design editor Kai Ethier shares nine ways to decorate with the sweet shade.
I have complicated feelings about pink. I like it, but so often it’s used in a way that makes me think I don’t. I blame the garish hues used to sell things to little girls. Barbie pink and princess-y bubblegum everywhere… just thinking about it gives me a headache!
For me, the color pink — like most sweet things — is best enjoyed in small doses. here are some subtle ways to play with this hue.
For a “Design Lesson” story back in 2014, H&H senior design editor Joel Bray took a basic Ikea kitchen cabinet, mounted it in an entryway and painted the front panel in Rosedust by Sherwin-Williams. The splash of unexpected color adds a little cheeriness to the neutral space.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: house & home June 2014
Designer: Joel Bray
Similarly, senior editor Sally Armstrong’s deep pink sideboard makes a vibrant statement in her clean white dining room.
Photographer: Virginia MacDonald
Source: house & home February 2013
Designer: Sally Armstrong
A few years ago I decided to paint my own white mantel this, now archived, paint color from Farrow & Ball: Porphyry Pink. I’ve never regretted going for this romantic shade.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home March 2015
Designer: Kai Ethier
For our terracotta “Inspiration” story, my colleague Morgan Michener and I decided to pair Farrow & Ball’s Red earth with a thin stripe of Nancy’s Blushes. The result is subtly feminine, and very sophisticated.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: house & home July 2015
Designer: Morgan Michener and Kai Ethier
A true master of “the mix,” senior design editor Stacey Smithers covered the panels of this folding screen in lively pink wallpaper, and then placed it in a handsome traditional setting. The look is playful and eclectic, but totally livable.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: house & home September 2013
Designer: Stacey Smithers
When painting out entire walls, my preference is for a pale, neutral-toned shade of pink. Here, Pink Ground adds a soft, subtle blush of color. If you’d like a similar look, read on for some of my favorite pink paint options.
Source: Farrow & Ball
Pink Ground by Farrow & ball is a great choice, as is setting Plaster (I’m actually considering painting my bedroom this color).
Source: Farrow & Ball
Products: Pink Ground (202), setting Plater (231), Farrow & Ball.
Benjamin Moore’s heads Over Heels and Fondant are both beautiful neutral options.
Source: Benjamin Moore
Products: Head Over Heels (AF-250), Fondant (AF-255), Benjamin Moore.
I also love Behr’s cool-toned Palatial color, as well as Antique Pearl, which is just a fraction deeper.
Source: Behr
Products: Palatial (760A-2), Antique Pearl (210E-2), Behr