Before and After — This Designer Picked the Perfect Pink to Cozy up a North-East Facing Living Room

When it comes to interior design, choosing the right colour for a room can make all the difference—especially when it comes to lighting. If you're working with a space that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, like a north-east facing living room, the right hue can warm up the space and create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. That's exactly what one talented designer did when they transformed a dull, cold living room into a soft and welcoming haven with a surprising shade of pink.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the stunning before-and-after transformation and explain why this particular pink was the perfect pick for the space.

The Challenge: A Cold, Underwhelming Living Room

(Image credit: Studio Hahn. Design: Calvagno Studio)

 

When the designer first encountered the space, it was clear that the room lacked warmth and personality. The north-east exposure meant it was often bathed in cool, muted light, making the space feel a bit too stark and uninviting. The neutral palette didn’t help either—while it was clean, it also felt flat and uninspired.

The living room had potential, but the challenge was figuring out how to inject some life into it without overwhelming the senses. The designer wanted a colour that could create a sense of warmth while still feeling light, fresh, and calming.

The Solution: The Perfect Pink

After considering several colour options, the designer landed on Benjamin Moore’s “First Light” (2102-70), a soft and sophisticated pink with a delicate balance of warmth and subtle coolness. The beauty of this pink lies in its muted tone—it isn’t overly saturated or bright, which makes it perfect for a space that needs a little extra warmth without feeling too bold.

Why this pink works:

1. Adds Warmth Without Overpowering: Pink, particularly a soft blush or pastel, can introduce warmth into a room without being too intense. This is especially important in a room with cooler light, where more saturated tones could make the space feel heavy or unbalanced.

2. Brightens Up Low-Light Rooms: Since the room faces north-east, it gets less natural sunlight, which can make colours appear darker and cooler. The soft pink reflects the available light, subtly brightening up the space and creating a welcoming vibe.

3. Pairs Well with Neutral Tones: The designer wanted the room to feel cozy but not too busy. First Light pairs beautifully with both light neutrals and deeper accent tones, like warm greys, whites, and even soft metallics, which were used in the new furnishings and decor.

The Before — A Cold and Stark Space

Here’s what the room looked like before the transformation:

• Colour: The original wall colour was a pale, almost greyish beige that did nothing to warm up the space. It looked washed out and felt disconnected from the rest of the home.
• Furniture: The existing furniture was a mix of heavy pieces in dark, cool-toned woods and plain fabrics, contributing to a somber atmosphere. The layout was fine but felt like it wasn’t drawing the eye to any particular focal point.
• Lighting: The overhead lighting was functional but not very inviting, leaving the room feeling dull and lifeless, especially in the evening.

The After — A Cozy, Inviting Retreat

 

The "after" was nothing short of spectacular. Here’s how the designer made it happen:

1. The Walls: The soft pink colour, First Light, was applied to the walls, instantly warming up the space. The muted pink tone worked wonders in reflecting the available light, making the room feel lighter, brighter, and much more inviting. The soft hue also helped create a serene, relaxing atmosphere that made the room feel more intimate.

2. Furnishings: The furniture was updated with pieces that complemented the new colour scheme. A light gray sofa with soft, textured fabrics was added, along with blush pink throw pillows and a few navy blue accents for contrast. A few well-placed gold and brass touches (like a statement coffee table and light fixtures) brought in a sense of luxury and warmth without feeling too flashy.

3. Lighting: To further enhance the cozy vibe, the designer opted for soft, layered lighting—table lamps with fabric shades, floor lamps, and a few pendant lights over the seating area. These not only added warmth but also created a soft glow in the evening that made the space feel like a true retreat.

4. Accessories: The designer incorporated plenty of natural textures to soften the space, including a woven area rug in neutral tones, wooden coffee tables, and plenty of houseplants. These elements balanced the soft pink perfectly, adding dimension and interest without clashing with the soothing colour on the walls.

The Magic of Soft Pink in North-East Facing Rooms

For any homeowner grappling with a similar issue—low-light, north-east facing rooms—this transformation shows the power of colour to completely change a space. Soft pinks, like First Light, don’t just brighten a room; they create a sense of balance and warmth that’s often needed in cooler spaces.

A gentle pink tone can work wonders in a room that feels cold or uninspired, especially when paired with other soft hues and natural textures. By combining this colour with the right furniture, lighting, and decor elements, the room becomes a comfortable, welcoming space that draws people in.

Why It Works: The Takeaways

• Consider your room's light: If you’re working with a north-facing room or one that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, opt for a soft, warm pink rather than a bright, bold hue. This will help the room feel more welcoming and prevent it from feeling too cold or too stark.
• Balance the colour with neutrals: Pink is often paired with neutrals to ground the space and prevent it from feeling overly “girly” or playful. Think grey, white, or wood tones.
• Layer in texture: Soft pink walls pair beautifully with textured furniture and accessories—think velvet cushions, woven rugs, and rich fabrics. This adds depth to the space and keeps it from feeling one-dimensional.

Final Thoughts

This before-and-after transformation proves just how powerful the right colour can be in interior design. With a soft, cozy pink like Benjamin Moore’s “First Light”, a cold, dark living room becomes a warm, inviting sanctuary. Whether you're updating an existing room or designing from scratch, the right pink can make all the difference in creating a space that feels both sophisticated and comfortable.

So, if your north-east facing living room is feeling a little lackluster, don’t be afraid to embrace the power of pink. With the right shade and a few thoughtful design choices, you’ll transform your space into a cozy retreat that’s as stylish as it is functional.