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.
Staging Studio’s goal is to ensure that every stager has access to the best resources that will rocket their staging business to success. Debbie, and her best friend-turned-business-partner Julie Young, foster a supportive staging community with their free Facebook group, Staging Studio Society, and an award-winning staging blog full of the latest trends, news, and more from the staging industry.
Together with other industry leaders, Debbie and Julie co-authored the Amazon #1 bestseller, Marketing for the Staging + Design Industry. Debbie and Julie have won numerous awards for their staging and training program, including RESA Real Estate Staging Industry’s Most Influential People; RESA Top Ten Luxury Vacant Staging Team of the Year RESA; RESA Top Ten Home Stager of the Year - Vacant; HSRA Top Five Staging Companies; Freshome Best Interior Designers; and Feedspot Top Home Staging Blogs for StagingStudio.com/blog.
Staging Studio is built on the belief that the home staging industry should be open to anyone who loves home decor and has an entrepreneurial drive. That’s why they work to keep tuition low and donate 10% of all course fees. Those funds go to scholarships for Staging Studio students, to help them get the training they need to run a profitable business, and to nonprofits that benefit women and children.
- Tips for Pulling Inventory for Projects - February 3, 2023
- Hiring Lead Stagers - September 8, 2022
- Getting a Rug to Lay Flat – Ask The Experts - March 11, 2021
