There are few colours that are as surprisingly controversial as the blushing tones of pink.
Stereotypically reserved for the boudoirs of babes and budding princesses, over the years this pretty, yet versatile, hue has developed a decidedly limited 'girls only' reputation, holding back would-be pink ladies from purchasing a pearlized paint or glancing twice at a rosy cushion. But we think it's time to rediscover the soft, relaxing and, yes, sophisticated side of pink, and pay homage to its myriad decorative possibilities.
A fine line between tasteful and tacky
Pink may look sweet and innocent, but decorating with this tricky hue is not for the faint of heart. There's a fine line here between tasteful and tacky—one wrong turn could take your room from elegant to over the top, so subtlety is key. Designing to create a mood, rather than a coordinated space, helps to create a sense of balance.
The bedroom in this Quebec home, for example, was transformed into a relaxing sanctuary by painting the walls in a soft, glowing pink, and then adding restrained, tailored touches to create a layer-on-layer look that feels like a warm, cozy hug.
Perfectly imperfect pieces like the large antique mirror, old metal daybed, rustic wood frames (chipped paint and all), and the natural wood floor add country character and old-world charm, but also keep the look a well-chosen step away from becoming too saccharine.
Test it out
When choosing a paint colour, be sure to watch the tone and intensity of the shade you choose—too bright can come off feeling cheap, while baby pink can end up making a room look full of cotton candy. "Definitely take home sample pots," says Home & Country contributing design editor Nicola Marc. "Paint them on pieces of paper and move them around the room—pink is one of those tricky colours that can look completely different, depending on the light."
The colour chosen for this room (Benjamin Moore's Elephant Pink 2087-70) is a serene blush that offers an understated glow.
If you're trying out pink for the first time, use it in small doses, on detail items like accessories and linens. "A bed is the perfect place to play with pink," says Nicola. "Add pink throws or pillows, or create a mix-and-match set with different shades and patterns." Painted antique furnishings sporting flower pulls and dainty curved legs make a space feminine without actually using a lot of pink in the room. Like a sprinkle of fairy dust, a simple touch of pink is enough to bring out any room's inner princess.
Room design by jc home.
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