July 22, 2024

Color Service: How to Decorate with Shades of Pink, According to Designers

Peach, dusty rose, salmon, tropical cerise, blush, and marzipan. Pink is a color that knows no limits. Styling your home with pink can seem far fetched or intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Pink is a versatile color that can be neutral and peaceful or energizing and bold, depending on the vibe you’re going for. In the mid-18th century, pastel pink cultivated a reputation as a status symbol color that represented class and luxury, popularized in fashion, art, and interior design. From bright shades of fuchsia in the 1960s pop art movement to the current coining of millennial pink, this color has been reinvented in what seems like every decade since its inception. Today, TikTok's head-to-toe Coquette movement and Barbie are just two recent moments centered around this popular hue.

But not all pink facades are the same, nor do they have the same allure–especially when it comes to decorating your home. If you think pink might feel too twee, we challenge you to try these tips and tricks before completely ruling it out. Did you know pink plays well with most colors? Primarily made up of yellow and blue tones, pink complements both warm and cool hues on the color wheel, which is why we like to think of it as a neutral in disguise. “Designers harness the versatility of pink by utilizing it as a neutral shade, akin to beige or gray,” says Lauren Lerner of Living with Lolo. With its gentle, warm undertones, pink can harmonize with a diverse array of colors and styles, showcasing its adaptability across different spaces. 

We caught up with Lauren to hear more about why pink should be part of your go-to palette and how pink-hued purchases can add impact to any corner of your home. From a runner in your sun-dappled entryway to a soothing pink base for any bedroom, here’s the expertise you should factor in.

R: What colors work best with pink on the color wheel? We love how pink can be treated as a palette cleanser to help carve out calm areas.

L: Yes, pink complements both warm and cool hues on the color wheel, acting as a perfect neutral. To achieve a modern vibe, blend pink with light neutrals such as beige, ivory, or taupe. For a more daring style, contrast pink with deep greens, navy blues, or rich grays.

R: Are there any shades of pink you avoid?

L: While individual tastes differ, highly vibrant or bubblegum pink shades could pose a challenge when trying to blend them into a neutral color scheme without dominating the area. Excessively soft pastel pinks may come across as childish unless counterbalanced by sophisticated touches.

R: How do you avoid pink reading as cutesy or exclusively feminine?

L: To avoid an excessively saccharine or gender-defined feel with pink, designers counterbalance it with contrasting elements. Infusing sleek, contemporary furniture, striking patterns, or industrial accents can infuse depth and refinement into a pink-dominated space.

R: How do you recommend incorporating pink in larger doses, such as wallpaper, walls or a rug? 

L: To maintain visual harmony when incorporating pink on larger surfaces such as walls or rugs, it's crucial to strike a balance with neutral or contrasting accents. For example, combine soft blush pink walls with crisp white trim and dark wood furniture for a timeless aesthetic. When using a pink rug, ensure to integrate complementary colors in the room's furnishings and decor to achieve a cohesive look.

R: What are some of the best swatches of pink to use? 

L: Selecting from a palette of pink hues for design:

• Blush Pink: Soft and subtle, perfect for a serene vibe in bedrooms or living areas.
• Dusty Rose: Muted pink with chic gray undertones, exuding sophistication and warmth without dominating a room.
• Coral Pink: Bright and lively, great for injecting color in accessories or on accent walls.

These versatile shades can blend seamlessly into diverse design schemes. Consider the undertones of each shade to ensure harmony with other elements in the space.

Dawn from Ombre collection. Shop All Pink Rugs