Interior Design: Living in Pastel Splendor

When it comes to using color in an interior it is not necessary for it to always shout.  Cotton candy pastels were big on the fashion runways this season and next and what is good enough for our Closets Systems always filters down to home decor.  Chanel’s 2012-13 Cruise Collection is bursting with quiet colors (better ready your closet for light blue denim – see my Pinterest Pin).  For extravagant quinceanera dresses, Peaches Boutique has you covered. 

Soft or muted versions of more vibrant colors can be very enjoyable in an interior.  Wrap a room in lilac, peach sherbet, mint green, pale shell pink, baby boy blue, or dove gray and your guest will feel like they are walking into a great big hug.  Welcoming, smiling and comfortable. 

 Via Lynn Morgan Design

Via Windsor Smith

Light and ethereal pastel colors not only look great against one’s skin they are delightful in an interior.  When using soft colors one can either encase the entire room, combine with lots of white or cream, or intersperse a few bolder hues.Photo by Gordon Beall  via Traditional Home Photo by Emily Minton Redfield via Traditional Home 

 When using pastels it is much easier to start with a clean palette rather than try to add to an existing room if you are trying soft colors for the first time.  Often a few key pieces can lead the way, such as this glorious tile from Artistic Tile.  One of Eduardo Garza’s tabletop fascinations.  I did a post on him a while back, very creative guy. These very artful walls by artist Chuck Fischer can help set the stage for a softening of the decor.

People usually think of me as a very bold and vivid colorist, but a fresh pastel room instantly lifts my spirits.  The is no room truly absent of color.  Even in an all white room cast light and shadows will reveal numerous shades and gentle colors.  If you are looking for an interior color scheme more on the quiet and contemplative side, pastels are a splendid choice.  Let me know if I can help!