Whether you can feel it or not, love is most definitely in the air as Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year, falls this week. The day itself may be controversial in some people’s eyes but I think its bold use of colour can be used to inspire a dramatic room in your home. Red is the obvious colour to associate with Valentine’s Day but strong pink hues are present as well. Many people are a little wary of putting two intense shades together such as these but I for one love the contrast it creates.

Pink and red are not a traditional colour combination. In recent times however, the use of clashing shades has become very popular to the point that this mix in particular is accepted in interior design. There are plenty of ways you can combine these two colours but the first step is to review the red and pink tones available.

Crown Paints has a gorgeous selection of both shades. Some of my favourite red shades are Toffee Apple, Lulu, English Fire and Fireside. On the pink side of the spectrum you can consider tones such as Beauty Queen, Fairy Dust, Couture and Mademoiselle. As pink and red are on the same side of the colour wheel you can rest assure that these colours will sit well together. All that is left to do now is to decide how and where to use them.

Pink is often associated with baby girls so it seems fitting to use a combination of red and pink in a baby’s and children’s room. Using a strong contrast such as this also helps stimulate your child’s senses much better than duller tones. Start by selecting a colour for the wall, red is less gender specific so it might be a good place to start. Tones already mentioned such as Lulu and Toffee Apple will work well on your nursery’s walls.

Once you are happy with your main colour choice use an off-white shade on the skirting boards and doorways. After the main features are painted, you can then begin the fun activity of introducing pink into the space. If you enjoy a bolder approach to design, why not paint a central piece of furniture with a deeper pink, the cot, changing table or feeding chair are often a focal point in a baby’s rooms. You can also introduce pink to the space by bringing in hot pink accessories beside crisp white sheets and soft furnishings.

The second way of using this colour scheme is in a living or dining room or casual space in your home. I have seen plenty of living rooms that have embraced the use of a dramatic red colour that could have been taken to the next level by using pink in the room. Why not paint your living room walls a muted pink such as the opulent Couture? If you prefer you can just select one wall to feature the colour on. You can then introduce flashes of deep red by selecting a red sofa or using accessories incorporating eclectic red patterns. I love the idea of having a book shelf and using books with fiery red spines throughout.

Another great contemporary look and way to combine colours is through vertical stripes.  For colours as strong and bold as pink and red, I would be inclined to choose a feature wall if you go for this statement.  The effect is quite amazing.

The final combination that I think is really strong is the use of red, pink and white throughout a room. While it may sound like a candy store theme, if it is used in the correct proportions it can be create a modern, invigorating room. Begin by choosing an individual wall to use the red colour on, follow this with one of the strong pink tones mentioned above. You can then experiment with patterns and coloured accessories throughout the room. 

Image from apartmenttherapy.com

Image from apartmenttherapy.com

Happy Decorating

Neville