We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
At first blush, pink is the sweet shade of cherry blossoms and just-pinched cheeks. But the color can have impact. Pink can be punk. Look to the bold magenta accents of Mexican architect Luis Barragan, or the splashes of fuchsia in spaces such as the Madonna Inn on the California coast. Even in lighter tones, the rosy hue can be cool and not-so-lady-like.
For Pietro Quaglia, owner of the all-pink Pietro Nolita restaurant in New York City, growing up surrounded by the color on Italy’s Ligurian coast, where many a building boasts a pale pink facade, was a constant inspiration. “Pink, especially pastel, is a chic and elegant color. It exudes a sense of happiness and joy,” he says. Here are some of our favorite moments in decorating, travel, and around-the-world finds.
Pietro Nolita
New York City, NY, US
This pink-filled restaurant in NYC’s Nolita neighborhood will make you feel good about indulging in all your favorite Italian dishes with healthy takes on the classics—you can even opt for whole wheat or gluten free pasta.
Sketch
London, England
One of London’s most famous (and Instagrammable) spots, Sketch an ultra chic combination of food, art, and music. It also happens to house one of the world’s most Instagrammable bathrooms—you’ve definitely seen the restaurant’s oddly egg-shaped bathroom pods all over social media.
No197 Chiswick Fire Station
London, England
Another London hotspot, this bar and restaurant might not be as in-your-face pink as some places, but the modern and spacious interior is definitely noteworthy. We want to steal those plush pink couches for our own homes ASAP.
Be Fast Pan Y Pasteles
Madrid, Spain
Maybe the coolest bakery we’ve ever seen, this tiny spot in Madrid’s historic center is definitely worth a visit. Created by architect and designer Virginia del Barco, the space features 12,000 pink wooden sticks protruding from the ceiling as well as paler pink accents.
Gretas
Stockholm, Sweden
Described as a “modern interpretation of the 1920s exploration of consciousness, glamour, and expression,” this restaurant is located in Haymarket hotel in Stockholm’s Market Square. Stop by for breakfast or afternoon tea and take in the beautiful decor.
Le Café Mollien
Paris, France
With all the cafés in Paris, it may seem a little odd to prioritize one in a museum, but the Louvre’s Café Mollien is the exception to that rule. Its terrace overlooks the Cour Napoléon and the Carrousel garden, but the inside is equally stunning, featuring slightly futuristic-looking pink light fixtures that look like eggs set against the luxe historic backdrop.
The Redhill MRT Station
Bukit Merah, Singapore
Thought it’s hard to imagine anything beating the glamorous design of New York City’s MTA, this entirely pink train station in Singapore is giving it a run for its money. With everything from the walls to the ceiling to the fences coated in a bubblegum pink shade, waiting for the morning commute has definitely never looked chicer.
Lucy Folk
Bondi Beach, Australia
This Australian lifestyle brand has many locations, but the Bondi Beach one is definitely worth visiting. Dubbed “PLAYA by Lucy Folk,” this outpost features the same expertly-crafted accessories beloved in the flagship store beautifully displayed in a custom-made pink interior offset with contemporary gold accents.
Red Valentino
London, England
Adhering to a (dare we say millennial?) pink-and-mustard color scheme, London’s Red Valentino boutique was designed by India Mahdavi. Mahdavi was also the mastermind behind the aforementioned Sketch—so really, there’s no one better suited to design a pink interior.
Lou & Grey
New York City, NY
The award for the chicest fitting room goes to the Lou &
in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, hands down. Coated in millennial pink from the velvet stools to the linen curtains, this space is seriously gorgeous. Copper fixtures and pops of greenery balance out the decor.
Pink Sands Beach
Harbor Islands, Bahamas
For the ultimate picturesque beach getaway, the pink sand beaches at Harbor Island can’t be topped. This area is home to some of the world’s most famous pink beaches—some even span three miles—and between the sand and the clear waters, you’ll have no shortage of Instagram-worthy photo opps.
Cherry Blossom Season
Kyoto, Japan
Starting in late March, visitors can make the most of spring in Japan and tour the many cherry blossom (“sakura”) bloomings around the country. Kyoto has some particularly beautiful ones, and you can head to many different places, such as the Philosopher’s Path or the famous Maruyama Park.
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree, California
This desert national park is pretty stunning anytime you visit, but if you catch it at sunset the sky and surrounding landscape turn a pale pink-purple.
Pink Lake
Goldfields-Esperance, Western Australia
Pink sand is one thing, but a lake where the water itself is entirely pink? Yes, this actually exists, and it’s located in Western Australia’s Golden Outback region. The bubblegum pink hue is due to the high concentration of algae in the water.
Need more pinkspiration? Check out some classic films with iconic pink scenes, such as Pretty in Pink, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marie Antoinette, Grease, and Funny Face. And hit follow on some of our favorite pink-infused Instagram pages, including @xuzzi, @the.wing, and @cynthiamittweg.
Originally published March 2017. Updated October 7, 2017.
See more pink-filled stories:
9 Sweet and Savory Recipes Inspired by the Season’s It Color Add These Pink Sand Beaches to Your Summer Travel List ASAP 13 Ways to Play With Pink in Your Home