Is PINK still in or out?

Millennial pink was popularized by a smart, socially engaged generation of young women who are redefining the meaning of femininity. It also represents the generation’s perspective of gender fluidity.

Blogger Lauren Schwartzberg wrote that millennial pink “speaks to an era in which trans models walk the runway, gender-neutral clothing lines are the thing, and man-buns abound. It’s been reported that at least 50 percent of millennials believe that gender runs on a spectrum — this pink is their genderless mascot.”

There are some trends that crystallize and become such standards that they are considered basics. Gray was a great example of this. Just when we thought it had had its day, Benjamin Moore named Metropolitan, a neutral gray, as its 2019 Color of the Year.

                                                                                                                via Benjamin Moore

In the same way, millennial pink started as a trend, but it has hung on so pervasively that it is now considered a basic. Retailers are stocking pink as a standard in addition to the tried-and-true black, brown, white, and grey versions of wares.

Although many see it as a particular shade, millennial pink is actually not one specific tone. Instead, it encapsulates many different pinks.

Remember that design trends are not a revolution, but an evolution. Each one is an unfolding of, or a reaction to a previous one. The entire color wheel is being influenced by yellow this year. Rising awareness of climate change is reflected in a rising preference for warmer tones of every hue. Adding a touch more yellow to any other color is what defines it as warmer.

The warming of every hue this year can be seen also in the warming of pink. It is moving from millennial pink toward those peach, clay, and brown earthy tones that are reminiscent of the southwest style popular in the 70’s and early 80’s. There is an earthiness and softening across the board.

via Sherwin Williams

The Sherwin Williams Color of the Year, “Cavern Clay”, represents the bridge between those warmer pinks and the rich palette of oranges that are so in right now. It is meant to slow us down, to remind us of canyons and deserts, of the beauty of dirt and clay.

via Sherwin Williams

This is important in a world where ever-increasing technology and screen time has us yearning for the human touch. We want to escape virtual reality and explore an authentic, more tactile environment, so  stark white walls and cool grays are being replaced by flesh colors – warm, tones that look less like technology and more like humanity.

Watch for pinks that have matured and warmed a bit as we move into the year.

We love talking about the current trends and sharing not just what is in, but why it is in and where it is heading. Earn your 2019 Design Trends certification and wow your clients with your expertise and knowledge. Learn more here.

Article originally posted on the Staging Studio Blog.
Debbie Boggs, Staging Studio Co-Founder
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