For many the idea of a pink decorating scheme conjures up images of a Barbie dream-house style nightmare. But this autumn, designers are embracing the shade as something that should no longer be confined to little girls’ bedrooms.
Here Ellen Widdup looks at how the bubblegum hue can create a sophisticated, warm and uplifting feel to any interior.
Pink. It’s the colour of the moment.
But you can forget the bright, brash Barbie tones of the past.
Today rosy glow, dusty pink, muted mauve, deep cerise and a beautiful blush are taking precedence in the world of interior design.
Think pink
Stylish pink shades can be used in both a traditional setting or a more modern space.
While paler versions of the colour boast a comforting softness which works well set against a neutral background, the more vibrant choices can bring an area or design feature to life, drawing the eye and adding extra dimension.
Many designers opt to team pink up with a soft grey, chocolate brown, natural green or a navy blue to create harmonious and visually appealing rooms.
But others are finding that hot pink schemes also work well set alongside other punchy accents like vibrant orange or deep red, creating a bit of drama in a space.
Denise Marr of Ideal Interiors, Stonham Barns, Stowmarket, said: “Choosing an accent colour is one of the most enjoyable aspects of interior design.
“Pink means a lot of different things to a lot of different people and a baby pink is going to have a completely different impact to a cerise.”
How to use it
Just because you want to incorporate a bit of pink into your décor, does not mean you should reach from the nearest pot of Dulux Fuschia Lily or Sweet Sorbet and start slapping it all over the walls.
Pick a room where you want to showcase the shade and then look for ways to incorporate it with subtlety.
This will give you a chance to warm up to the idea of something a bit different.
In the kitchen, look at introducing pink crockery, glassware and soft furnishings which can add a subtle hint of pink to the dinner table.
Richard Knight of Stellison Kitchen Designers in Ipswich, said: “I would always advise people to go for a neutral kitchen in white or grey and then introduce an accent colour. That way, if they get fed up of it, it’s an easy element to change.
“Accent colours work well in kitchens but they should be prominent colours. In the past we have seen a surge in popularity of deep red, green and yellow but we have also done several splashbacks in pink and rich purple.”
Create a focal point
A signature piece of furniture upholstered in a blush could create a lovely focal point to a reception room – such as the Ro chair from Fritz Hansen.
An elegant light fixture such as the origami pendant lamp from Elliana at Etsy can also bring a quirky element to a room.
Denise said: “Choosing a signature piece of furniture in your chosen colour can bring a whole design to life.
“You can then use this piece as a way to draw in other elements of the room in complimenting shades.”
For the more ambitious connoisseurs of the colour pink, go for a statement piece such as a kitchen island in bubblegum complimented with a series of gadgets to match.
Are you man enough?
Can a room be masculine or feminine?
Well pretty pastels, florals and delicate prints have traditionally been deemed girly while leather, stuffed animals and big wooden beams have been reserved for the more macho.
Of course, calling something ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ doesn’t mean that particular room or decor style is only for men or women — it means that the space being described has qualities we associate more with one gender than another.
But does the fact that pink has been traditionally deemed as a female shade, put off the opposite sex?
Make pink masculine
These days we are seeing more and more men embrace the colour pink.
So much so that pink shirts have become a classic fashion staple, and in the testosterone fueled financial sector, are now seen as an almost conservative colour choice.
Interestingly, this is also translating into the world of interior design.
Many men are now opting to embrace pink design elements – favouring bold patterns and brighter hues.
Denise said: “Try mixing a muted shade in with black leather furniture and chrome fittings and you will have something very modern and chic.
“Alternatively pick a geometric print with a bold pink incorporated to bring to life a bedroom for even the most masculine.”
Give yourself a lift
Whether you want to spice up a neutral room, lighten a dark space, add a little romance to your soft furnishings or bring a bit of fun to your function, pink is the way to go.
Denise said: “The key thing to remember when using pink – or indeed any other bold interior design trend – is that there are no hard and fast rules.”
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