The colour pink was one of the stand-out crazes at last month’s Milan Design Week, showcased by Moroso, Muuto and Normann Copenhagen – as well as being the colour of the event’s most Instagrammed installation, Marc Ange’s Le Refuge. Forget cutesy interiors and little girls’ rooms, think pink for a sweet, sophisticated look that’s all grown up. Here’s how to add a pop of pink in your home.

Pick the perfect pink

For a pink interior that’s more chic than childlike, getting the shade right is key. Vibrant bubblegum hues have quite a feminine look, but more subdued shades are free from girly-girl associations so appeal to men as well as women. So-called “millennial pink” is huge right now – a muted shade of the colour which is somewhere between beige and blush. Rose Quartz was Pantone’s Colour of the Year in 2016 and is still coveted by designers, while we’re also loving Pale Dogwood, which the colour company listed on its trend forecast for spring 2017.

Pinky pairings

One of our favourite things about pink is the way it can be paired with so many different colours to create a totally different look. Teaming a sweet pink with greys, creams and crisp whites will ooze sophistication, like the Essence collection in Blush from iLiv. At the same time, the Paradiso collection in Fuchsia combines pinks with greens and yellows to create a tropical feel. For a really dramatic look perfect for a living room you could pair pink with purple and red, which are next to each other on the colour wheel.

Pop it like it’s hot

If you are leaning towards a brighter take on pink then paint your walls a neutral colour and punctuate the room with fresh of blocks colour. Add cushions like the Brera Lino Pale Rose and Majenna Fuchsia from Designers Guild, accessorise with coloured vases, hang vibrant pink artwork above a fireplace, then tie everything with a floral arrangement which uses pink as its dominant colour. The bright flashes will make an impact and help to define the space, and out-of-the-ordinary, unexpected pieces can give a room that special polish.

Pared back pink

On the other hand, if the more restrained approach is for you then try stripes of pink – on your walls, in a throw, or on a rug. Alternatively, paper a single feature wall in a patterned pink wallpaper, (damask or a jacquard are our top pattern picks for this look) to create a romantic focal point. It will add just the right dose of colour to an elegant room, without being overly feminine.

Go au natural

We’re big fans of adding natural elements to schemes and it works particularly well with pink. Accents of copper, brass or French metallic gold will modernise a room and can help to give pink the edge, touches of crystal will amp up the elegance, while wicker furniture looks beautiful paired with rose tones.

Whichever way you’re using the colour of the moment, it’s guaranteed to look exquisite. We pink(y) promise.

How do you feel about pink? Tell us in the comments below.