Think pink for your home decor this summer
From bold bubblegums to soft blushes – pink has taken over in recent interior trends and is here to stay this season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With the sunshine finally out and summer on its way, it’s time to set our sights on the hottest hue for this summer’s palette: pink.
Although dousing your house with a pot of Barbie-pink paint may not be everybody’s cup of tea, there are myriad ways to incorporate the trend in your home.
From choosing a patterned rug with hints of rose, a fuchsia desk lamp, a millennial pink feature wall or a token blush velvet chair, a pop of pink can be the perfect way to give your space a shake up.
If you are not yet ready to make a permanent commitment, integrating colourful accents into your existing set up can be a great transition to a more daring interiors palette.
Gregory Phillips, of Gregory Phillips Architects, comments: “To avoid a monochrome, bachelor-pad look we will often use a pop of colour like pink to lift the space and give it life.
“Designing in layers of different shades of grey, for instance, gives a space a sophisticated atmosphere but can get a little bit dull, and pink is a natural bedfellow to grey.
“We have just finished an interior in a flat in Whitstable and incorporated a velvet lounge chair in blush pink that the client is extremely happy with.”
A statement chair, piece of art or a rug with a splash of pink is the perfect way to bring a space alive, adding interest without closing in or overwhelming the room.
Aamer Fatah, founder and creator of Hemghar rugs, is ahead of the trend: “Our rug designs emulate the culture, lifestyle and vibrancy of the regions they are woven in and we often incorporate pink to achieve this. The bright pink used on the wild fuchsia rug allows a typically traditional piece to make a contemporary statement, while the soft pastel pink of our vintage-dyed blush rug adds a sense of luxury and exoticism to any interior.”
The art of avoiding a scheme reminiscent of your childhood bubble gum princess bedroom lies in the choice of accompanying colours.
Anna Burles, interior designer and creative director of Run For The Hills, explains how she incorporates pink in her projects. “The key is to juxtapose it with edgier and more urban finishes, colours and design details to stop it feeling too feminine,” she says. “Charcoal grey, powder pink and strong, crisp whites are a classic combination.
“We used a dusky pink leather on the custom bar stools we designed for Kricket Soho, which looks great against the antique brass metalwork and ivory gorgeousness of the crackled lava stone counter top.
“We’ve also used dusky pinky terracotta tones in their latest venue, Kricket Brixton, painting the corrugated curves of the railway arch ceilings, which gives a welcome-in statement colour. Antique tiling to the walls, crisp Carrara white marble and patinated blackened iron finishes to the bar below keep it urban and earthy rather than sweet and girlie.”
And if you need further convincing, Kate Watson-Smyth, of award-winning blog Mad About The House, writes in her pastel pink eponymous book, “Pink is also a calming colour. In 2013, it was reported that after a Swiss prison painted around 30 cells pink, anger levels were reduced within 15 minutes.”
When styling a room the secret is not to overdo it – allow the colourful piece to become the focal point of the room: impactful yet simple.
With a spectrum ranging from a subdued millennial pink to the most shocking violet, however the trend is incorporated, you can rest assured your home will be picture perfect.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments