Is light pink the new (sophisticated) neutral? : Annie Elliott Design

If I were REALLY on top of things, Gentle Readers, I would have timed this post to coincide with Valentine’s Day. But alas, I was caught up in the moment, and the mid-century cabin won out ;)

Here’s what prompted the pink ponder, though:

Empty kitchen with green cabinets and pink walls — Sarah’s kitchen, with walls in Benjamin Moore’s Pink Damask

My friend Sarah was painting her kitchen. She had inspo photos, so I (unfortunately) can’t take credit for the genius combo of light pink walls with green and butter yellow cabinetry, which are behind us in these pictures. But I did help her with the exact hues ;)

Kitchen with built-in banquette and pink walls — Moved back in

They barely look pink, right? That’s what I’m saying. It’s subtle and sophisticated. Off-white with a hint of pink.

Here’s are two more rooms that are off-white with a pinkish cast:

Simple wicker table with rustic wood mirror

Bedroom with light pink walls and green ceiling — Farrow & Ball’s Peignoir on the walls

Grand room with light pink walls — By Mario Buatta. I bet that in normal light the walls appear off-white; the light makes everything look yellow in this picture

I’m even going to broaden my definition of “pink” to include very light coral tones. If a white is closer to red or orange than yellow, I’ll call it pink. Closer to yellow is ivory. Closer to blue is gray and perhaps should be avoided.

Eclectic living room with bookcase and settee — The late designer William Yeoward’s apartment, in orangey pink with a plaster effect.

Casual traditional living room with pink walls — Ben Pentreath

I’m talking about the “public” spaces in your house: living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. And front halls and hallways. We all know pink is fine for bedrooms — and even baths — but I’m proposing that we expand our thinking.

Traditional living room with secretary — Ben Pentreath again

Overstuffed chair and sofa in pink living room — William Yeoward?

Going beyond paint, here’s a faux bois wallpaper with a pinkish tinge:

Hallway with yellow settee — Tom Scheerer

Then there’s light pink that is definitely pink. My living room is this way, because the off-white pinks washed out in the northern light.

Blush pink living room with green sofa — My living room, with walls in Benjamin Moore’s Pink Moire

Overdecorated light pink living room — I believe this is Bunny Williams. I apologize: I didn’t pay enough attention when I was searching for pictures!

So. The next time you’re contemplating which off-white to use in a room, remember: barely there pink is an elegant option.

Annie Elliott Design is based in Washington, D.C. We’re experts in creating colorful, pattern-filled, highly personalized homes for wonderful people.