Pastel Colors in Trendy Decor

Pastel shades are ubiquitous in our interiors, in large part due to the continued popularity of the Scandinavian decor trend. Soft blue, pink, green, and yellow dress up walls, decorative accessories, and lighting fixtures with delicacy. However, to avoid an overly childish or sugary look, as well as to counter coldness and dullness, it is essential to pair them with shiny materials, combine them with one another, and pay special attention to lighting.

WHAT ARE PASTEL COLORS?

Pastel colors are light, soft, and tender tones, named after the colored crayons used for drawing. They have a refreshing and joyful effect on our mood, recalling memories of childhood. Pastel tones, such as blue, pink, yellow, mauve, and green, sit between charming decor and childlike softness. They bring a touch of magic to our interiors! These colors are fashionable all year round, suitable for every season: they herald spring, refresh in summer, brighten in autumn, and suit winter for a Scandinavian ambiance. They are also known by names like aquamarine, sky blue, and powder pink—terms that express the softness of these hues. Although they have been very popular in recent years, they can sometimes be criticized for a lack of personality or a "marshmallow" effect when overused. This is why they are now appearing in deeper shades, with the addition of black and gray, thus gaining intensity and subtlety, and their use is spreading throughout the home.

PASTEL COLORS IN ACCESSORIES

Decorative accessories are the perfect place to showcase pastel colors. Especially when combined with one another! With them, it is hard to make a mistake.

In the current Scandinavian decor trend, it is common to mix several pastel shades in the same room to add rhythm to the decor. In recent years, there has been a profusion of accessories in soft, powdery tones. Light diamond patterns on cushions, hanging house-shaped shelves, retro coffee tables in sky blue, aquamarine, or baby yellow, and ceramic lamps in tender tones. Pastel colors thus find their best terrain of expression through these pretty decorative accessories and lighting fixtures, which bring discreet, fresh touches to the home like a signature style. They also translate successfully to linens and tableware, lending them a softly retro charm. Conversely, painting an entire wall in straw yellow or baby blue may be less successful. A total look and large surfaces do not necessarily suit pastel colors.

THE NEW PASTEL HUES

In the current decor trend, pastel colors are evolving. Now they are associated with a touch of black or gray, giving them an unexpected depth and intensity. These are the new "pastel" hues! More daring, they are inspired by the vintage style of the 50s and 60s, bringing a bohemian or jungle influence to our interiors. They also pair perfectly with the Art Deco style, which made a major comeback in 2017. Blues become "glacier," yellows "mustard," pinks "Indian," and greens "celadon," and they are used in large swaths on walls or in patterns on wallpaper. Applied as a single strip, these new pastel hues come to life through geometric or floral patterns, animating butterflies and birds. They are ideal for structuring a room, creating a relaxation space, or adding style to a bedroom. In 2017, pastel colors emancipated themselves from style constraints and favored mixing, varied combinations, and defined resolutely trendy interiors.

DEDICATING PASTEL SHADES TO BRIGHT ROOMS

It would be a mistake to believe that pastel colors can illuminate a room on their own due to their lightness. While it is true that a light shade can visually enlarge a space, pastel hues fit better in rooms already well-lit by natural light. By combining them in touches with white walls, pastel colors ensure optimal luminosity in the room, giving it a fresh, spring-like ambiance, whether they are cool or warm. However, in a room exposed to cold light, such as a north-facing room, pastel hues can appear dull and sad. Therefore, it is useless to try to brighten a dark room with shades like sky blue or lavender mauve; on the contrary, it is better to opt for slightly more vivid shades to transform the atmosphere into a warm cocoon.

LAMPS IN PASTEL SHADES

Lamps take on soft, spring-like colors, becoming an essential element of interior decoration to harmonize with various styles. Paired with light wood furniture in a Scandinavian style, table lamps adopt shades like light blue, straw yellow, or aquamarine. Pendants with multiple diffusers, perfect for a mid-loft, mid-shabby chic ambiance, also follow this trend. Sky blue lamps add a contemporary touch to any room and create an atmosphere conducive to sleep in a bedroom. Finally, nude pink lights, both warm and romantic, soften the austerity of an interior with clean design. Whether made of ceramic or metal, these lamps bring touches of color that delicately embellish a decor imbued with softness.

PASTEL SHADES IDEAL FOR A RESTFUL AMBIANCE IN THE BEDROOM: FAVOR BLUE

Pastel colors are perfect for creating an atmosphere conducive to restful sleep in the bedroom. It is essential to attenuate their refreshing effect by opting for soft lighting. Small lamps with fabric shades are preferable to designer metal lamps, while wicker or rattan pendant lights, which are very fashionable, offer soft and pleasant lighting. Pastel shades are also ideal for a very feminine, boudoir-style bedroom. Almond green and pastel pink create a soft and slightly romantic ambiance. As for blue, renowned for being soothing and calming according to Feng Shui principles, it is particularly welcome, especially when pastel. Shades like azure, sky, glacier, or Nordic blend harmoniously with driftwood or light wood lighting fixtures, neutral and natural tones, as well as diffuse lighting from multiple light sources, thus promoting relaxation and rest.