Palette Play: Dusty Blush

Dessert Plates in Rose and Gold (set of two) - by Suite One Studio

“We need a transitional color out of the neutral black & white palette of 2012-2015 and this bridges the gap quite nicely. Sort of a neutral, but not really.”

For as long as I’ve designed websites, it’s been common for clients to request a neutral palette, with pops of pink. But, interestingly, over the last 18 months and change, the shade of pink everyone wanted shifted. Whereas before clients might want a deeper, saturated pink, or perhaps something unabashedly bubblegum and girly, now the call comes loud and clear: blush. Specifically, a muted, dusty shade of blush. A few clients recently requested a blush so dusty that it veered more towards nude or even mauve. A few weeks ago, I came across this article, about how millenial women are so in love with this color right now. It’s really interesting! My favorite observation from a commenter was the above quote (since deleted, oddly).

Ironically enough, I don’t veer towards pinks naturally, but these muted shades? I totally dig. I think it’s because they bring so much warmth to black/white/grey palettes (where I often feel at home), but there’s so much variety within the spectrum of “dusty blush” that I haven’t gotten bored of it…yet. “A spectrum of dusty blush?” you ask. It’s true! Observe the below variations I found in the wild:

Have you been noticing dusty blushes everywhere too? Do you find yourself drawn to products or imagery with this shade, like me? WHY ARE WE ALL WIRED THIS WAY?

SHOP MY BLUSH FAVES

Ring Plate, SuiteOneStudio.com, $32  ·  Maharani Nail Polish, Odeme.Co, $12  ·  ‘Winter Roses’ Art, ZincDoor.com, $160

Top image from Suite One Studio  ·  Graphics created by Victoria McGinley Studio

8 Comments

  1. 9.1.16
    Stephanie said:

    I have definitely noticed this color trend. I’m not usually a pink girl but I do love how the dusty blush tone is a more sophisticated take on “girly pink.” I especially love it paired with gold and gray tones.

  2. 9.1.16
    Erica said:

    I am really drawn to this color too. I stick to a mostly neutral palette and blush fits in well with it. I just ordered the Felize loafers in grey and this blush color to try out. It will be a hard decision which one to keep!

  3. 9.1.16
    Catryn said:

    I love the blush trend as well! So feminine, yet so easy to pair with other neutrals. Also, those little ring dishes are to die for!

    Sweet Horizon

  4. 9.1.16

    I read that article too and completely related to it because that cover on Sweetbitter made me NEED to buy the book. I’ve always loved pink and still do, and this current blush-y/coral-y/nude-ish spectrum of it feels exactly that – current. It just feels modern and not girly, while still being pink. I don’t know why we all love it, but all I know is I hope it doesn’t go away anytime soon!

  5. 9.2.16
    Catherine said:

    I love this and I couldn’t agree more that blush is having a moment! I’m totally into it. Blush for everyone!

  6. 9.3.16
    Tyshia said:

    Currently obsessed with this color right now. We actually recently did our bedroom over, mainly neutral tones of white and gray. I added blush accents. Sooo pretty.

  7. 9.5.16
    Rebecca said:

    Love this color!

  8. 9.7.16
    Sonya said:

    I’ve noticed this trend too. I like pink, but I cannot do blush. It is a little too girly and neutral for my taste. I like it on other people, but I prefer bolder pinks.

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