Guest Picks: Spring Fresh Pastels Accents
This ideabook features 20 products that will inject your space with tranquility and cheer. — Denise from The Swelle Life
The contrasting lines that make this mint pendant lampshade pop are a bit of an illusion. The shade is made up of 12 laser-cut cardboard strips that are coated in carbon paper. When the bulb is turned on, the corrugated edges glow, and your pastel becomes something special.
I wouldn't have thought I'd get excited about a metal stool, but this one with tiny perforations and yellow lacquer actually looks quite pretty for such a utilitarian piece. In addition to its primary function as a seat, I'd love to use it as an accent table for plants and flowers. It's also stackable, and I'll bet three or four of them would look great in the corner of a big, colorful kitchen.
Do you find yourself staring at the ugly white electrical cord that suspends your ceiling lightbulb and detracts from your fabulous pendant shade? I do, but the good news is that we can replace these dull cords with one in a pretty pastel and turn the unsightly into a curious feature.
While not quite appropriate for the oenophile, a vintage-inspired set of hand-painted wineglasses in dusty pastels can be fun for a theme party. They also make for a playful presentation when serving chilled or layered desserts.
Cool taupes and grays are the natural complements to muted pastels, as demonstrated in this clock face. The black hands work with the dark tones to keep the clock from appearing too candy colored, but the pinks, blues and yellows will still go far to brighten up the space.
Mint is one of my most favorite colors; it's so fresh and serene. Even if you're not a tea light person, you may want to reconsider this handblown glass vessel to add a touch of calm in this softest of greens. Imagine a few of them glowing around the tub as you settle in for a hot soak.
Stripes are so pleasing, especially in candy colors. This small cotton rug is just the thing for cheering up a dull space, like a laundry/utility room, or for taking the vibrant color of a child's room even further.
Pastel trend or not, soft aqua-tinted glass in an elegant design is sure to endure through the years. This sculptural vase of blown Murano glass takes the form of a water droplet. It's so calm and lovely that I'd be reluctant to actually put a flower in it and distract from its zen appeal.
For those who like to change their decor according to the seasons or their mood, having a few reversible cushions is essential. One side of this hand-quilted silk pillow is a saturated lilac and the other is a deep purple, which also trims the lighter side and reminds you of your options.
I don't often get excited about a colander, but when it's weighty, hand-thrown earthenware in a lovely soft blue, it becomes a bit more than a draining bowl. This piece has a permanent place on my kitchen table and is usually filled with black grapes, which look gorgeous against the blue. The draining plate is practical and makes for a nicely finished presentation, or it can be used on its own for serving.
An enamel milk pan in a pretty pastel not only is a cheerful piece of cookware for heating up your nighttime drink, but also makes for a rustic piece of decor in your kitchen. I'd use a spare for storing small utensils, and stack them in different colors to get the full charm.
This silicon slip mat may be made for young cooks, but I picked one up because I liked the soft pink color and found that it made a great counter protector. It's handier when it's not buried in a drawer, and thanks to the cheerful color, it doesn't look wrong when left out on the counter or against the oven backsplash, which is where I tend to keep it. Luckily, it's dishwasher safe too.
Royal Doulton's pastel set of tapas plates is so pretty with the swoosh of white that I might be reluctant to actually load one up with food. They're perfect for party presentations and also double as sweet cake plates. Keep these stacked on the sideboard or open kitchen shelves so that you can admire them.
People seem to respond positively to soft blues, probably because they're so welcoming and relaxing. So despite a lack of pale blue sofas around, they're a great choice for communal seating. Whites and other pastels will carry the serenity through the room, and dark woods will contrast and add richness to the space.
The kitchen worktop table is probably the most coveted wish-list item for the home cook. It provides a bit of extra work space and storage, and it looks great too. This design features an oiled maple top, slatted pan shelf and is finished with drop chest handles. To satisfy your pastel lust, you can order it painted in your choice of blue, pink, green or yellow.
Pastel walls can really set a calm and happy tone in a space, and they're neutral enough to provide the backdrop for just about any color scheme. Stripes are a classic choice, yet they feel fresh and modern at the same time. This slightly chunky design is great for creating impact in a small room that lacks architectural features.
If you love pastels, there's a good chance you'll love the paintings of Wayne Thiebaud. I display his books in my living room to set a light and joyful tone, and to complement my dusty blues with the muted pinks and acid yellows that feature in his still lifes.
The quintessential cottage chair is at its best when painted in beach hut hues that range from pastels to brights. Who wants to blend into the dock?
A pop of yellow goes a long way to brighten up a room, so if you just want a touch, this picture frame with a yellow backing may do the trick. The sunny hue could create a gorgeous effect against a black and white photo.Next: Spring Style: 5 Ways to Freshen With Pastels
Pastel blue with ivory is a gorgeous color combination that lends so well to the delicate detailing of French furniture. With its soft hues and hand-carved features, this is one of the loveliest writing desks I've ever seen. It would also make a great hallway console table. A crystal chandelier would offset the slight distress of the painted wood and complete the space.
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