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By Kathryn Weber
All shades of pink have been finding their way into homes, advertising, and even the Olympic Games. Radiant Orchid, a deep pink with blue tones, is Pantone’s makeup Color of the Year for 2014. You could say that pink is red-hot right now. But even pink is not just for little girls anymore, there are limits
Do’s and don’ts
The bubble gum pink of the ’60’s is passe. Today’s pink is more lustrous, with deeper tones radiating from palest shell pink to deep magenta and orchid. A touch of bubble gum pink isn’t a bad thing, but bathing the room in it is. A single wall of pink, for example, is enough to brighten a room without overwhelming it making it look childish.
A simple way to use pink well is to employ it as an accent color. By adding pink accents in upholstery, drapes or accessories, you keep the color fresh and vibrant. If you still want an all-pink room, you can make it work by adding an unexpected color, such as khaki, ochre, or a deeper shade of the base pink. Metals positively sparkle when paired with pink, so don’t be afraid to bring in strong metallic accents.
Pink and patterned
Whether you gravitate toward ikat or toile, pink is simply smashing in patterns. Traditionalists may opt for scenes in pink toile, but scenes like the Kaufmann oriental toile in plum is a fresh take on a timeless style (fabricguru.com). If boho designs are more to your liking, a fuschia ikat wooden wastepaper basket will provide just the right punch of color and pattern under a desk ($116, Laylagrace.com). If an Italian villa and a classic and understated look is more your style, pale pink damask wallpaper makes the perfect backdrop ($55, burkedecor.com).
Serving up pink
Employing pink in your home decor doesn’t have to stop at the bedroom. This bright shade can be just as good a fit in the kitchen and dining room. Fill a cabinet with happy, floral-print dishes from Ikea like the Trolsk or Ideel patterns (Ikea.com).
If you like antique looks, check out Etsy or Ebay for deals on popular pink-print dishes like Old British Castles by Johnson Brothers or pink Depression glass serving pieces Go for a new take on an old pattern with Royal Albert New Country Roses dinnerware ($72, four-piece place setting, Kohls.com).
Go retro
Nothing says retro like a pink bathroom. Many bathrooms from the 1930s to the ’60s were sheathed in pink tile. If you’re not sure you want to go that far, give your bathroom a retro with pink accessories.
Pair up pink towels with a shower curtain made from pink ticking, or go wild Lilly Pulitzer Sister Florals towels, paired with her Well-Connected bath rug (Garnethill.com).
© Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
