“Pink is bright, impossible, impudent, becoming, life-
giving, like all the lights and the birds and the fish
in the world together, a colour of China and Peru, but
not of the West – a shocking colour, pure and undiluted.”
ELSA SCHIAPARELLI85rom the hushed tones of ballet slipper
and soft bubble gum through to energetic
fuchsia and dramatic magenta, the
spectrum of pinks is varied, rich and abundant.
Considered a boy’s colour in Victorian times,
pink subsequently became associated with
femininity and all things sentimental, romantic
and girly. Modern pinks, though, have come to
represent female empowerment and strength, and
they command a presence in design like never
before. Sugary pinks range from barely-there
marshmallow to the sweetest candy, while more
shocking pinks are bold, luscious and provocative.
Twilight pink is the most delicate shade, quiet,
self-contained, the touch of peach warm with
promise. This is the colour of clouds just as the
sun is setting, an elusive glow permeating the sky.
Such subtlety and assuredness in a room reads
as distinctly grown-up – calmed, sophisticated
pinks with a gender-neutral appeal. Pale, powdery
pinks can be confident colours, especially when
grounded by dove grey. This classic combination
Below: The style here is rustic and
natural, yet refined and elegant.
Layers of antique bedding, a crystal
chandelier and the pink walls all work
together to create a feminine space.draws pink into a more contemporary space,
enabling colour to stand alone.
When using twilight pink, keep surfaces clean
and clear, using only the simplest decoration,
and avoid pattern here as the colours speak for
themselves. Cool urban greys steer this scheme
from becoming too feminine or sweet, adding
a more masculine composure. Simple, clean
interiors benefit from softer colours that exude
a welcoming warmth. Adding familiar, natural
materials and textures will introduce tones of
pale wood, seagrass and cord, underpinning and
lifting the pale colour scheme.
Always consider the quality of natural light
when you explore colour options for a particular
space in your home. As the day progresses, so
the light alters from clear to diffuse, harsh to
dazzling, moving between white, blue and yellowF