Thinking Pink, Part 1: Walls

I just can’t believe it: it seemed so far away, and now there are a mere 32 days until we move into our first house!! I am getting really excited but also a bit nervous about the many, many decisions that still need to be made and the work ahead of us. The first big decision? Paint colors! After so many years of renting, I am really excited to finally be able to choose the colors for my very own home. For the main room, which is a living/dining space, I am leaning towards a very soft pink. So I’ve collected some of my favorite images of pink rooms (these are all from House Beautiful) to use as inspiration…

I am really drawn to pink (remember this post?), from the palest almost-white to bold, rich berry tones. It’s just such a happy color! And it is very flattering on the skin – one apartment we lived in had a pea-green dining room (including the ceiling!) and it made everyone look slightly ill at dinner – so this is more important than you might think, especially in a dining area! I love the soft, creamy tone of the pink used in the living room above; this is pretty close to the shade I would like for my own living/dining area.

Decorator Alexa Hampton was quoted in House Beautiful saying, “When picking a pink, always go to the top of the card and get the palest version of what you’re dreaming of, because even if it looks subtle on the chip, it won’t be so subtle on the wall.” Ah, what words of wisdom! I think this holds true for so many colors. And after looking at the sitting rooms above, I realize that even though they are gorgeous, I don’t think I would be happy with walls quite that pink in such a large room.

Ah, but the bedroom on the other hand…did I mention I also want to paint the master bedroom pink? Oh, yes. And for the bedroom, I would like to go just a shade or two warmer and richer. It’s a very small room, so I think it will feel cozy and comforting. What do you think?

I think I can safely say after looking at these rooms that pink has a range that encompasses much more than bubblegum and fairy princesses! Pink can be sophisticated, grown-up and worldly – and in a very soft shade, it can even work as a neutral. Do you have any personal experience with pink rooms? Any words of wisdom to share? I would love to hear your input!

{images: House Beautiful}

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