A convention of pink flamingos dotting the front lawn, the boisterous smack of bubble gum in a teenager's mouth, and the satin hot pants of flamboyant Las Vegas entertainers -- how can anyone take pink seriously? But this playful fantasy colour, with its forever-young attitude, is actually very versatile. Paired with handsome neutrals, pink is refreshingly sophisticated, breathing life and personality into any room. Yes, pink elicits a smile, but we can all use a bit more of that.

Kimberley's guide to making every room rosy
Living room: Add just a splash of pink with accent cushions on a clean, contemporary chocolate suede sofa. Display a trio of bright pink vases on the mantel, toss that pashmina scarf you bought last year over an occasional chair, and paint the walls purest white. Now you have a modern and elegant room with just a touch of playfulness.

Bedroom: A set of shell pink satin sheets and bedskirt are the stuff dreams are made of. Pair with palest mushroom and a hint of deep, velvety taupe. Paint walls a fresh matte oyster -- the perfect foil to pink's rosy side.

Dining room: Allow rosy silk draperies, more seductive than any ball gown, to luxuriate in puddles on gleaming wood floors. Paint walls a pearly oyster so that formal antiques in mahogany, cherry or walnut shine.

Bathroom: Who doesn't look better with just a dash of pink on her cheeks? The palest pink feels clean and contemporary when paired with crisp white tiles and brushed-nickel fixtures.

Kitchen: Raspberry and cream suggest year-round summertime, especially when accented with green. Look for toile and other historic patterns that marry this duo. Paint the cupboards the freshest cream and bring it all to life with apple green walls -- guaranteed to stir things up!

Bathroom: Who doesn't look better with just a dash of pink on her cheeks? The palest pink feels clean and contemporary when paired with crisp white tiles and brushed-nickel fixtures.

Kitchen: Raspberry and cream suggest year-round summertime, especially when accented with green. Look for toile and other historic patterns that marry this duo. Paint the cupboards the freshest cream and bring it all to life with apple green walls -- guaranteed to stir things up!

Dos and don'ts
DO consider historic pink for a traditional 18th-century backdrop. As the imposing, heavy baroque style gave way to its lighter, more fanciful cousin -- rococco style -- softer, paler colours began adorning walls, furniture and fabrics.

DO add a blush of oh-so-staid neutral rooms with beguiling and becoming pink. Shades of shell, nu8de and pearl enliven classically executed, well-appointed rooms in a refreshing way.

DO think pink for girls' and boys' rooms. A pale, warm version suits daytime play and is restful enough to promote slumber. Think more mocha than bubble gum.

DON'T force pink to be the substance of a room; it's far more effective being the essence. Paired with mink, taupe, grey, cream or chocolate, pink gets more than its fair share of attention; a little goes a long way.

DON'T overlook pink's powerful side. Used in abundance, pink has the strength to make a statement. You might want to consider papering the walls or ceiling of a small powder room with a daring pink.