Pastels Re-Energized for Contemporary Modern Home Interiors

Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexel

Soft pastels dominated the spring/summer 2014 runways. The shades can be incorporated into a space in a mature way by tempering them with clean lines, white walls, and eclectic pieces. "Once associated with only femininity and children, pastel colors emerged in the 50’s and 60’s coupled with bold black and striking contrasting colors to make a powerful design statement," Ronique Gibson of Stagetecture reminds us of the color history in design.

Traditional Living Room by Other Metro Interior Designers & Decorators Alexandra Angle Interior Design

That's changed now and pastel palettes are showing up in all sorts of new ways. "The ability of pastel colors to simply blend in is definitely underrated! What’s more, using pastels means you can easily create contrasts by introducing pieces of décor that are more “in your face” and use your lighter items to understate them," Ronique advises.

Midcentury Living Room by Other Metro Media & Bloggers Jeanette Lunde

Mixing different styles of furniture and accessories or the eclectic design style, creates visual interest throughout the space. With the freshness of a pastel palette a room takes on a bit of the Scandinavian or Nordic vibe. What do you think of using the animal skin rug in this space?

Modern Living Room by Other Metro Architects & Designers ÁBATON

If you still want to keep a more masculine edge to your private rooms, consider mixing darker color hard surfaces like hardwood floors and darker color tile and counter tops to create an equal balance among the two color spectrums.  [ref. freshhome]

When the walls are pastel shades, going with white furnishings and textiles can be a powerful choice. Especially when pastel accents (like pillows and a throw) tie it all together. [ref. Decoist] 

Beach Style Living Room by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

The combination of blues and the striped rug would be a comfortable for anyone, male or female, wouldn't you agree? 

Jaime Derringer, Founder and Editor of designmilk recommends to "Pair it with a bold, contrasting color...The pops of color come right out at you, while the pastels serve as a curious backdrop without interference."

Contemporary Living Room by Sausalito Furniture & Accessories Serena & Lily

Here the bold pattern rug and black drapes make the big statements while the lighter colored furniture and pillows provide the softening that make the whole look balanced.

Are you incorporating more pastels into your home this season. How are you incorporating pastels into you décor?