Colour Stories: Pink
You may have noticed that pink is having a moment; more than a moment in fact. There was much talk of Millennial Pink back in 2017 and this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is coral, an orangey version of pink.
Whether used as a warm ‘neutral’ rather than off-white, as curtains or blinds to add a pop of colour to a space or as the main wall colour in a room, pink has become very popular. And we can safely say that its inherent qualities mean it’s likely to remain in high demand for some time to come.
Pink Top Picks
Refreshing, Vibrant, Fun. Our Top Pink Picks...
First up, pink.
In the first of a series of blogs, we explore the history and characteristics of a particular colour and suggest ways in which in can be used successfully in your home.
It’s not just for girls
Let’s start by dispelling the myth that pink is a ‘girl’s colour’. In fact the whole ‘pink is for girls and blue is for boys’ thing is pretty new, dating from the middle of the last century. Before that, it was quite the opposite; pink, a faded version of red after all, was associated with military uniforms and red-robed clergy while blue, with its spiritual associations, was the official colour of the Virgin Mary.
The use of the word ‘pink’ to describe a colour is relatively new too. Prior to its first appearance in the Oxford English Dictionary in the late 1600’s, pink was used to describe a pigment made by mixing buckthorn berries with chalk. The resulting colour, although varied, was reminiscent of the flower dianthus plumarius, also known as the ‘pink’. So there you have it!
Pink is a contradiction
Depending on the tone used, pink can produce very different effects in a home. Strong, vibrant pinks such as fuschia and magenta can be dramatic and highly stimulating while soft, muted pinks are thought to be soothing and calming - perfect for a bedroom or anywhere else you want to relax.
Whatever the shade, pink in all its guises is youthful, optimistic and fun. Pink flatters the skin so in the same way a pink shirt or jumper flatters the wearer, a pink interior will flatter the occupant and the objects within it.
So, what goes with pink?
The answer is pretty much anything. As we’ve already said, pale pink works brilliantly as a warm neutral, especially with strong, deep colours such as chocolate, forest green and midnight blue. Use it on woodwork and sweep it over the ceilings to create a stylish, contemporary look.
Soft, petal pink fabrics such as our ‘Blush’ Cotton Twill and ‘Nile’ Wool work beautifully with sage, mint and olive greens or lime for extra punch, creating a relaxed, easy and timeless feel. For a more tailored look, opt for our ‘Rose Quartz’ Velvet.
An English Garden...
Pink at its most saturated is the colour of an English country garden in summer. Extend this idea by teaming bold pinks with chalky whites, blue greys and jade greens to create a room full of vitality.
A pair of curtains or blinds in our ‘Chilli’ Linton, ‘Ladybird’ Flax or ‘Pink Opal’ Velvet would work perfectly here.
For a more toned down effect, opt for dark rose, plum and berry pinks. These rich colours are used to best effect with greys, leaf greens and soft whites.
For a sophisticated look with oodles of warmth and depth, opt for our ‘Damson’ or ‘Cherry’ in Cotton Twill or ‘Ruby’ in Velvet.
Start your pink adventure today by requesting some free samples!