When pastels first made their way back into mainstream fashion, I was doubtful that they would last too long. Even for someone like me who enjoys a little powder blue here and there, the saccharine, somewhat traditional color palette is a bit much. But given a new, modern shape, or unexpected twist (like kilim!) suddenly these feminine colors have a whole new edge…
![modern mint and white kitchen with pastel rug](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/24f873b24a99bd74ffb756afe05597af.jpg)
![touches of pastels + stripes // living room via coco kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/44b3817e9499caffa75704877200e26e.jpg)
The trick for me, with pastels, is to pair them is saturated tones – bright yellows, rich teals and corals come to mind – with touches of black and white.
Also featuring these softer colors on more industrial pieces, like the coffee table above, helps make them a little less sweet.
![modern pastel home inspiration // via coco kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/modern-pastel-home-inspiration-coco-kelley1.jpg)
1. pendant lights // 2. ceramic bowl // 3. bar cart // 4. yellow pillow // 5. kilim pillow // 6. coral chair // 7. teal ottoman // 8. pink and marble light // 9. pastel moroccan rug // 10. chevron rug
I also love pastels with darker woods and leathers – not what you would typically imagine pastels being paired with, but they add a little contrast…
![modern pastel home inspiration // via coco kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/modern-pastel-home-inspiration-coco-kelley2.jpg)
1. industrial pendant // 2. leather stool // 3. mint shelves // 4. ceramic vases // 5. pastel dinnerware // 6. pink chair // 7. black & white rug // 8. yellow throw
Of course there’s still plenty of room for pastels to stay sweet – like this bedroom doused in pink! But you can see that the room still involves modern prints and colorful lighting making it a little bit more digestible.
How would you incorporate pastels in your own home? Me, I’ve always loved the pink walls, and the idea of an icy blue chair…
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images :: clare cousins // elina dahl // nicole franzen // desire to inspire // karin ratata