by Blake Herzog
You may have heard that earth tones have been storming back into the interior decorating limelight this year, with warmer beiges and browns getting particular attention as homeowners retreat from the whites and grays that have dominated design for the past several years.
Pastels are a close second, however, infusing a sense of freshness and calm that can invigorate any space with a cool vibe that’s especially welcome as everything outside heats up.
Simple seasonal add-ons like pillows, rugs and wall art can chill a room faster than your HVAC, while more permanent fixes like painting walls and furniture, reupholstering seating and switching out countertops can extend the summery feel throughout the year.
Try these inventive ways to inject pastel tones into your home.
Accent walls
As many people are finding out, these don’t have to be painted bright, saturated colors to make an impression. Accent walls that don’t scream for attention are coming into vogue to bring an understated sophistication to living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Use a soft sage-green to evoke natural growth, light yellow for cheery sunrays, rosy pinks for luminous sunrises and sunsets or sky blue for a steady, calming influence to get you through the day.
Mix with dark woods
If you have mid-tone or darker wood furniture, floors and other design elements you don’t think will play well with pastels, take a closer look.
A warm-wood dresser or headboard can look even glowier contrasted with bubblegum bedding, and deep brown and black can be dramatically offset by any color on the pastel spectrum — try pistachio or tea green for an unexpected choice that can reap big dividends.
Corner havens
If some in your family don’t share your love for pastels, you can still furnish a corner of a room with a chair and ottoman or pouf that complements the rest of your home’s décor with a sturdy yet cute side table and a cheerful rug as your personal oasis, one that can in its way make a bigger splash than a whole room of champagne, mint and robin’s egg-tinged furnishings.
