerging on designer mood boards and in interior magazines. It is a color that represents joy, encourages discovery, and empowers us to move forward. Such a color can bring numerous benefits to various areas of the home. Contrast is one of them as it always is a striking combination that results in a visual interest which is a winner for everyone. This color would look great in a bedroom or even a home office that needs a little boost of energy. Consider incorporating it into your space with area rugs, artwork, pillows, or a new office chair or desk. We know that working from home can have its downsides, such as staying in the same space for hours, but this bright color can instantly freshen and excite it. The laundry room could also benefit from a touch of Viva Magenta, consider including some wallpaper as an accent feature, or maybe some backsplash with a mosaic pattern of Viva Magenta and soft whites. This will create an elegant contrast and brighten up a place in the home that can make the mundane chores a little happier. Even though this is a bold shade, don’t be intimidated by it; there are many ways it can breathe new life into your home and make you enjoy it even more. Discuss with your designer the possibility of incorporating Viva Magenta into your next interior design project.
There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.
Home trends and styles change every year as designers track the elements that seem to be gaining popularity and why. While it is not recommended to follow the latest trend simply because it seems like the ideal choice, there are reasons why some trends become popular, eventually becoming a staple in design. 2022 brought several trends in home decor, some of which have been around for a while but are now gaining traction for good reasons. Let’s explore some of the top options on the list so you can understand the benefits they offer and determine if they are a good fit for your home.
We know that at the end of the day, it is the details that make a space feel like home. The functional kitchen space is great, and the multipurpose bathroom vanity is a must, but the little things enable every area to reflect you and your personality. There are literally hundreds of ways to utilize accent pieces throughout your home, but one that has been trending for some time is the use of plants, both in your indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditionally, when we think of plants, our minds think of real but faux greenery, and florals have also become popular. Dried is another option that has found its way into the design world.


Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design