Colour Psychology Series: Pink
From vibrant, fearless and eye-catching hues to the 'new neutral' barely there plaster toned walls, the versatility of pinks has the power to uplift, excite and calm us in one fell swoop.
It's a fact, colours have long been known to play a part in our psychology, mood and wellbeing.
Interior design trends and colour preferences may change over time but the choices we make will have the same grounding in colour psychology. Different shades not only have the power to completely transform the appearance, ambience and feel of a room but also evoke certain emotions.
Therefore, it may come as no surprise in this year many of us are opting for modern, daring and playful hues to uplift the spirits, provide a sense of joy and evoke confidence to handle all that's thrown at us.
We couldn't agree more, which is why we forecasted Raspberry Blush as our Colour of The Year 2023 - a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink, it's a shade that invites you to embrace self-expression and immerse yourself in hues that make a statement.
Walls: Raspberry Blush 2008-30
Brave, bold and upbeat - you can expect to see pink EVERYWHERE as the colour really has its moment.
And whilst our version of this year's 'must-have' shade is a deeply saturated and fiery version of the hue, we won't be lacking on choice.
When we talk about pink being the colour of 2023, we're talking the full spectrum - from 'Barbiecore' inspired hot pinks, to deep roses and vivacious shades of coral, to delicately soft, barely there blushes.
So, where to start? How can we inject the positivity of pink into our homes in a way that works?
Many people identify pink with being somewhat child-like, or think of it as being overly feminine. However, it's an excellent colour for any room due to its versatility.
A blush pink can work in every room of the home from the bedroom to a dining room setting. It adds warmth to a north-facing room but also looks fresh and polished with the brightness of a south-facing one.
The magic of a using a light hue is that it will produce a subtle, neutral shade which can be used from ceiling to floor or combined with crisp whites.
It can be a perfect choice for the kitchen which, when paired with natural materials such as a wooden dining table, will create a smart Scandi style scheme.
Walls: First Light 2102-70
If you're fully committed to a pale pink theme, but not quite ready to go all out on the walls a popular trend we're seeing is injecting the colour in other ways such as the cabinetry in your kitchen or bathroom which will add a touch of unexpected fun and vibrancy to the space.
Cabinets: First Light 2102-70 | Wall: Thunder AF-685.
Cabinet: First Light 2102-70 | Bathroom walls: Decorator's White OC-149 | Bedroom walls: Crystalline AF-485
In the bedroom, a lighter pink can instil a sense of calmness. If you're looking to add a bit of edge, a good option is to pair with a classic black and white stripe which will create a contrast against the natural softness of the shade to create more of an impact.
Walls: Pleasant Pink 2094-60 | Ceiling: White Opulence OC-69 | Far wall: Texas Rose 2092-40
Natural plaster tones or light terracotta shades create a wonderful earthy natural feel in a room. They look particularly eye-catching in well-lit spaces and when paired with natural materials such as leather, wood or marble.
Walls: Conch Shell 052
Red corals and berry-coloured hues are perfect for making a design statement. They create a rich, warm welcoming feeling. For a bold and colourful scheme consider accessorising with yellow or gold - a fully saturated, rich ochre tone will create a fun, vibrance mix. You will only need to use small amounts of yellow to create this contrast, so try a violet tinged red on the walls as your main colour then add in pops of yellow or orange to add depth.
Walls: Cranberry Cocktail 2083-20 | Woodwork: Wish AF-680 | Architrave: Pashmina AF-100
Alternatively, for the ultimate statement create an ultra-luxe, all-encompassing, floor to ceiling finish in one colour. Using a single shade to cover the skirting, walls, ceiling and window frames adds a feeling of grandeur and creates a bold look which provides the perfect backdrop for your favourite furnishings and accessories.
Walls and panelling: Raspberry Blush 2008-30
If you're fully committed to a pink theme, and want to pack a punch in your design on the opposite end of the spectrum is going for a fuchsia shade. We recommend thinking about pairing with a crisp white to allow the boldness of the pink to come through and take centre stage. Alternatively, rather than painting an entire wall think about adding pops of colour within the scheme through your accessories.
Ceiling: Twilight Magenta 2094-30 | Walls: Paper Mache AF-25
When picking that perfect colour pairing, there are a huge amount of options to play with, from classic combinations to the more unexpected, depending on the aesthetic you're looking to create.
The power of pink and grey is a combination that continues to stand the test of time. The warmth of pink effortlessly balances the coolness of grey and can be a good way to achieve a more formal and pensive feeling within a room.
Walls: Fruit Shake 2088-30
Pink and green are opposite on the colour wheel, so they create a beautiful contrast that's still very easy to live with especially when combining soft shades of each tone. Together they marry to produce a fresh, optimistic scheme perfect for a contemporary finish in light and airy rooms.
Walls: Marry Me 1289 and Linen White OC-146
Walls: Crystalline AF-485 and White Heron OC-57
So, when it comes to pink, regardless of whether you opt for a dynamic shade to inject a sense of positivity and mood-boosting energy to your home, or go for a more delicate hue to create a feeling of calm and tranquillity - one thing's for sure, expect to see pink everywhere this year from the big screen to the catwalks. Not a shade to be underestimated, enjoy it in all its guises.
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