Color Inspiration: Pink

Color Inspiration: Pink

Pink is the fusion of the color red and white. In shades of pink, the passion and power of red are calmed by the openness and completeness of white. Pink can be a polarizing color in interior design because it’s so tied to femininity and softness. However, depending on the shade of pink you choose, it can prove to be a vibrant accent color, perfect for energetic spaces, or a soothing hue, good for the calmer spaces in your house. Typically, the color pink represents compassion, nurturing, and love, according to color psychology experts. It is also a color full of hope, no matter which shade you choose to include in your house.

Pink in the spotlight:

Pink is a very popular color in 2014, full of energy and optimism. We’ve been seeing a lot of pink on the fashion runways recently, which is always a good indicator of other design trends. Many top designers are using pink as a main color, from pale blush hues to super bright. You can see it used not only as an accent, but also as the guiding force in whole collections from Alexander Wang to Thakoon.

Even more indicative of the importance of pink is its selection as Pantone’s color of the year. Every year, the color company Pantone selects one hue to represent the entire year; for the year 2014, Pantone has selected “Radiant Orchid.” Though this hue sounds ambiguous, it refers to a rosy pink that represents a healthy glow.

Shades of pink:
Stimulating pink – Bright and warm pinks, all the way up to fuchsia and magenta, are vibrant, youthful, and embrace confidence. These shades of pinks share the energy characteristics of the color red and motivate action and fuel creativity. They can be great accents for kitchen and bath areas, or for living spaces that are dedicated to energy and movement, like exercise rooms. You may even choose to include them in small quantities in living and bedrooms just for fun.

Calming Pink – Pastel and muted pinks have much different characteristics than hot pinks. They take you in a totally different direction in terms of interior design. These pinks are soothing and nurturing, and are especially good for bedrooms and living areas dedicated to calm activities.

What does pink mean?

Let’s delve deeper into the psychology of pink. The color can signify success, since we look for “rosy cheeks” as indications of good health and wear “rose-colored glasses” when we see the world in a positive light. Pink can represent sweetness and innocence because it is non-threatening. It has a calming effect on nerves, and has often been used to tone down aggression. While some may see pink as a weak color, it has much strength in its ability to garner respect and admiration. Don’t take pink for granted!

How to incorporate pink:

One great way to use pink in your house without it being overbearing is to choose a rug with pink accents. You can also choose a rug that is entirely pink and place it in a room that is relatively simple, in terms of color. This way, the pink really stands out and adds a visual pop to the room. If you pair pink with dark blue, dark green, black, or gray, the pink tones will be very sophisticated and stylish.

How to use Radiant Orchid in your decorating: Remember that Pantone selection for the year? This shade of pink has definite influences from a strong red to make a seductive look. You can pair it with rich turquoises or deep greens to create a striking and bold interior, or match it with similar lavenders, purples, and other shades of pink to make it stand out less. Pairing it with similar hues will give it an overall appealing look without making it too obvious.