Interior designers are embracing a new trend that's set to dominate homes in 2026: sophisticated shades of pink are replacing traditional beige as the go-to neutral color. These aren't the bright, vibrant pinks of the past, but rather muted, complex tones like dusty blush, muddied salmon, and pretty putty that feature undertones of brown, beige, or gray-brown. This shift represents a move away from conventional neutrals like ivory, eggshell, and beige toward what designers call "chameleon colors" that add warmth without overwhelming a space.
The appeal of these sophisticated pink tones lies in their versatility and flattering qualities. Aaron Hahnselle, a New Orleans-based designer from Hahnselle Studio, explains that warm pinks create a soft, glowing undertone that instantly makes spaces feel more welcoming and cozy. "Pink also has a soothing, nurturing quality, which makes it a wonderful choice for bedrooms and bathrooms alike," Hahnselle notes. These muted pink shades work exceptionally well with both earthy tones like camel, olive, and mustard, as well as jewel tones such as sapphire and emerald.
One effective approach designers are using is selecting two shades within the same pink color family for different surfaces. In a recent bathroom project, Hahnselle paired Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster on the walls with Benjamin Moore's Roman Shade on the trim. This technique of keeping the main wall color and trim in the same family but with varying depths creates a sophisticated, cohesive look. "Pink is a great option when you want depth and contrast without committing to darker tones. It offers richness and dimension without overwhelming the room," Hahnselle adds.
For those hesitant about painting entire walls in pink, incorporating the color through furniture upholstery offers a more conservative approach. Isabella Patrick of NYC-based Isabella Patrick Interiors demonstrated this strategy by using a sophisticated shade of pink for a banquette in an otherwise neutral kitchen. "We selected the faux leather color for the banquette to bridge in the caramels from the original hardwood floors, pick up on warm tones in the brass fixtures, nod to the neutral warm and light color of the cabinets, and tie in with the other decorative elements throughout the space," Patrick explains.
The choice of finish and material also plays a crucial role in achieving the desired sophisticated look. Crystal Blackshaw, a Chicago-based designer from Crystal Blackshaw Interiors, created a luxurious bathroom for a three-year-old client who loves pink while maintaining the home's zen/contemporary aesthetic. She paired a custom white oak vanity with Carrara marble, earthy blush accents, and paint, finishing the design with satin brass details. "We believe this design will grow with her over the years and doesn't read as too 'sweet' because she already has enough sweetness to go around," Blackshaw says.
When selecting the perfect shade of sophisticated pink, designers emphasize the importance of considering Light Reflectance Value (LRV). Grey Joyner of North Carolina-based Grey Joyner Interiors explains that the LRV determines how much light a color reflects. "The higher the LRV, the more light reflected. So if you are going for a light and airy room—or if the room doesn't get a ton of light—choose a pink with a higher LRV. If you want a moodier vibe, choose a pink with a lower LRV." For a dining room project, she selected pink with an LRV of 78 in high gloss for the ceiling to brighten the space and draw the eye upward.
For those seeking a more dramatic approach, darker, moodier shades of pink are gaining popularity. Debbie Boggs, co-founder of Staging Studio in San Antonio, Texas, used Sherwin-Williams Interface Tan for a media room, choosing a pink with strong brown undertones to create a sophisticated, earthy atmosphere. Andress Eichstadt, CEO of Staging Studios, describes this approach: "We love this brownish-pink for its earthiness, but also its ability to be sophisticated and modern. It's perfect for a smaller space that you want to make dramatic. Not Pepto or millennial pink. It's the perfect 2026 muddied pink!"
Layering similar shades creates additional depth and visual interest in spaces. Los Angeles-based designer Michelle Accetta of Michelle Accetta Home recently combined Setting Plaster from Farrow & Ball with Angels Landing from Portola Paints to transform a dated 1980s TV nook. "The two pair perfectly and almost look like the same color but have different finish textures," Accetta explains. "I wanted to create something subtle but also had an earthy feel to it, without it actually being stone or wood. I love the finish of these two paint options because the warm pink tones remind me of the warm stucco finishes of homes that we see so frequently in Europe."
As design trends continue to embrace more color and pattern, sophisticated pink shades are positioned to become a staple in interior design. The key to success lies in choosing the right undertones that complement existing colors in the space and selecting appropriate LRV levels based on the room's lighting conditions and desired mood. This trend represents a significant shift from traditional neutrals, offering homeowners and designers a fresh palette that combines the reliability of neutral colors with the warmth and character that only sophisticated pink can provide.
