Guest Picks: A Pale Color Palette to Quiet the Senses
Set a soothing tone with neutral colors and inspiring artwork for a room that's a real retreat
In the buzzing, active world we live in, a little quieting goes a long way. I am finding myself drawn to pale colors these days, and I've selected a few goodies that I feel nurture the sense of calm we all crave at the end of a long and busy day. In the ideal pale interior, I would put together calming hues, soft textures and interesting art. Surround yourself with unusual pieces and you'll see pale does not have to mean bland pastels and girlish bedrooms. — Barbara from Elza B Design
Bed No. Twenty One
This stunning bed can be custom tailored to meet your color scheme and finish preferences. I love this bleached walnut frame with a dusty beige, shearling-upholstered headboard. It's dreamy.
Art / "Passing Through" Painting
"Passing Through" by Rosenbaum Fine Art offers a subtle mix of washed-out colors, creating a soothing picture.
Amaleh Rug
This pink Amaleh rug makes me think of cotton candy or fruit sherbet. I love its transitional pattern and quiet colors.
"Welcome Back" by Sara Matson Westover
This stunning watercolor and mixed-media drawing by Sara Matson Westover has a lovely ethereal quality.
Handmade Petal Vase, Small
I love this handmade white petal vase. It would look fabulous with a bouquet of thistles or peonies.
Natural Arbalet Dresser
This gorgeous pale wood dresser would look wonderful in an entry foyer or bedroom. I love how smooth the grain of the wood looks, and the curves are simply smashing.
Contemporary Table Lamps
This sexy lamp by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams is perfectly curved and proportioned. I love that it comes in so many great colors.
Sophia Block Decorative Pillows, Gold/Sky
I love the restful pattern and color scheme on this block-printed pillow.
Baby Alpaca Throw, Ivory
This classic ivory alpaca throw lends itself well to most interiors. It connotes coziness and rest.
"Tolin" Ben Linens
I adore John Robshaw's fabrics and prints. This "Tolin" cotton voile set offers colorful hues in ethnic prints. Don't you just love how Robshaw mixes and matches?
Antique Painted Chest
This19th century French painted chest is in one of the most striking shade of ice blue. I would put it in the kitchen to store my table linens.
Hairhide Mirror
This hairhide mirror by Jamie Young is chic and easy to coordinate with. Try it in your entryway above a little console table.
Papillon Fabric, Gold
Les Indiennes' mustard yellow and white cotton fabric would be a hit in your veranda. Imagine sipping lemonade in a white-washed room, snuggled against pillows made with this fabric.
John Derian Company Inc — Tete-a-Tete
This dual seat by John Derian would make a great addition to your interior. I love how two people can sit on this and enjoy quiet reading or conversation.
Calm Cat Tray
This decoupage tray with a sweet cat sitting atop a plush, yellow-tasseled pillow is just perfect. It would be the ideal receptacle to deposit keys and coins in when you empty your pockets.
Cove Sofa
The Cove Sofa by John Derian would go perfectly with a pale color scheme. Spruce it up with a few pretty pillows in interesting prints.
Beach Blanket, Yellow
This soft and textured beach blanket stands out. Use it indoors as a summer blanket in a bedroom or on a sofa arm.
Pair of Giraffe Chairs
These unusual, midcentury wood Giraffe Chairs by Arne Jacobsen will surely draw your guests in, starting off a conversation about design.
Flowering Yamabuki
This is a gorgeous 1930s Japanese silk painting by Nakatsuka Issan. I love the weeping quality of the pale Japanese yellow roses.
Next: Pick the Right Gray Paint
Next: Pick the Right Gray Paint