Decorating in Pink

Accent on Color

A few DIY touches with fabric, paper, and paint on furniture and accents; such as a raspberry pink slipcover for a bland upholstered chair; turn this neutral space into a stunning den. An artistic touch over the mantel brings the color palette of pink, raspberry, and orange up onto the wall, while curtain panels from budget-friendly pink and orange starburst fabric add all the extra color that's needed in this cozy space.

  

Beautifully Sophisticated

Although often associated with little girls, pastel pink can be a very sophisticated base for a grown-up color scheme. In this delectable dining room, pink flirts with coral tones for a rich color that looks even deeper in the evening when it's time to gather for dinner. The geometric black-and-white rug adds a contemporary note underfoot.

 

Pretty as a Picture

Try pink and green in more muted tones for a formal living room. Sage and rose mix beautifully on furniture upholstered in solid fabrics, and they blend sinuously in the patterned drapery panels and pillow fabrics that echo the artwork above the fireplace. On the ceiling, sage green adds color up high while highlighting the detail of the trim work.

 

Vintage Style

Vintage style embraces opposites in this pretty bathroom: new materials in old patterns and designs; upscale amenities with a homey look; and complementary colors pink and green. Pretty pink-on-white toile puts classic pattern up high on the walls to establish a sophisticated tone that's balanced by the more playful striped rug. The avocado-green towels and child's chair introduce cool color to the room.

 

Color Coded

The color palette for this enchanting bedroom begins with the walls. Paint in a deep, dusty taupe with whispers of rose instills a feeling of warmth and intimacy. Crisp white outlines the crown molding, windows, and nightstands. An exquisite duvet cover blushes in shades of pink, while multiple patterns in pink and coral add an interplay of color at the head of the bed.

 

Making Waves

Vivid hot-pink walls make this dining room a showstopper. To balance the intensity of the pink, simple artwork introduces wide swaths of white to the walls, while busier pattern appears in the textiles. Batik-print linen draperies and a bright needlepoint rug in an eye-fooling undulating pattern enliven the room, as does the pink, cream, and green brocade on the traditional Queen Anne chairs.

 

Pop-In Pink

Let your color choice provide a perky greeting to visitors at your front door with a pink-wall entry. This area of the home is usually small, so bright color makes a big impact and helps to define the area. Here, a vivid pink tops white wainscoting and showcases a trio of artworks.

 

Beach Inspired

In addition to creating a coastal vibe, a collection of shells suggested the color palette of shell pink, sandy taupe, and coral for this stunning living room. A neutral color base full of rich creams, ivories, and taupes is punctuated with bright pops of pink like the inside of a conch shell. The coordinated fabrics, accents, and artwork carry the shell-pink theme around the room.

 

Pink in Bloom

Give an au naturel look a garden spin with blooms of pink. This welcoming family room -- with plenty of wood tones, neutral linen fabrics, and wicker accents -- gets a flowery finish with the addition of pale pink throw pillows. The subtle tone has just enough presence to be impactful with

 

Strike a Compromise

If you love the look of bold magenta but are hesitant to commit to such a strong color, try a muted version. The shade used here balances the softness of a pastel with the saturation of a jewel tone. With a slightly brown undertone, the dusty magenta on the pillows, seat cushion, and lamps adds just the right dose of subtle color to a restrained and elegant room.

 

A Fab Girl's Bedroom

Enveloped in shades of pink, this bright bedroom is the essence of girly; from the blush walls to the shoe artwork to the floral area rug underfoot. Balancing sophistication (striped fabrics and classic furniture) with childhood whimsy (paper doll-pattern Roman shades and plenty of room for toys and play) ensures the room will be age-appropriate both now and later.

 

Statement Piece

Sometimes an out-of-the-ordinary, unexpected piece is what it takes to give a room that special polish. Understated elements such as taupe walls, cherry-stained floors, and simple furnishings provide the perfect complement to this plush pink sofa that's trimmed in gold. To help the sofa integrate into the room, other accessories, including the throw pillows, were matched to the furniture piece's gold trim to create a pulled-together look.

 

Variations on Pink

For a neutral take on pink, paint your walls a beige color that has pink undertones. The walls in this living room can be classified as neutral, but the color has just a twinge of pink that is drawn out by the pink detailing on the draperies and the pink ikat pillows on the sofa.

 

Sunset Pink

Look to a picturesque sunset for a soothing shade of pink. The soft hue applied to these walls is a serene alternative to its bubble-gum and fuchsia counterparts. Accessories including bamboo blinds, a jute rug, and island-inspired fabrics and artwork create a cabana-style tropical getaway that is both exotic and relaxing.

 

Pretty in Pink

Multiple shades of pink combine with crisp white to create a warm and cozy reading nook in this girl's bedroom. Patterns stay away from overtly childish themes, however, sticking instead to classic plaids and florals for a timeless look that can age well with your child. Pastel green fabrics inject a soft coolness into the palette.

 

Pink Reinvented

For a variation on basic pink, try coral. The hue has just a bit of yellow in it to steer it toward orange. Pair the color with crisp white and yellow accents for a fun yet still feminine look.