Designing a Love Story
By Alexis Wagman
Red and pink—two hues that live in the same color family yet bring dramatically different energies to a space. One is bold, powerful, and full of intensity. The other is soft, whimsical, and adaptable. Together, they have the ability to create a dynamic interplay of contrast and cohesion, tension and harmony.
The Love Series, R & Company White Street Gallery. Photography: Stephen Kent Johnson via Dezeen
Rouge Room Las Vegas. Photography: Clint Jenkins via Interior Design Magazine
Red demands attention. It is the color of energy, movement, and luxury—a visual exclamation point that captivates the eye. Pink, on the other hand, has range. Depending on its depth and saturation, it can be playful and light, or moody and sultry. From delicate blush to electrifying fuchsia, pink carries an emotional weight that shifts with its context. When paired with red , though, the result is unexpected and compelling.
Photography: Child Studio
Bilbao Student Housing. Photography Masquespacio via Dezeen
While not traditionally considered complementary colors, red and pink complement each other through contrast. The balance between boldness and softness, saturation and subtlety, creates a layered, textural depth that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a pairing that breaks conventional rules but does so effortlessly—proving that sometimes, the best design moments come from pushing boundaries.
Gian Paolo Venier via Novacolor
Photography: Douglas Friedman via Interior Design Magazine
VI ARKITEKTUR. Photography: Tord-Rikard Söderström
In commercial design, red and pink are being chosen for immersive environments, especially in hospitality and retail spaces. Designers are exploring sensory experiences beyond the tactile and embracing saturated hues and tonal layering to evoke emotional resonance through the senses. Deep reds like ruby, oxblood, and maroon, alongside a mix of coral, blush, and scarlet, signal a continued shift toward resimercial aesthetics. As Palak Mistry, Sustainability and Design Consultant at Carnegie, explains: “the contrasting emotional impact of these colors can result in an unexpected but impactful experience.”
Palak Mistry, Sustainability and Design Consultant, Carnegie
To showcase the aesthetic range of this color pairing, we’ve curated three unique textile palettes:
Playful Pop
Vivid pink, fiery reds, and graphic patterns inject energy and vibrancy. This palette thrives on high-contrast pairings and unexpected material combinations.
Modern Romance
A mix of oxblood, dusty rose, and maroon, grounded by warm neutrals and plush textures. Ideal for creating a blissful, cozy aesthetic.
Crimson Reverie
A sophisticated layering of ruby, blush, and soft garnet, complete with refined textures and finishes. It's giving classic luxury with a contemporary twist.
Red and pink challenge expectations, defy conventional rules, and create an undeniable presence in design. How would you use them?
Interested in more interior design trends? Be sure to check out our 2025 Trend Report.
About the Author
Alexis Wagman is the Content Marketing Specialist at Carnegie. Passionate about what connects all of us, she seeks to leverage creative Marketing and design to communicate real stories.