Inspiration
Soft Pink: Designing with a considered palette
When it comes to the first steps of planning a project, we often consider our colour scheme first. Pink is a colour that can sometimes fall off the radar in the world of interiors, but with an increasing move away from minimalistic interiors, we ask you to re-consider the shell and blush tones that can bring joy and frivolity unrivalled by any other shade.
With the softer tones of plaster and antique rose rising in popularity, earthier pinks are a stylish choice for paired-back schemes looking to create a cocooning and restful atmosphere. Read on to discover simple schemes using pink tones and discover the range of muted pinks in our very own Roger Oates collections.
Four simple schemes using paired-back pinks
We take a look at four designs schemes centered around pink tones. Each offers an easy to use and adaptable formula that can be replicated in any home.
A soft grey-green neutral with pink walls and woodwork.
If you are not yet ready for bold pink tones, but want to build a tranquil space using colour, then soft rose and plaster pink match beautifully with neutrals, whilst still adding character and interest.
This project by Studio Indigo features soft plaster pink walls and woodwork, whilst the Lennox Shark flatweave runner holds court on the staircase, injecting interest and texture into the bright hallway space. The defining stripes in the runner pick up on the dark framed pictures which animate the walls of the stairwell. Layers of colour and texture are introduced through artwork and nuanced details with the neutral palette of Lennox Shark transforming the compact stairway into an inviting and visually exciting space.
This design scheme and image are via studioindigo.com
We talk to Mike Fisher, Creative Director & Founder at Studio Indigo about why they chose our Lennox Shark runner for The Stables project at Ven House.
The Stables at Ven House has a largely soft, earthy pink colour palette. Can you describe what the colour pink brings to an interior scheme and why you chose to use it throughout this project?
The Stables at Ven, once a Gentleman’s coach house and stables, was transformed by Studio Indigo into a two-floor pavilion of around 1,800 sq ft overlooking a beautiful oak tree, cobbled courtyard, and the main house.
The interiors were entirely shaped around a curated selection of the owner’s art, antiques and furniture – treasure collected over many years. We affectionately refer to it as the ‘bubble and squeak’ room because of this eclectic mix.
A soft, lilac-toned pink emerged as the natural thread that tied the collection together. It’s not only a hue that recurred across the pieces but also one of the owner’s personal favourites, evoking the romantic Mauve Boudoir of Alexander Palace.
Pink, especially in its earthier or dustier tones, brings warmth, softness and a sense of serenity to a space. It can also act as a great backdrop for art.
How do you approach colour when first conceiving a scheme?
Colour is immensely important to our studio and central to our design philosophy. We are so passionate about it and it’s one of the most immediate ways you can inject character and mood into a space.
Our starting point varies with each project. Sometimes it’s a client’s deep affection for a specific colour, and at other times, inspiration may come from a treasured artwork or textile. We then build the palette around that anchor, weaving in complementary tones and textures.
Personally, I’m drawn to slightly “dirtier” colours, those with a touch of black or grey in them, because they offer more depth.
The Lennox Shark flatweave runner features on the staircase, can you tell us what drew you to this design and how it ties in with the character of the property?
We really loved the combination of grey and lilac pink. The Lennox Shark runner has a refined, architectural quality that subtly brings that contemporary touch, whilst the rib and herringbone pattern add a rustic charm that echoes the building’s heritage.
Studio Indigo’s signature style is a blend of respect for tradition and a bold, modern sensibility. What do you feel are the key ingredients to achieving that perfect balance?
It always starts with the storytelling. We believe that the most compelling interiors are those that reflect the layers of time. History and modernity coexisting harmoniously.
To strike that balance, we love looking to the past for inspiration; from periods of heritage to classical architecture to vintage finds. We then interpret those through a contemporary lens. Mixing old and new not only adds richness and interest but it also creates a home that evolves naturally, feeling collected rather than contrived. It’s this tension between tradition and innovation that defines our work.
Colour drenching with pink.
Use shades of pink over multiple areas, like paint, soft furnishings and accessories to create a room awash with colour. Opt for the soft blush or clay pinks we’ve been looking at to avoid overwhelming the space. Designs like Charleston Catkin are great choice, featuring a dominant antique pink stripe amongst other complementary tones.
The introduction of the catkin green cuts through the pink tones, with soft greys providing a grounding effect.
Order a sample of Charleston Catkin here.
Using pink in a neutral scheme
In a break from the softer pale rose tones, we look at achieving an elegant interior using a brighter shade.
Cluny Raspberry (an archive design), with its grounding neutral palette highlight rich jammy-pink and carmine stripes. This understated design influenced by the stripes found in French linen, uses a stronger shade of pink, tempered against a calming oatmeal background. A pop of colour like this, makes it a great option for those looking for a runner that balances strong yet subtle colour.
This Archive design turned out to be the perfect choice in this beautifully thought out home, where the refined raspberry stripes don’t overwhelm the neutral colour story and traditional features.
Archive Cluny Raspberry Image via The Modern House
A bold multicoloured stripe with pale pink walls.
Here we see an unlikely but incredibly effective pairing between Masai Madder and a chalky pink wall colour. The combination of stone stairs, vintage kilim hall runner, and detailed cornicing put the Masai Madder runner at ease in this eclectic scheme.
The addition of brighter tones on the stairs has a transformative effect on this hallway filled with original features, making it an exciting space filled with personality. Pink is certainly the colour to lean on when balancing a heritage and modern scheme.
This design scheme and image are via @rascalandroses
Find more pink inspiration on our Gallery, Rugs and Runners pages. We also offer bespoke options on every design in our collection, allowing you to customise our flatweave and hand tufted designs to your colour specifications. Choose from over 200 colours in our curated palette or enquire about our colour matching service.
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Perfect Pinks
A shade not to be underestimated, find our favourite pinks from subtle through to bright.
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