Color of the Year: Magenta
Good day, design friends! Peggi here. Happy February! How have you been? Did you spend January purging and organizing like Sarah? Or maybe you were busy googling “US cities with the most sunny days and no wind.” Just kidding. (Tucson) Regardless, we have a fresh new month to savor, and I’d like to propose an infallible antidote to gray days or gloomy moods: magenta. Are you surprised? When Pantone announced Viva Magenta as their color of the year, I paused and reflected for a bit. My predilection for bold design and red hues has been amply documented, but I wondered if this could be too much? Click through to see what I decided…
That was cheeky. Of course we’re going to chat about magenta! I don’t know where your opinion will ultimately land, but part of the joy with design is the journey. My interior adventures often begin with a dash of research. In this case, I wanted to confirm my understanding of the word itself; communicating about color can be so confounding! My investigation took several interesting turns. I discovered two different color-mixing models, read hilariously vague descriptions, and even learned that magenta doesn’t exist. Something about wavelengths? I settled on this definition: where red and violet meet. A lovely place, methinks. Once I could clearly identify magenta, I wondered about its history. Remarkably, this hue boasts connections to several nineteenth century chemists, the development of synthetic dyes, and a bloody battle for Italian independence! Who knew? Thanks for indulging my nerdy curiosity; now let’s get to the fun part!
Click right on the images to be redirected to the source, or use the numbered links below to shop my finds.
01: schumacher chinois wallpaper // 02: garnet journal // 03: pair of champagne glasses // 04: vintage designer chair // 05: ikat lampshade // 06: harris tweed dog collar and bowtie // 07: original nude drawing // 08: vintage vera napkins // 09: velvet and linen pillow // 10: magnolia linocut // 11: turkish towel // 12: antique art deco rug //
Have you ever seen a happier collection? Pure delight. Let me start by saying that four different items I had saved sold out before I could even put them in the collage, so someone got the magenta memo! I adore each and every find, but I must highlight that fabulous wool-clad chair! Not a practical choice for about eight thousand reasons, but the color combination just makes my heart sing. Also…70s’ design forever. Now, I have zero naked floors, but I still fervently covet that Chinese Art Deco rug. Absolute stunner. Realistically though, I would choose between a gift for myself or one for my pups. Ha. That luminous pastel nude is a steal for an original. On the other hand, my doods sporting those bow ties would be the dapperest! Decisions, decisions. Does anything here make your heart flutter?
OK. We’ve established a definition and ogled some lovelies, now let’s strategize. Operation Magenta. Feel like a statement? Drench your walls or cabinets in this jubilant shade. Think powder bath, laundry or dressing room. Heck, why not the entire kitchen and pantry? Ooh, perhaps just the ceiling?! Cover less real estate by painting only the moulding and doors. Strikingly pretty! Accessories are the answer for a temporary splash. Pillows, throws, candles! Sprinkle them throughout a room to great effect. For the lightest possible touch, enjoy a magnificent magenta tablescape. Bask in the flattering glow during dinner; then stash everything away for another time. Whether you want a pinch or a profusion, keep in mind that the paint sheen, lighting, and surrounding colors significantly affect the overall impact. High shine and bright whites or black for maximum drama; matte finishes and deep shades or patterns for more subtle energy. You decide.
Can’t make magenta work with your current interiors? Head outside! Perfect blooms abound. All of these flowers possess rosy red varieties: peonies, petunias, dahlias, cosmos, gerber daisies, zinnias, geraniums, and cannas. Don’t forget wonderful foliage plants. Coleus and heuchera are so versatile. This, not exhaustive, list includes both annuals and perennials for all of your garden goals. Incidentally, green is the perfect complement to magenta, so these posies will positively pop in your landscape. Anyone else super excited for spring?
Clearly, I’m in favor of magenta. I appreciate its zing, snap, boom! I also love how it enlivens colors I normally avoid. (Looking at you, brown.) Now I want to hear your thoughts. Too much or juuust right? What do you think of the whole concept of a “color of the year”? Drop into the comments and let me know! Until next time, friends.
