By The Editors, ELLE DECOR
Color trends change often in the world of interior design and (like it or not) millennial pink is undoubtedly having a moment. While the traditionally feminine hue is considered abrasive by some, other designers find it warm, inviting and surprisingly versatile. Here, 14 shades they are currently using in their work, and a color expert's take on what to pair them with.
1) Rachel Pink
"I always recommend a timeless pink (Sherwin Williams, Rachel Pink), because it works effortlessly in energetic youthful spaces, like a child's room." -Sarah Barnard
"Rachel Pink is a rich pink that has a beautiful vintage feeling to it. I love this color paired with Rockport Gray in Benjamin Moore's historic collection. They both offer a dusty feeling that is very appealing."
2) Unfussy Beige
"I love this subtle pink by Sherwin Williams (Unfussy Beige) with enough grey in it to deem it suitable for even a living room. This pink is as mellow and elegant as can be. So warm and tender, it envelops you in it's presence." -Dalia Canora
"Softer pinks are the perfect choice for so many rooms in the home. An understated pink can be paired beautifully with a silvery gray, like Jubilee from Sherwin Williams, as they are both softer versions of their color families. Another richer accent color to use would be Wild Mulberry from Benjamin Moore. All of these colors bring out the best in what the gray color palette has to offer."
3) Chippendale Rosetone
"We really like the new rusty pink, which I saw a lot of in a recent trip to Milan. Benjamin Moore in Chippendale Rosetone [would work well in] a country kitchen or a romantic bedroom with dark grey bedding." -Ariel Ashe
"Chippendale Rosetone would pair beautifully with lighter blue-grays like Thundercloud Gray from Benjamin Moore or the richer Green Smoke from Farrow & Ball. Each of these colors share a quaint feeling and will compliment each other's softer side."
4) Sugarcane
"I recently completed a remodel in Northern Wisconsin in which I used Benjamin Moore Sugarcane in a tiny guest room to give it some life. It's the perfect balance between soft and cool and feels different at different times of the day." -Jenika Kurtz Cuadra
"Sugarcane is the perfect example of a delicate pink that feels good to be around. It would work beautifully with both Mizzle from Farrow & Ball and Seersucker Suit from Benjamin Moore. Each of these colors share a softness that is truly as charming as can be."
5) Pirouette
"It is not everyday that you can get away with painting a pink without it feeling like a nursery, but Pirouette by Divine Color is the perfect tone to have it still feel sophisticated enough for any room." - Emily Henderson
"I would pair this color with Benjamin Moore's Violet Mist. Both are easy going colors that could compliment the more contemporary palette. A bolder accent color would be the plum colored Chambourd from Benjamin Moore."
6) Calamine
"For a dusty pink, it's hard to beat Calamine by Farrow & Ball. With its grey undertone, I find it more versatile than most pinks on the market. I love using it in unexpected places, like a dining room ceiling. And it makes everyone's skin look gorgeous." -B.A. Torrey
"Calamine is a whispery soft pink that can be paired with the nearly neural Lost Locket from Benjamin Moore. For a contrasting accent color, I suggest the Rose Brocade from Sherwin Williams' historic collection."
7) Pink Ground
"I like pinks that are pretty rather than precious. Pink Ground from Farrow & Ball is more 'au naturel' than bubble gum. I love the idea of Pink Ground as the background for a sitting room displaying black-and-white or neutral-toned artwork." - Sam Allen
"A perfect compliment to Pink Ground would be Pensive from Benjamin Moore. Sharing the warmth of a neutral palette they would accommodate a design from any time period."
8) Bashful
"Fitting the bill for millennial pink to a T: Bashful by Benjamin Moore. With a hint of peach and a balancing beige-y undertone, this is the poster child for 2017's muted, irreverent hue. This shade functions as a neutral, and looks gorgeous paired with whites, grays, blues and greens. It's perfect for a living room or bedroom - it's not overwhelming, so don't be afraid to use it in large spaces!" -Homepolish Designer, Ariel Feldman
"Bashful by Benjamin Moore is as subtle as can be. It can be paired equally with Constellation from Benjamin Moore or Honeydew SW 6428 for an irresistibly soft color palette."
9) Peignoir
"When painting a room pink I like to use Farrow & Ball's Peignoir. It is essentially the adult versions of pink. There is more depth than just a standard Barbie or hot pink. If you want to introduce a louder pink, you can still do that through accessories and furniture without your space looking like a children's room." - Homepolish Designer, Michael Hillal
"Peignoir is a unique color. I would love to see it paired with a rich accent color like Grandeur Plum from Sherwin Williams. For a brighter contrasting color rather than going with the traditional white, I would go with Strawberry-n-Cream from Benjamin Moore."
10) Coral Dust
"I would use a dusty or dead rose pink, something masculine like Benjamin Moore's Coral Dust. I love the way flowers die; they have more movement in their color. It's perfect for a dressing room so the garments flow."- Daniel Charles Lodato
"An elegant compliment to Coral Dust would be Deep Silver by Benjamin Moore. A cool silver-gray, it allows the Coral Dust to take center stage while providing a bold contrasting accent color!"
11) Raleigh Peach
"I used Benjamin Moore’s Raleigh Peach for the bedroom of a client’s teenage daughter here in the city. It’s from their Williamsburg collection, which is really nice. The color feels fresh yet references the palette of the late 18th century." -Patrick McGrath
"Complimenting the Raleigh Peach would be Underseas by Sherwin Williams. A combination blues and greens, it maintains the same softer feel as the Raleigh Peach without competing for attention."
12) Fairest Pink
"Fairest Pink by Benjamin Moore is the perfect pink – warm, not too bubble gum and works both for a formal living room or a child’s room. It’s lively and colorful, but also mellow." -Josh Greene
"Adding an accent color to Fairest Pink requires a softer touch. Tranquility from Benjamin Moore is the best subtle choice."
13) Dead Salmon
"If you’re looking for a pink that’s not too punchy, Dead Salmon from Farrow & Ball is a no-brainer. It’s earthy and sort of dusty so it works perfect in homes that have a relationship with the outdoors - the West or Southwest especially."- Katrina Hernandez
"Pinks with an earthy quality are especially appealing. Barista from Benjamin Moore has the same earthy feel to it with a touch of cordovan. It's the perfect accent color!"
14) Nancy’s Blush
"As young designer, I find that millennial pink (Nancy’s Blush), when used correctly, can catch the eye of the younger demographic. I would use the color for a commercial project like a restaurant or a cafe looking to grab the attention of a younger generation." -Aaron Sperry McKallor
"With a more youthful appeal, the perfect accent for Nancy's Blush is Fiji from Benjamin Moore. It's a rich blue with a bit of a playful side to it!"
