Get Your Color On! Pastels

Welcome to another post of Get Your Color On! This edition is inspired by the arrival of spring, the Easter goodies and ideas currently out there in blogland, & my recent vacation in Florida. These colors are commonly associated with Easter, children's rooms, vintage or mid-century modern decor, and sweet treats. Because pastels tend to be used in a bright manner, they can be challenging to decorate with. However, these colors can be used in a multitude of ways and a variety of shades. Read along for my tips on decorating with pastels by using a scale of color dosage.

The arrival of spring initiates us into a lighter, softer range of hues. Mother Nature re-introduces us to color, as flowers start budding and the sunshine becomes more abundant. Taking cues from nature is a fail-proof way to infuse pastels into your decor without them feeling too bright or candy-like.

You can do this literally by adding an arrangement of spring flowers like these cherry blossom stems, which add a touch of pink without feeling overwhelming.

Good Housekeeping has an easy tutorial on how to create a floral arrangement like this:

…Or you can create an arrangement with artificial flowers like Adrienne from Free Time Frolics did. I love the element of the burlap, which would go great with shabby chic, country, and coastal decor.

If you’d like to add pastels to your decor, but can’t commit to a lot of saturation, you can use softer versions or pair them with neutrals like gray and brown.

Another way to decorate with pastels in a non-shocking way is to do it gradually. Check out this tutorial from Rhiannon of Hey Gorgeous for creating an ombre paint swatch chandelier. I love how she cut these paint chips with a scalloped edge.

You can continue to work your way into using bright pastels with small doses. A great example of this is Denise’s dresser from Pink Postcard. The details of jade in her dresser makeover are subtle yet effective. This color goes great with the distressed finish, adding to the piece’s vintage appeal.

Learn how to paint jars (or any other glass containers) with Jen from A Single Sunbeam. Her painted Mason jars bring a subtle dash of color combined with a rustic vibe. I love this combination.

Here are my picks for pastel decor that packs a small yet colorful punch:

 

Chalk paint is a major player in the pastels game, as it provides an opaque finish yet allows the color to stand out with just the right amount of intensity. Jamielyn from I Heart Nap Time has a tutorial on how to make your own chalk paint.  Swoon over her buttercup-hued end table:

Hankering for larger more pops of pastel? Head over to The 36th Avenue, where Desirée gave this tanker desk a makeover in a yummy shade of orange. This makes me want to grab a big bowl of orange sherbet.

Let your outdoor furniture in on the fun as well, like I did with these mesh patio chairs:

Also, check out these large-scale accessories:

 

Moving along the scale, we come to rooms styled in full-on pastels. To guarantee a harmonious palette, choose pastels and deeper colors that belong in the same color family or share the same tone. Check out these examples:

(source)

Pastels also play well with other pastels or even entirely different colors:

Check out this porch makeover from Theresa of Momma T’s Place. Using this color scheme in this area of the house creates such a happy vibe, that I don’t think I’d ever want to leave!

Lastly, we have the largest method of using pastels: the exterior of your home. I always say there are no rules in art (or decorating), but I do believe certain regions and climates are more suitable for pastel exteriors. In a coastal city like Naples, FL, so many of the houses are painted in these shades. Some of these houses really pop out and grab your attention—which I loved. These shades seem to work best on houses located in coastal and tropical areas.

What are your favorite shades of pastels? Do you decorate with them seasonally, in specific rooms, or all over?

Thanks for visiting! Let’s stay connected!

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