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How to decorate your home in vibrant pinks
Our pink inspiration for summer is the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Move over Barbie…
Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s bold use of colour and manipulation of light is nowhere more evident than in Cuadra San Cristóbal, a private equestrian estate he built in 1968 northeast of Mexico City. The most striking feature of the compound is the hot-pink and crimson stucco walls that frame a shallow outdoor pool. Joyfully optimistic, the architect’s instantly recognisable palette has served as inspiration for many designers, and is the ultimate reference for summer styling. Here’s how to translate the essence of his architectural colour scheme into interiors that zing with heat and passion.
‘Tappeto Sofo’ rug, Poltronova
Inspired by the marketing for the iconic ‘Sofo’ sofa created by Superstudio in 1968, this rug by the same designers rethinks its train-track decoration and in-your-face colour palette. A nod to design history and an on-trend buy all in one! £5,570, janerichardsinteriors.com
‘Cubic Bumps’ fabric, Kirkby Design
Part of Kirkby Design’s fruitful collaboration with Eley Kishimoto, this 3D pattern of blocks forms a digital-style landscape of skyscrapers. The name of this colourway is ‘Lava’, which we think perfectly captures its sizzling appeal. £85.50 per metre, kirkbydesign.com
‘Stripe’ cushion, Loewe
Fashion house Loewe nails the Barragan-inspired palette (also a recent bit on the catwalks) with this colourful mohair design. The embossed leather patch in the centre will let guests know that this is no ordinary sofa accessory. £495, loewe.com
‘Raspberry Pink’ vinyl flooring, Harvey Maria
Vinyl flooring is growing in favour within the design world (see our edit of the best uses) because of its durability, but also its ability to deliver a truly impressive hit of colour. This hot pink is one for the bravest of homeowners, but we like the idea of it in a fun downstairs bathroom. £43 per square metre, harveymaria.com
‘Lisola’ armchair, Hommes Studio
There’s something quite architectural about the form of this chair that we believe Barragan would have appreciated. It certainly takes inspiration from his colour palette, with orange armrests tucked within a hot pink frame. £5,219, hommes.studio
‘Antinous’ tray, The Lacquer Company
Luke Edward Hall’s grecian-inspired sketches bring a delicacy to the bold red of this lacquered tray. It’s an ideal way to bring some of this look’s daring palette into your home if you’re a touch more cautious with colour. £195, thelacquercompany.com
‘LS 990 Les Couleurs Le Corbusier’ light switch, Jung
Light switches are often overlooked when it comes to interior design, but this range by Jung, which takes its colours from the palette devised by architect and designer Le Corbusier, will turn them into a talking point. From £75, swtch.co.uk
‘Linara’ fabric, Romo
Give an existing piece of furniture a Barragan-inspired update by reupholstering it in this classic fabric (we love the richness of the ‘Bayberry’ colourway). It’s a cotton-linen blend that’s soft to the touch, making it a good choice for sofas and armchairs. £48 per metre, romo.com
‘Nokk’ stool, Noo.ma
Equally as comfortable outside in your garden or on your balcony as it would be in your living room, this stool is made from steel. It comes in three colours (including an equally on-trend cobalt), but lovers of Barragan’s colour palette should head straight for the zesty delight of ‘Orange Peel’. £386, uk.noo.ma
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