Pink! It’s not just for barbie

Every room tells a story… and for the moment the story is pink. With the resurgence of Barbie this summer, we are seeing all shades of this fantastic colour everywhere. Pink is not necessarily a hue that many would turn to in decorating, and it’s not always the easiest to mix and match, but it is a happy colour that can be both calming or a bold statement.

Most shades of pink can complement, highlight or pair well with just about any colour scheme or design aesthetic. A bold fuchsia or deep cerise pink works well with an ashy chocolate brown, as does a soft pale pink. In turn, a soft pale pink blended with a rich ochre hue can create a very warm and relaxed palette. Pretty dusty salmon or coral pinks look lovely with greyish blue tones. Deep greens and blues with varying shades of pink can denote a slightly more traditional vibe, while a vibrant chartreuse blended with softer pinks can be more modern or edgy in its aesthetic. Pale pinks and warm grey tones work if you’re feeling a bit retro, while more muted pinks and deep eggplant purples can create a relaxing nostalgic vibe… the versality of pink is endless.

Many possibilities

If you are feeling that pink is a trend you are itching to explore but just can’t bring yourself to go all the way, try easing into it with some light accessories or toss cushions. Or if you’re a ready for just a tad more, then try creating a feature wall with a great wallpaper pattern or bold shade of pink. There are so many possibilities that would allow you to inject a bit of this fun trend into your home… so many beautiful fabric and wall covering patterns, so many wonderful shades to service every mood, style and room.

If you’re looking to incorporate multiple patterns and textures into your space, there are a few things to keep in mind to achieve that “designer look” in your own home. To blend fabric patterns together successfully, balance is key. Remember to vary the scale of the patterns from small to large and maintain the same depth or magnitude of colour to avoid an imbalance in the space. Starting with the blending together of a minimum of three fabric patterns should give you a solid base to expand on. Your first pattern should be the most impactful, so selecting a pattern that is larger-scaled may be wise.

The second pattern should be completely different, about half the scale of the first one and should incorporate some similar hues and tones. The third pattern can be smaller scale and similar in pattern to either of the first two, with at least two to three of the colours found in the other patterns. So, for example, if you have selected a large-scale floral as your first pattern, the second could be a bold stripe or a geometric fretwork pattern, and then blend in another small-scale floral for the third or an alternative geometric.

Bold and explorative

You can still add another pattern or two or three, if you wish; maybe a small check, dot or something in a solid small-scale texture. If you’re more adventurous, consider throwing an animal print into the mix for a bit of fun. There are a lot of fabulous pink animal prints available today that can spice up a room – and remember to maintain balance throughout your space.

Pink is in, so be bold and explorative in your decorating, enjoy this trend to create a chicer home. You may be surprised where it will take you.