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.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design