Decorating With Pink

In my last post, I discussed decorating with the color Red, and I briefly touched upon the topic that decorating with Red is remarkably different from decorating with Pink. That’s curious, don’t you think?
 
After all, decorating with all values of a color (from light to dark) works fairly well with blue, green, and neutrals of beige and gray. But definitely not with red and its lighter companion pink.  What makes pink so special?  Well, I’m not sure, but perhaps because pink is inherently perceived as soft, and red is inherently perceived as loud, they are just different.  So, here are some general design guidelines for decorating with pink.
 
I like pink.   I have done numerous pink bedrooms (for little and not-so-little) girls, and it’s always a happy endeavor.  And the joy of the young clients in choosing their paint color (with only a few options presented, naturally) and their fabrics is also just delightful.   I’ve also done other rooms (family and adult spaces) with pink as the accent color, and they have been refreshing and happy, like in this Lexington, MA living room below:  

When decorating with pink, I have always found it best to find an inspiration fabric to start the fun.  Sometimes it is the motif (floral is pretty predominant, but geometrics are strong lately, and there are lots in pink to choose from), sometimes the intensity of the pink is the draw, and sometimes a fabric just starts the spark.  Here are some great current pink fabrics that are available from my vendor, ​​​Greenhouse Fabrics.

Additionally, here are some excellent pinks from another one of my vendors, Stout Fabrics.

​One thing you’ll notice about these designer pink fabrics is that they are generally monochromatic:   pink and white or pink and ivory.  If there is an accent or second color, it is usually green.  From a color specialist perspective, I find that so curious because in the interior design field, we generally don’t embrace too many “complimentary color” parings like red and green. But pink and green are certainly compatible as the fabric swatches shown above attest.  Pale pink goes well with green, and bright pink (hot pink or fuchsia) goes very well with blue, as they are very close on the color wheel. 

Rules of Thumb When Decorating with Pink:

1. Take your inspiration from a fabric you love. If it has a white background, then pair that inspiration fabric with other “clearer” colored fabrics.  If it has an ivory background, be careful with pairing with other fabrics, especially ones that trend toward yellow. Pink and yellow don’t mix well (except in certain special tulips). So, pair fabrics you find with pink with other fabrics with similar or neutral background colors.
2. Some wood tones go with pink and some don’t.  In little girls’ bedrooms, you will often see white furniture which is a picture-perfect-made-in-heaven mate with pink fabrics, both soft and bold.   (One curious note is that uber-popular Pottery Barn Kids furniture is actually more on the ivory side, rather than a pure white.)  But, even with white furniture, please pay attention to the undertone when selecting bedding and other fabrics.  However, when dealing with actual wood tones, any wood tone with yellow (oak) or orange (maple or cherry) will look a bit “off.” When paired with pink. That’s because orange and yellow undertones do not play well with pink.   They play well with red, but not pink. Aha, now you are getting the specialness of decorating with pink.  Mahogany wood tones (deep red) look fine with pink, as do gray-washed wood tones and really pale blonde wood.  Walnut will look okay, since it’s considered a neutral. Just remember to think of the undertone of the wood tone and whether it “goes” with pink.  And if you’re in doubt, test for yourself by holding a piece of the fabric next to the wood.
3. Soft pinks demand other soft tones in the décor.  To make a feature fabric with soft pink work, don’t pair it with loud colors like dark purple.  If you want to pair it with dark tones, stick to grays and neutrals.  There is a reason “pastels” are harmonious together - keep your hand light if you are working with soft pinks.
4. “Millennial pink” is very popular warmer soft pink, and has a slightly peachy undertone to it.  Pay attention to the other fabrics in the room for a compatible undertone. Benjamin Moore’s 2020 “Color of the Year” First Light 2102-70 is a perfect example of this. Notice how the “First Light” pink paint is paired with other airy colors and gray:

​Well, that’s a wrap on the color pink.  Let me help you navigate the intricacies of pink!  As subtle as the color is, it demands a careful eye to make it sing with the rest of the décor.