Paintbox Grown-up pink
This pretty hue packs a punch when it comes to creating a sophisticated scheme with a hint of romance
the new take on pink is anything but sweet
At first blush, this season’s pink pickings might seem somewhat clichéd – after all, pink and spring go hand in hand. But look again. Pink has grown up, trading its sweet reputation for a more muted, sophisticated and earthy look.
‘There is an exciting duality to grown-up pink – it’s soft and delicate, yet strong and composed,’ says Paula Taylor, colour and trend specialist at Graham & Brown. The upshot is a calm, cocooning shade that’s excellent for bedrooms and living rooms, indeed for any room where you want a serene feel.
‘The warming undertones of grown-up pink are particularly suited to north- or west-facing rooms, which typically see less light,’ advises
Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George. ‘In these spaces, cooling tones of crisp white, light blue and bright green can feel impersonal.’
If you’ve opted for a muted palette throughout your home, start using grown-up pink in small areas, such as a cloakroom or the inside of a cupboard. ‘An island or kitchen table in this shade is a total game changer,’ says Farrow & Ball’s colour curator Joa Studholme. ‘It will bring warmth and depth to the centre of the room without closing it in.’
It’s best to avoid clean whites with grown-up pink, as they may wash out the space. Stick to warmer neutrals, such as tones of grey that will add depth, or dial up the drama with touches of charcoal, emerald green or black. And why restrict grown-up pink to walls? If you’re feeling confident, go all out in a small space, such as a guest room or bathroom, and paint the woodwork and ceiling, too.