How to Decorate with Pantone's Colour of the Year, Rose Quartz

Today is Wednesday, and you know what that means. We wear pink. Or, if like me that’s not really your thing, decorate with it. Truth, is I’d usually say pink’s not a colour I’m a fan of. Probably because of its association with tween-friendly, lipglossy, super-duper girliness. I would never have made it in The Plastics.

But pink, like everything in design, can be beautiful; unprocessed and earthy when used well. A muted dusty rose is warm and homey. An airy ballet pink is soft and delicate – completely negating my reservations about hot pink. And one of the Pantone Colours of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz, is a mix between the two. This shade is simplistic enough as a paint colour, but just punchy enough to be used for inexpensive accessory updates.

If you’re looking for a colour to incorporate into your home this summer, this’d be it. For those of you still on the fence, here’s some interior inspiration to get you over. 

[ Main photo by Cox & Cox ]

[ Photo by Heidi’s Bridge ]

Pink is not a colour we see a lot of in the Jersey Ice Cream Co. 's projects. But even they have added a pop of pink with this Linen Edlyn Sectional  from Anthropologie. If you're concerned that a pink sofa is too big of a commitment, try an armchair. If you tire of it you could always relocated it to a bedroom. And if that's still too much, start with a few cushions!

[ Photo by DeVol Kitchens ]

Upcycling furniture is a great way to try out colours you're not used to. Rose Quartz looks amazing on rustic, farmhouse pieces like this DeVol larder. 

[ Photo by Norsu Interiors ]

Creating a gallery wall is one of the most fun ways to use colour, shapes and texture. It's interchangeable and can be adapted to any budget.

[ Photo from the book Keep It Simple: A Guide to a Happy, Relaxed Home published by Ryland Peters + Small ]

According to colour psychology, pink is the colour that naturally evokes warmth, tranquility and sexuality. All the things you'd want in your bed, eh?!

[ Photo by Klip Klap ]

If you can't find the perfect pink suite, why not get a little craftsy and upholster your own? Take inspiration from this mid-century modern style daybed from Klip Klap. 

Marissa Cox via The Everygirl

Media maven, Haleigh Chastain Walsworth’s Paris apartment is nothing short of bachelorette pad goalz. The retro fashion photography and antique furniture leaves you none the wiser as to what decade this photo was taken in (spoiler alert; it was just last year). The addition of one pink wall gives the otherwise neutral room some much-needed warmth. 

[ Photo by Skye McAlpine ]

Jersey Ice Cream Co. 's transformation of cook Skye McAlpine's London flat involved rose-tinted Venetian plaster. Behind Skye's collection of simple storage jars and rustic accessories, the look is timeless and earthy. 

[ Photo by Vtwonen ]

Normally a one-colour-a-year wonder, Pantone announced two tones as their Colours of the Year this year. The other? Serenity; a chalky blue with a hint of lavender. And as we see in this above,  variations on the shade work perfectly with Rose Quartz. Pantone knew what they were doing when they paired these up, right? Copy this look on a budget with a few tester pots of paints and charity shop found dining chairs.  

[ Photo by Vogue Living ]

Who says you can't paint your mantelpiece pink? Trust Vogue to showcase this edgy move. 

[ Photo by IXXI Design ]

Fair play to this flamingo, modelling the Rose Quartz trend so effortlessly. 

[ Photo by Skye McAlpine ]

Another shot from Jersey Ice Cream Co. 's handiwork because I'm completely obsessed. 

[ Photo by MCM House ]

If you crave an airy, white living space but are afraid of it feeling soulless, take note. The addition of this pink linen couch adds coziness without compromising the feel of the space.  And never underestimate the power of a giant cactus. Giant cacti are game-changers.