Did you know that the colour pink is derived from the flower of the same name? Ranging from calm blush to pretty plaster to dayglow neon and powerful magenta, pink has a compelling history in the world of interior design.

From the 18th century Oriental pink chinoiserie walls in George IV’s Royal Pavilion in Brighton to the Victorian’s love of chintzy pink in the 19th, and from 20th century Art Deco peachy pink to neon pop art pink, this now gender-neutral colourway continues to inspire how we decorate in the 21st century.

“Warner House has had a long love affair with heritage pink,” says Lee Clarke, the founder and owner of Warner House. “Its fashionability is evidenced generation by generation throughout our 150 years of producing decorative furnishing fabrics, wallpapers and modern-day paints.” Shown above is the mid-19th century English chintz, Trumpet Vine.

In this article, we introduce you to a host of inspirational pinks and explore six perfectly pink interiors just right for today’s home.

Historical pinks are so versatile. From daring to pastel to barely there, there’s a shade of pink that will sit happily in any type of home from grand to bijou.

A good starting point is to look at our pink paint palette to understand how and where to use the colour and in what proportion. In general, muted pinks painted onto expanses of walls form perfect backdrops on which patterned fabrics can sit. The braver pinks are excellent at highlighting architectural woodwork and doors. Think about the ambience you want to create too: pale pinks will infuse a room with calmness and tranquillity; whereas hot pinks boost vibrancy and passion. Current combinations at the top of decorators’ wish lists are: pink and emerald for a boho vibe; pink and dove grey for a modern country look; pink and yellow for hip modernity.

Another route is to seek out patterned pink fabric or pink wallpaper that incorporate pink into their designs. It’s a sophisticated and, some would say, more cautious approach as the combinations are created by highly experienced colourists who know what works with what. Hang a heritage wallpaper to flood walls with pattern (Lavenham Rose Wallpaper shown), or commission bespoke curtains, blinds and upholstered furniture to add pockets of pattern. Accent lampshades and cushions can further tease out your favourite shades.

Feeling like you’re falling for pink? Take a look at these six curated rooms designed with flair by stylists, decorators and interior designers…

Rose pink is an iconic colourway for femininity and charm. Reflective of the English rose garden, bedrooms and bathrooms are a natural home for this easy-on-the-eye shade that can be used in varying densities.

Don’t let the look become too one note. Layer up with sympathetic patterns, such as florals, stripes, checks and geometrics. Against a backdrop of blush toned bedlinen, @gassonphillipsinteriors chose the Janita Rose cushion with its tree of life design for comfort and depth (shown). Sage green added further subtle contrast – the Ikat fabric headboard is upholstered in Suri Sage. Painted white furniture, pleated lamp shades, brass accessories and woven baskets complete the look.

Power pinks have an innate ability to own a room. Head to these shades if you want to make a big statement in a small space or go all out on a specific functional area, such as fitted wardrobes or book shelves.

Combine pink and moss green for a super-stylish effect. Mix a cheeky shade with one more grounding for a totally 2024 interpretation of two colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel.

@halfpaintedhouse, a through-and-through pinkophile, transformed her utility room by painting cabinetry with Windsor Pink. This delightful colour, inspired by the historical buildings of the royal castle town, is contrasted with the Starlight Fern wallpaper with its spellbinding gold star repeat. Note the proportions of the room – one third pink, two thirds green – to keep the former in check.

Mother Nature pinks bring with them the beauty of the bucolic country house. Seek out the flower shades, such as primula, peony and dahlia, and you’ll infuse an idyllic air into a decorating scheme.

For curtains, bed drapes and blinds, consider arcadian glazed chintzes, such as Grand Bouquet in Vintage, or a relaxed handle linen like Large Peonies in Coral. Small sprig designs are the answer for cottagecore devotees. @cornish_homebird chose the cute Primula in Red wallpaper with its pale pink ground to bring ditsy joy to her tiny restroom (matched with the zingy green of Lettice). Want pink paint? Go for Vivid Geranium, a daring crimson, or something more romantic like Rose Damask.

Pastel pinks are the ones to head for cheerful and uplifting schemes. They get a bad rap when used on their own (too sugary and sickly some say), but when mixed with tonal mauves, yellows and greens, they’ll take a cold looking space and sweeten it with delicious character.

Take your cue from @cocointeriorsltd who wowed this cloakroom into a story-telling talking point. Blossom trees, rose bushes, irises and wildflower sprays bustle with life on the Pavone Pastel wallpaper (shown). Steal a trick from an interior designer’s rulebook and juxtapose cold surfaces such as ceramic tiles and sanitaryware with warm ones, like a Roman blind in a small-scale design (Lilou Leaf shown), deep-pile towels or brushed brass (rather than chrome) fittings.

Deeper pinks are following in the wake of the forest green and midnight blue trends. Raspberry, rhubarb and pomegranate are cocooning shades that feel strong and reassuring.

When painted onto walls, these resonant colours envelope spaces, making them perfect for dinner party rooms, home cinemas or libraries. Plain and textured fabrics such as velvet, linen or wool make fitting choices for upholstered furniture too. Hardwearing and durable, their good looks will last a lifetime, as demonstrated by The Hugo two seater sofa upholstered in the rich velvet Downham Antique Rose (shown). Or try the vintage handle of a linen like Campbell Rhubarb. Wondering about coordinates? Teal and neutrals in eclectic designs make happy companions on cushions, footstools and ottomans.

Blush pink has a nickname – the new neutral! Decorators are using this versatile shade as a soothing background to everyday walls. Not only does it feel soft and inviting, it’s also a fail-safe supporting act for the bolds – navy, chocolate and charcoal, even ochre. The extra benefit of decorative wallpaper is that it covers high ceilings and wide walls rooms easily and efficiently, softening hard angles and edges as it goes.

@manwithahammer chose the hand blocked style Lilou Blush wallpaper for an open plan kitchen where he spends most of his day cooking, working, and relaxing. He wanted something small scale and easy to live with. Searching for a blush fabric? Try Celeste Blush with its grand medallion design reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire. 

 We hope this little journey into the power of pink has inspired you to explore this palette in your own decor. As you’ve seen, a little bit of blush, coral, plaster or raspberry can feel soothing and pleasing or bold and brave. Head over to the website to see our selection of tradition-with-a-twist fabrics, wallpapers, paints, cushions and furniture. You can filter by pink under each category and order up to four free samples to bring your dream scheme to life.