By Star Hughes

More and more companies today are adopting the mindset that just because your office is professional doesn’t mean it can’t be homey, feminine, or colorful. As a matter of fact, a pop of pink here and there can add volumes to culture, happiness, and brand strategy. Here’s a look at some of our favorite ways of working pink office décor into a professional space.

1. Experiment with wallpaper.

Wallpaper has made a huge comeback, with many choosing to paper a single wall while leaving the rest of the walls painted a solid color. Click here for inspiration on how to pack a punch with a pink papered wall.

2. Create your own vision board, and make it part of your office décor.

Vision boards can bring a great deal of life and inspiration into an office, and add a pop of color in a less permanent way than paint or wallpaper. Here are two examples that I absolutely love. These vision boards are in home offices, but could certainly be used in any office setting. The light, subtle touches of pink are soft and welcoming.

3. Pink velvet chairs? I think yes.

If you ask me, a pink velvet chair looks positively regal in an office (to say nothing of being extraordinarily comfortable). Take a look at this one, and see if you don’t agree.

4. Add a glimmer of gold while you’re at it.

Speaking of regal, try accenting pink with gold. The overall look is one of sophistication and playfulness, and gives an otherwise sterile reception area a homey feeling. Here are some great examples of this type of color blending.

5. Balance bold pinks with neutrals.

If you’re going to go bold in a professional setting, it’s best to balance bright colors with neutral furniture and flooring so the overall look isn’t overwhelming. The Mattel Design Center in El Segundo, CA achieves this balance flawlessly.

6. Use rugs and chandeliers for added femininity.

A soft pink rug coupled with a whimsical chandelier creates a look of professional femininity immediately. Even in an industrial looking space with brick walls and exposed duct work can be transformed into a homey haven for professionals.

7. Bring in pink via art.

Wall art is one of the easiest ways to bring a bit of pink into your office space, while maintaining an ambiance of complete professionalism. In Hughes Marino’s San Diego office, pops of pink on our walls immediately draw attention to the art, while putting a smile on my face and on the faces of my colleagues. (Incidentally, we don’t shy away from color with the art in our Orange County office, either.)

It’s a New Year, so why not try something new? If you’ve been curious about working a bit of pink into your professional space, there’s never been a better time. Browse around for inspiration (my personal favorite browsing site is Pinterest) and have fun making your office a little more feminine this year!