Rethink Pink

Pink is a beautiful, joyful hue that has been engrained in our minds as a “little girl color” – much as a dad’s favorite sports team becomes his son’s favorite teams. Do you think pink is most little girls’ favorite color because they organically love it, or because they caught on pretty early that it’s the “team” color that represents little girls?

With two daughters, we’ve had our share of pink rooms in our home. My older daughter loved pink, but “grew out of it” (whatever that means) as shown here. My younger daughter, however, associates strongly with the hue as shown here. As for me, I like pink, but doubt I’d ever convince my husband to live in it. Doesn’t mean I can’t try and sneak in a few accents. 😉

Most grownups shy away from using pink in their homes because of these preconceived ideas that have been shoved down our throats by society! But for the confident and expressive souls who dare to view their world from rose colored glasses – it’s a wonderful way to add soothing warmth to their homes.

Plus, it fits in nicely with Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends for 2011, as explained here.

Love pink but not sure how to use it? Here are some colors that pair nicely with this blushing beauty:

• Green is a lovely complimentary color to pink. There’s a reason that pink and green owned the preppie era of the 80’s. Safe, but lovely.
• Yellow and blue also play nicely with pink. Experiment with various shades to find the combination that works for you.
• With bolder pinks, how about a side of tangerine or violet? Tempered with white it could be gorgeous!
• Since pink is simply a lighter shade of red, consider a monochromatic color scheme in that family. Think Valentines!
• Pink can be toned down with a dark neutral such as brown or black. White makes a great partner as well.
• Which shade is right for you? Pink can range from pale pastel/almost white to bold fuchsia, and numerous nuances in-between. Any of these beauties speak to you?

Selections courtesy of House Beautiful

Take a tour with me through some amazing pink rooms that just might change your subconscious mind about the color pink. No rose colored glasses necessary here!

The most common place you’ll find pink is in a bedroom. Here’s a lovely, eclectic room with a great sense of expression. How could you not love that pink canopy!

Photosource: Flickr

Love bold pink but want to tone it down? Whitewash it!

Photosource: Southern Living

But are you bold enough to make your living room blush? Interesting to note that the blues, greens, yellows and blues play nicely with the pink and tone’s it down a bit.

Photosource: House Beautiful

Here’s a great example of pink as an accent. The red/pink in the curtains tone down the girly-factor a bit. What do you think about the pastel pink cabinet? I love it. It’s a bold move and adds softness to the room.

Photosource: Country Living

Here’s a great example of playful pink for grownups! Love the high ceilings, valiant shade of pink and the lighting in the dining room is amazing!

Photosource: Apartment Therapy

Could you see yourself enjoying tea and scones in this dining room? What about steak and potatoes? The nautical feel of the stripes tones down the girl vibe a bit, and the hanging pendant is fabulous.

Photo Source: Coastal Living

I’ve been dreaming of a beach blue kitchen {sigh…some day} – but this pink and white kitchen caught my eye – might those be the appliances I blogged about here? I really think the mixer adds the finishing touch! The blue plays nicely in this room as well. I really like this one!

Photo Source: Coastal Living

And what pink dwelling would be complete without this fabulous porch? A simple addition of pink and white stripped pillows makes enough of a statement. Even without the view, it’s lovely!

Photo Source: Coastal Living

Even if I can’t gain consensus to pink-a-fy my home, I’ve got my eye on this little beauty for the summer! Just needs a basket on the front and I’m good to go! 😉

So if you like pink…go for it! No apologies! Express yourself with confidence.

So have I convinced you? What’s holding you back? 🙂