Top Pink Paint Picks

18 Aug

Pink is one of the most misunderstood colours in interiors. The right pink doesn’t feel sweet or childish. Instead, it feels warm, sophisticated and surprisingly versatile – in some cases I’d even call it a neutral! Depending on the tone, pink can create a soft, calming backdrop, add warmth to a space, or introduce a rich sense of drama and personality. To make navigating pink paint colours a little easier, I've broken my favourites down into five categories.

First are the Barely-There Pinks, which offer the gentlest hint of warmth. Then come the Dusty Pinks, soft and sophisticated shades that work beautifully in contemporary homes. Next are Moody Pinks for those wanting depth, richness and a more dramatic statement. And lastly dark pink/reds for warm and cocooning spaces.

PRO TIP: Remember to consider your natural light - South-facing homes often benefit from warmer pinks, and North-facing homes can comfortably handle cooler pinks. Shelley

Barely-There Pinks

These are the colours I recommend when clients want warmth without obvious colour. They often read as a neutral but bring a softness and glow that white simply can't achieve.

Barely-There Pinks

Resene Spring Wood A feminine Parisian influenced mushroom pink.
Resene Ebb A pretty pale foam pink.
Resene Soothe A dusty umber neutral pink.
Dulux Thought Half A soft subtle dusty rose pink.
Dulux Smuggler’s Bay Quarter A soft, sophisticated pastel pink.
Aalto Curve A dusky pink with mauve undertones, that is soft and romantic.

Dusky Pinks

Dusky pinks are elegant, grown-up and incredibly versatile. They work beautifully in bedrooms, dressing rooms and powder rooms, adding warmth without feeling overly feminine.

PRO TIP: Paint your entire interior the same pink, including ceilings, skirtings, architraves and doors to create a more high-end, modern look. Vary the sheen levels for practicality, like semi-gloss for frames and doors and ceiling paint tinted to your chosen pink for ceilings.

Dusky Pinks

Resene Wafer A pink biscuity pink, delightful and sweet.
Resene Blanched Pink A soft dusty pink, feminine and soothing.
Dulux Gouland Downs A dusky rose pink adds a sense of warmth to any room.
Dulux Lip Gloss A soft dusky rose pink.
Aalto Epiphany A soft and pretty pink perfect for accents or colour-drenching.
Aalto Aviary A muted, dusky pink, coloured with 6 pigments to create a complex hue.

Moody Pinks

These deeper tones create atmosphere and drama. Perfect for powder rooms, feature walls and spaces where you want a little more personality.

PRO TIP: Always test large samples in morning, afternoon, and evening light. The same pink can look completely different depending on orientation and natural light.

Moody Pinks

Resene Vintage A warm brown genteel Victorian rose, blended red oxide and pastel pink.
Resene Renaissance A mid toned grape red; a fresh look at a mellow old favourite.
Dulux West Plains A pinky lilac that can add a sense of timeless elegance to an interior or on a front door.
Dulux Kaituna A complex dusky purple with subtle grey undertones, adding moodiness and drama.
Aalto Dusty Rose A rose-tinted pink hue with subtle violet undertones, a romantic hue.
Aalto Bloomed A soft mid-toned pink.

Dark Pinks

PRO TIP: Try different strengths of the below neutrals you like most – there’s a lot of variation between eighth, quarter, half and full strength and chances are your perfect match can be found somewhere in between. Shelley‍ ‍

best Dark Pinks

Resene Arthouse A serious natured, chic deep red.
Resene Mulberry A silky blue based red pink, reserved and quiet.
Dulux Gibbston Valley A deep red pink that is perfect as an accent colour.
Dulux Dansey’s Pass A luxurious purple pink great for creating a casual and more relaxed setting.
Aalto Delevingne A daring, deeply pigmented red with bordeaux, magenta and violet, charismatic and confident.
Aalto Margot A spicy rose pink with rich red oxide undertones, capturing the warmth of wild raspberries.