Interiors

Tips & Tricks: The Grownup's Guide to Millennial Pink

byTeam GM

6 years ago

It's 30% Off ALL Prints, right now and we're rereading great posts like this one for inspiration on color, trends and most importantly - which print to choose!

Gone are the days when pink was once considered a “girly” or “babyish” color. Since the inception of the ever-popular millennial pink a couple of years ago, this soft, relaxing hue has grown to be a phenomenon we never expected—but one we’re thanking our lucky stars for every day since! Whether you’ve already fully embraced the color or you still need some convincing, we’re here to tell you that this trend is here to stay.

Not only do we foresee millennial pink sticking around for some time, but as it evolves it is only becoming more and more androgynous and fitting for any space—not just the nursery or your favorite Instagrammer’s snap of their 5 o’clock rosé. (Refer to Gray’s stunning living room reveal with Anthropologie for proof…) If there’s one thing we know about millennial pink, it is that this gentle hue can pack a lot of punch and infuse a space with subtle confidence, as long as it’s done correctly. So with that in mind, keep scrolling for the grownup’s guide to millennial pink, plus a few pink-clad prints you’ll want to add to your walls immediately…

Add Some Contrast and Ground with Neutrals

Although millennial pink may not seem like an extreme risk at first glance, pairing it with the right color palette is essential to pulling it off in your space. For instance, combining the hue with only light, barely-there colors can wash out your punch of millennial pink, and combining too many strong colors can cause the hue to get lost in the commotion. To make it feel more intentional, make your millennial pink a focal point in the room (our favorite mediums for this are paint, furniture, and art). Then, mix in pops of deep, rich colors like black or navy, while grounding your entire color scheme with plenty of neutrals to play off of, like tan, khaki, cream or grey. This way, the eye will be drawn to your pops of pink, and the contrast will make your space feel balanced and cohesive.

Bonus Tip: A good rule of thumb if you’re stuck is to refer to pink’s complementary colors for inspiration—greens and blues always feel right with millennial pink, and you can play around with different shades to find just the right match for your space.

Opt for Clean, Modern Lines

The key to making your millennial pink feel like it’s straight out of a magazine (instead of straight out of a nursery) is to pay close attention to the shapes you’re using in your space. In our experience clean, modern lines and metal finishes easily elevate the soft pink color. Plus, they read more sophisticated overall, while avoiding falling too far into the “shabby chic” category. When in doubt, keep it clean and simple!

Make it Livable

There’s something inherently gentle and serene about millennial pink, and we think the entirety of a space should reflect that vibe wherever this color lives. Since the pretty pink hue can often seem “too pretty” to settle into, make sure your furnishings, fabrics, and accessories feel inviting and comfortable so guests feel like they can make themselves at home. What we’re trying to say is… pink is NO longer for your grandmother’s fancy, never-used foyer. (The color may be pretty and delicate, but you still want your space to feel livable and real—not stiff and lifeless!) So throw in cozy textures and some natural elements and you’re off to the races.

Don’t Go Overboard

Yes, if you’re deeply in love with this color, it may be tempting to just throw caution to the wind and go pink on pink on pink… But please don’t. Getting pink-happy will quickly make the space feel juvenile, so instead, stick to one bold piece or a few coordinating accessories and accents in the color. Not only will this really make your millennial pink a focal point (like we mentioned above), but it will also read as a confident design choice, not a naïve one.

…But Don’t Be Shy Either

That being said, if you’re going to make the choice to bring millennial pink into your color scheme, do it CONFIDENTLY. Don’t shy away from getting a large piece of furniture (*ahem* Gray’s couches), a rug, or an oversized piece of artwork in the hue. No one wants to be in a space where you’re dancing around a color scheme, so make it obvious that you’re comfortable with the color, and everyone else will be too.

Make Pink Your New Neutral

Yes, we said it and we’ll say it again… pink can be a neutral if juuust the right shade is chosen. At the end of the day, if you don’t want your millennial pink to totally read as “pink” in your space, opt for an off-beige with just a hint of dusty pink. (Reference Pink Ground from Farrow & Ball to see what we mean!) Painting an entire room or accent wall in this hue adds just the slightest blush (literally) to your space, while still turning heads.

Whatever You Do, Avoid Clichés

We’re all familiar with things that are often associated with pink—hearts, ruffles, ribbons, and flowers, just to name a few. But when decorating your space with this soft pink hue, steer clear of things that feel too kitschy. A floral throw pillow here or there probably won’t make or break your design, but keep those motifs to a minimum. Instead, opt for more unexpected details and eclectic accents to bring out your pops of millennial pink. Think beach balls, balloons, and umbrellas… You’ll see what we mean.

Think you got this thing down yet? If you need more inspo, look no further than our favorite prints with just the right amount of millennial pink… (Those Marfa skies are really pulling at our heartstrings right now!)

From Top Left to Bottom Right:
Dawn | Poolside Phone Call | The Cabana | The City Girl | Llama with Pink Balloons | Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club, Horizontal | Beach Ball Splash | Pastel Beach Umbrellas, Vertical | Byron Bay Sunbathers | Love Birds

What’s your take on millennial pink?

Share how you styled your pink-accented prints with us on social media by tagging @GrayMalin. Now… what color trend should we tackle next?

Xx Team GM

Photos: Gray Malin, Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com