EXPERT ADVICE

LINDA HAMILTON Founder And Principal Designer Of Urbanedge www.urbanedgestyle.com.au Instagram @urbanedgestyle

WHEN we think of pink in the home our thoughts immediately go to a little girl’s room which has every shade of pink imaginable mixed together to create a little princesses nirvana. However, with the introduction of blush into the contemporary colour palette we can now utilise this colour, albeit in a much toned down form, in other areas of the home.

Blush is fundamentally a soft shade of light pink with a grey-based undertone which produces a wonderful, casually elegant hue. Given the fact it comes from the “pink family” it automatically will carry a feminine quality, however depending on what you put it back with it can be surprisingly versatile.

Personally, when decorating rooms for girls this is my go-to colour as I know it will also grow with the child. I like to pair it with crisp whites as this results in a beautifully fresh and clean look.

Children seem to be growing up quicker than ever and a cute little eight-year-old will turn into a teenager before you know it. By using blush, which is by far the most sophisticated tone of pink, it means that the transition from a child’s room to that of a young adult can be easily achieved. Simply replace the younger, generally brighter, accessories with muted greys and silvers and instantly your daughter will have a chic, stylish room to show off to her friends.

If you would like to introduce blush into the main bedroom, I suggest mixing it with soft greys of varying tones.

Remember a little can go a long way in this setting so my advice would be to stick to two elements, such as an upholstered feature chair and some throw cushions on the bed.

By adhering to the less-is-more rule you will avoid the space feeling too sweet.

For living spaces this colour can be introduced in many ways.

Follow the less-is-more mantra to avoid a space that is too feminine.

In the living room you can really see how versatile blush can be; it can be used with many other neutrals to create a look of relaxed sophistication.

For those who wish to make a statement, paint a room, cover a sofa or invest in some stunning drapery fabrics currently available in this contemporary colour.

When put back with lighter-toned neutrals the result will be softer, however do not overlook the option of combining it with black and charcoal to create a more masculine feel.

The result achieved by balancing a strong black background such as deep walls, with the calming effect of a blush sofa, will create a space that is both dramatic and tranquil at the same time.

For those who aren’t feeling so brave, you can integrate blush into your neutral home by simply using it as an accessory colour.

Think of a few cushions and a throw, a table cloth and of course the perfect accessory that nature has been supplying in this colourway for centuries – fresh flowers.