Pretty in pink

The popularity of pink walls has surged in recent years in the interior design world.

Enveloping living spaces in a cloud of a soft pink brings with it a sense of calm, joy and youthfulness. From bold pinks like Resene Scrumptious and Resene Rouge to softer tones like Resene Sakura and Resene Sorbet, there’s a shade to suit every home style.

Lean into a monochrome look – pinks pair particularly well together in related shades. Essentially, playing with related shades is a step sideways into a colour that’s close by but slightly different. In this living room, warm Resene Soothe is the star on the main wall, a dusty pink/umber neutral. Resene Spring Wood complements the hue with its lightness and warmth, reminiscent of mushroom pink. Picking two relatively neutral pink tones and painting them on two different walls elevates the room. The colours take it from being a two-dimensional room to a contemporary and chic living space, with obvious thought regarding its mood and design.

When styling a living space with pale pink walls, it's important to balance the sweetness of the pink with other elements. Resene Spring Wood and Resene Soothe pair well with natural textures like wood and linen, as well as decadent fabrics like velvets. Wood, rattan and linen will all add depth and interest to the space, while metallic accents like gold and brass will add a touch of glamour. Using bold patterns like stripes or geometric shapes on cushions can also add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

We’ve embraced a natural look and have contrasted Resene Spring Wood and Resene Soothe with earthy greens for furnishings. Pink and green are complementary colours on the colour wheel, which means they naturally work well together. Pale pinks work with stronger shades of green to create a stunning construct of tone, with the lighter colour softening the hardness of green’s darkness.

We’ve added freshness with a DIY canvas artwork painted in Resene Tom Thumb (the backdrop), Resene Rainee, Resene Burnt Crimson and Resene Spring Wood (the leaves). When it comes to selecting any green art for a pink room, consider using shades of green that complement your pink tone. Soft and muted greens like sage and olive can work well with warm pinks, while brighter and bolder greens can add a touch of energy to cooler pink tones.

As an alternative to artwork, embrace plants. The greenery of houseplants paired with Resene Spring Wood and Resene Soothe is a match made in design heaven. We’ve added an extra colour injection with wall hanging pots in Resene Burnt Crimson, Resene Tom Thumb, Resene Rainee and Resene Palm Green.

Contrasting furniture and soft furnishings is also key to this look. A velvet sofa in sage green and a rug in a similar green tone tie in the artwork and add freshness to the space. A complete contrast in a bold sofa or armchair choice is very grounding, giving definition to the room and adding depth to the overall scheme. Sofas in tan leather, deep greys or navy blue will also add much-needed contrast in the same way greens do.

Consider that in any design scheme, monochrome or otherwise, we often feel more comfortable when the floor is a darker colour and the ceiling is lighter. It’s because that combination is more common in nature – the ground is darker, and the sky is lighter. This living room is kept airy and open with flooring finished in Resene Colorwood wood stain wash tinted to Resene Breathe Easy. The look is contemporary and is easily adaptable, as the pinks act as neutrals in the space. Muted pinks are a great choice if you want a subtle, understated look that still adds warmth to your living room.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Megan Harrison Turner. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2022