Soft pink is emerging as the unexpected neutral color of choice for modern interiors, shedding its decades-old association with 1980s excess and proving its versatility in contemporary home design. Once relegated to children's bedrooms or overly romantic spaces, this surprising hue is now taking center stage in the 2025 Dulux Color Forecast, moving from accent roles to full-wall coverage across ceilings and entire rooms.

The journey of pink's rehabilitation began quietly in the early 2010s with what became known as "Millennial Pink," catching even seasoned color forecasters off guard. Dulux color expert Andrea Lucena-Orr recalls the skepticism surrounding pink's return, noting that the color hadn't been seen in mainstream interior design since the 1980s. Even Pantone, the international authority on color trends, seemed hesitant about pink's potential, making the unusual decision in 2016 to announce two Colors of the Year instead of one: Quartz Pink paired with Serenity, a periwinkle blue.

Nearly a decade later, softer pink shades have not only persisted but evolved into something more sophisticated and complex than their brighter predecessors. Today's pink palette features warmer, earthier tones like Dulux Baked Clay and Different Pink, which offer a more muted and psychologically comforting presence. "It was a little bit cleaner then – it's more muted now," Lucena-Orr explains. "From a psychological sense, pink is a nurturing color. It's a color for when we are feeling a little bit low because it makes you feel more nurtured and happier."

The therapeutic qualities of pink extend beyond individual comfort to broader cultural needs. As Lucena-Orr points out, pink is inherently passive and non-overwhelming, making it particularly appealing during challenging times. The current trend encompasses two distinct categories: pinks that lean toward red, maintaining traditional feminine associations, and those that drift toward brown, creating earthy, dusty tones reminiscent of natural landscapes, particularly the washed-out, beautiful colors found in Australia's Northern Territory.

Interior designer Greg Natale, a longtime advocate for pink's potential, emphasizes the color's remarkable versatility. "It's one of my favorite colors," he states. "It's feminine and soft, it's a fun color. It's a pretty good neutral and it does go with a lot of other colors. I particularly love it with red – pink is in the same family but it softens the red." Natale's enthusiasm extends to pink's ability to complement various materials and aesthetic approaches, whether paired with natural timber and gold accents or used to subtly evoke retro charm.

The color combinations emerging in 2025 showcase pink's unexpected compatibility with bold choices that might have seemed impossible just years ago. This year's Dulux forecast features pink partnered with sage greens, robust aubergines, petrol blues, and chocolate browns. Perhaps most surprisingly, pink pairs beautifully with chartreuse, a combination that Lucena-Orr describes as "absolutely beautiful" while acknowledging its 1980s origins in a much more refined, muddied interpretation.

Pink's acceptance has reached beyond traditional decorating boundaries into areas typically considered permanent and expensive to change. Lucena-Orr notes with excitement that pink is returning to kitchen cabinetry, particularly in earth-based tones that serve as neutral foundations rather than bold statements. "We are seeing more pinks being used as neutrals," she explains. "It becomes that color you can use as a core color because it's so soft and soothing."

For homeowners hesitant about embracing color, soft pink offers an ideal transition from stark whites and traditional neutrals. Lucena-Orr describes it as a "bridging color" that provides a safe entry point for those unfamiliar with using color in their homes. This accessibility, combined with pink's ability to work as both a supporting player and a main character in room design, positions it as a gateway to more adventurous color choices.

The cultural shift in pink's perception extends beyond interior design into broader fashion and lifestyle acceptance. Natale observes that pink has transcended traditional gender associations, noting that "stockbrokers and finance guys wear pink with navy suits now, so even straight men seem to like pink – they wear pink shirts all the time." This mainstream acceptance reinforces pink's evolution from a niche decorating choice to a sophisticated color suitable for any living space, regardless of the occupants' style preferences or demographics.

The staying power of this pink trend appears strong, driven by its practical benefits and psychological appeal. Unlike previous color fads that relied on novelty, pink's current iteration offers genuine versatility and emotional comfort. Whether used as a subtle accent or bold statement, from dusty rose to deeper terracotta-influenced hues, pink has proven its ability to ground spaces while maintaining connection to nature and providing the nurturing qualities that modern living spaces increasingly demand.