Today’s color dilemma…
“I have chosen to do my daughters room in pink, black and white. I don’t want a light pink, but I don’t want Pepto Bismol either.
She is 11 yrs. old and we are going to put black and white self adhesive polka dots on the pink. Any suggestions? –gg
Kate’s suggests…
Pink, black and white is a great choice for you daughter’s room. A classic color combination that is often associated with the 1950’s, poodle skirts, and rock and roll this combination has stood the test of time and polka dots are a natural in this colorway.
Many designers, artist and do-it-yourselfers enjoy creatively using pink and black polka dots. Here are a few items found on etsy that make imaginative use of this theme: tags from paperologie, the tote from baffinbags, or the hanging tiles from parischicboutique.
Pink, black and white is a popular color theme chosen by young women on Polyvore’s outfit editor site as seen in the outfit above but women of all ages seem to find this combination appealing as you can see by the response to Grace’s post about this color combination on her blog Design Sponge.
Just like the Donghia fabric I wrote about recently Madeline Weinribe has given an updated look to this suzani fabric through her use of pink and black.
While once considered mainly a feminine or “girly” color it has acheived more widespread popularity among members of both sexes as I talked about last month on Live In Full Color.
As you already recognize walls painted pink can make a bold statement and some hues of pink may be overwhelming. I think that the key to enjoying the color for years to come is to chose a pink that is a bit more sophisticated and let the polka dots add the playfulness that attracted your daughter to this color scheme and decorating style.
A middle value hue will give the room the fun feel I believe you are after but it will also be restful enough so that your daughter can have a peaceful “beauty sleep” each night.
The wall in this room designed by Diamond Baratta and featured in House Beautiful are covered in Ralph Lauren’s Spectator Pink in linen, which goes beautifully with the black and white houndstooth rug. This is the intensity and value of pink I would recommend.
A couple of other options might be Silk Kimono #MS011 from the Martha Stewart collection, Berry Red 2 #LA202 or Plaster Pink 2 #302 both from Laura Ashley Home or Valspar’s Seaside Retreat Pink Flamingo #SR504 all of which are available at Lowe’s.
We’d enjoy hearing how the project turns out and having you post before and after pictures on RoomVues.
If any of our readers have suggestions for other pinks that they have used successfully please let us know in the comments. 
What a great idea for a young girls room! It’s fresh and fun, but elegant!
Thanks for the comment Isolda. I too think that gg and her daughter came up with a style that will please them from the tween years into the teen years and maybe beyond. It is a very fun and flirty decorating scheme for a young girl.