Every December, the world’s leading colour authority, Pantone, announces a colour that they feel best encapsulates the mood of the coming year.
The Colour of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta a hot pink. Pantone describes this as a powerful and empowering colour, “an unconventional red for an unconventional time”.
“Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration …”
Viva Magenta 18-1750 is a colour that is rooted in nature – and comes from the red family.
Leatrice Eiseman, CEO of Pantone, says that in this age of technology, we look more to nature to keep a handle on what is real.
“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 ever known.”
It is not surprising that after several years focused on neutral palettes, interior designers are gravitating towards colour-drenched walls and cabinetry – and Viva Magenta could be an indication of bold colours that are on their way.
So how will this bold, bright colour be used in commercial fitouts??
Here are 5 suggestions on how this Pantone Colour of the Year could be used in in commercial interior fitouts, whether it be an office fitout, a cafe fitout or a restaurant fitout.
1. Use Viva Magenta as a pop of colour
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Viva Magenta into your space is to use it as an accent colour or a pop of colour.
Viva Magenta is a bold colour but it can be incorporated into interior commercial fitouts in multiple ways.
For a bold statement you can go for a magenta feature wall, but it can also be added as a pop of colour through smaller details, for example, curtains or rugs, or even just magenta flowers. This will add a warm, yet dramatic touch to any interior.
If it is used sparingly, in small doses, Viva Magenta will add a pop of energy to an otherwise neutral space. These splashes of this colour will definitely lift any space.
2. Use Viva Magenta with earthy tones or neutrals
Viva Magenta is a strong colour so you can soften it by pairing it with muted earthy hues like sandy beige and cinnamon brown.
Bold, vibrant colours aren’t for everyone and a lot of people gravitate towards the calming properties of a neutral palette.
However, if you want to make a foray into using bolder colours, you will be delighted to know that Viva Magenta pairs beautifully with these natural, paler shades.
If you put it against crisp white, it really comes to life, and if paired with grey it creates a great, contemporary feel. With the right tone of pale pink it becomes soft and romantic, and earthy sands really bring out the red.
So you do not need to ditch the neutral or earthy colours, just pair them with Viva Magenta.
3. Spice up a restaurant fitout with a dash of Viva Magenta
Restaurants are the perfect place to experiment with Viva Magenta.
Do not be afraid to use Viva Magenta in your restaurant designs. Add warm tones of lively green plants, add magenta-coloured seats and table décor and amp up the whole restaurant theme.
To add design depth, indulge in soft rugs made of wool and silk. Add touches of Viva Magenta with such things as salt and pepper shakers on the table. Minute details in this colour will enhance the restaurant’s design theme.
4. Experiment with textures
Viva Magenta is a shade that also lends itself beautifully to textures.
Using different textures to add depth and interest to a space has been a rising practice over the past few years.
Use Viva Magenta in velvet to create the feeling of ultimate indulgence, in wool for vibrant cosiness, or even in coloured glass for a beautiful rosy glow.
5. Use it to highlight key areas
Think outside the box
Another way to incorporate Viva Magenta into your office or shop fitout is to use it to highlight key areas or features.
For example, you could use Viva Magenta signage or lighting to draw attention to your company logo or product displays. This will help create a sense of energy and excitement in your space, and make it more memorable for customers.
