Pinks progress

From Habitat plus - decorating and colour trends 2019

Pink continues to morph and develop

It has been the darling of recent times – millennial pink has appeared in all walks of life from clothing (men’s and women’s), products, accessories, hair and makeup and interiors.

It’s a colour that may not be going away any time soon, but the sweeter truer shades of pink we’ve seen in recent years are morphing in two directions – to dusky peach/nudes and to soft fresh lilacs.

Back wall in Resene Just Dance, side wall in Resene Sorbet, distressed floor in Resene Poured Milk over a basecoat of Resene Rebel. Ottoman legs in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black wood stain, round table in Resene Sunbaked, tall vase in Resene Irresistible and small vase in Resene Rose Gold metallic.

The dusky peach interpretation marries well with emerging earthy colours like terracotta and leather browns. They are also natural partners to creamier whites and deep storm blues.

As with millennial pink, this newer colour is not one specific colour but can be many. Think salmon, wafer, biscuit, nude and pale coral. In combination, these colours are like a pale, glorious sunset.

The surge of smoky pink and peach into our current culture has opened the door for androgynous and adult pinks of so many different shades. Peachy pinks are gentle, compassionate, composed, free-spirited, nurturing and youthful.

Left: Wall in Resene Soothe with Resene Avalanche arch detail, floor, small side table and pendant light in Resene Alabaster, coffee table in Resene Escapade, vase in Resene Soothe. Right: A graphic feel with a background in Resene Alabaster and A4 drawdown paint swatches in Resene Escapade (light blue), Resene Soothe (pink) and Resene Avalanche (navy).

These colours can be used as an accent or as a neutral depending on which version you choose – the muddier versions work well as neutrals. It’s not sickly sweet, but can be sophisticated, glamorous and edgy.

Peach teamed with lighter neutrals will achieve a soft, romantic vibe while darker combinations can be more dramatic. It’s a colour that lends itself to a variety of styles. It is warm, elegant and soothing rather than sugary and showy.

Left: Background in Resene Poured Milk, mesh platter in Resene XOXO, vase in Resene Rose Gold metallic and A4 drawdown paint swatches in Resene Just Dance (darker) and Resene Sorbet.  Right: Walls and floor in Resene Blanched Pink.

Peachy pinks to try:

Lilac has a fresher vibe whether it’s as an icy pastel or as a greyed silvery lavender. It’s a natural next step in our love affair with complex pastels and is surprisingly adaptable as an interior shade. If you look to nature, you’ll see it mixed with soft greens and grey foliage, and it goes well with both cool and warm whites, as well as greys and greige. This wall shape is Resene Mozart, surrounded by Resene Alabaster.

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