Named for the ruffled edges of the carnation, pink has gone through many transformations - at times a symbol of masculinity and status, hyper-femininity and innocence, romance and seduction, protest and punk.
From Homer’s rosy-fingered dawn to today’s feminist icon, pink has always been a provocative colour - perfect for statement-making interiors.
In the Middle Ages, pink could be seen in women’s fashion and religious art. The colour came to represent motherly love, innocence and the body of Christ - a symbol of the ephemeral side of God. This was a revolution and a revelation - it humanised the heavens and ensured pink would go on to become the colour to blur boundaries.
Later, pink was predominantly seen as a colour for boys because of its similarity to the red of military uniforms and only began to be associated with femininity in the mid 19th century. Reminiscent of Venus the goddess of love, pink became a symbol of womanhood - effeminate, delicate and soft.
It has since become the colour of protest and awareness, of activism and power. A colour of contradiction, this hue allows you to revel in your rebellious spirit or invoke the soft romance of the rose. Embrace the power of pink.
The Alchemy of Pink
Described by Roman poets as ‘roseus’, the colour pink has existed throughout history, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that it was even given a name. Early pink pigment was called kermes and was made from crushed insects. Prized by Medieval painters, kermes was used to colour textiles, to decorate manuscript illuminations and its delicate tones appeared in Early Renaissance religious paintings.
Used since ancient times by the Aztec people, carmine was another insect derived pigment and was brought to Europe in the 16th century. Plants and roots were the more widely used source of pink. From the 12th to the 15th centuries, pigment was derived from brazilwood, although the colour did not last. Following this, Madder became the predominant source of pink - 30 times cheaper than pigment made from insects and with longevity and vibrant colour, it is still used today.
Proven to instil calmness and positivity, pink can work in any space. Pink’s warmth and richness of tone evokes an inviting intimacy, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms - coat all walls in this versatile shade to create a comforting cocooning effect. Complement pink’s subtleties with neutrals ASTRANTIA and CIRRUS or bring out its playfulness with reds like NASTURTIUM and SALVIA or, golden yellows GAMBOGE and AURIC.
Be pretty in pink with this nurturing hue - pink has a subtle radiating glow which is flattering on all skin tones, making it a great colour to use in bathrooms and dressing areas; prints like HOLLYHOCKS ‘Spring’, ARTEMIS ‘Amaranth’ and LONDON ROSE ‘Blush’ are perfect for these spaces. For those looking for just a touch of colour, bring some romance to your scheme with accents and accessories in the delicate tones of blush pink with SAKURA and plaster-pink ALABASTER or be pretty in punk with the vivacious vibrancy of AMARANTH and MALLOW. Welcome to a new wave of pink.
Whether you want to coat all four walls with wonder or need advice on how to introduce the harmonious hues of nature into your space, we are here for you. With a decade of experience, our in-house experts are ready to help you with everything from colour matching to creating your dream interior - no space is too small or project too big. For more information or to book your complimentary Design Consultation, simply follow the link below, and get ready to immerse yourself in the art of nature.
Drapes can be a statement making focal point, or a complimentary final touch, perfectly tying a scheme together. Here's everything you need to know about our bespoke service, and how to measure your windows for perfectly fitted drapes.
By House of Hackney September 09, 2025
