In BOH’s new series On Trend, we’re asking designers to share their favorite of-the-moment finds.
’Tis the season for cheery hues, and nothing says “spring” like a room filled with pretty pastels. Fortunately, they don’t have to veer into saccharin territory, either. Pale shades like mint, sky blue, lavender and light pink can bring a soft pop of color and personality into a room without overpowering a neutral palette.
Along with brightening up a space, pastel hues provide clients with a more subdued alternative to the bold, saturated jewel tones that reigned supreme last season. “People are gravitating toward softer textures, shapes and colors, too,” designer Laurence Carr tells Business of Home. “Pastels are lovely in that they can be used for just a hint of tint and to create a bit more visual interest than plain white can offer.”
Inspired, we asked Carr, and designers Rachel Cannon and Mary Patton, to share their favorite pastel-colored finds and how to integrate them into an interior.
Rachel CannonCourtesy of Rachel Cannon
Cannon believes that the best interiors are ones that instantly make you feel at ease. Working with a mix of classic forms, sprightly hues and geometric prints, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana–based designer crafts spaces that strike the balance between modern and traditional without sacrificing creativity or whimsy.
Courtesy of Erin Lato Fine Art
PASTEL ARTWORK BY ERIN LATO FINE ART
“Erin Lato is a favorite local artist of mine. Her calming, pastel-colored abstract art is often incorporated into both our residential and commercial projects.”
Courtesy of Casa Cosima Rugs
MISHKA RUG IN SEAGLASS, CAMEL AND WHITE BY CASA COSIMA RUGS
“People often think fine rugs need to be saturated in rich jewel tones, but this rug proves that there are many more options out there. It elevates this space and adds a nice, lush texture.”
Courtesy of Scalamandre
CANDELA IN SPA BY SCALAMANDRE
“The more you use a color, the more it acts like a neutral in the room. Walls and draperies in the same pastel tone create a soothing, enveloping feeling—exactly the way a neutral will create a calming environment.”
Laurence CarrCourtesy of Laurence Carr
Carr is a holistic designer at heart. She sees a strong link between wellness and environment, and approaches her projects accordingly. An affinity for clean lines, sustainable materials and eye-catching colors is evident throughout her designs, which are marked by artful patterns and streamlined silhouettes that exude sophistication.
Courtesy of Cisco Home
HAVANA CHAIR BY CISCO HOME
“We are always on the hunt for eco-friendly furniture that uses Forest Stewardship Council–certified wood and other high-quality, sustainable, healthy materials, and
Cisco Home never disappoints. Their modern, clean lines, impeccable construction and comfort, and the quality of their materials and manufacturing, make them an ideal source, and they have many beautiful pastel options.”
Courtesy of Aloka Home
ARYA QUILT BY ALOKA HOME
“The only thing better than beautiful pastel colors on a quilt is the peace of mind knowing that you’re supporting sustainability and circularity as well as style. Aloka Home’s quilts are made from upcycled vintage sari fabric, and each piece not only tells a story, but it also lends new life to fabric that deserves to live on.”
Courtesy of Libeco Home
PORTICCIO TEA TOWEL IN TURQUOISE BY LIBECO HOME
“My favorite use of pastels is in accent pieces, like throw pillows, towels, napkins and blankets, as an unexpected pop of soft color.”
Mary PattonCourtesy of Mary Patton
Patton isn’t afraid to mix aesthetic styles in a space. Whether she’s pairing an antique coffee table with an ultramodern sofa or installing graphic wallpaper in a minimalist bedroom, the Houston-based designer uses an array of vintage and contemporary elements to create eclectic rooms with character and soul.
Courtesy of Anthropologie
VELVET ELOWEN CHAIR IN DUCK EGG BY ANTHROPOLOGIE
“I’ve used these dining chairs in several projects, and they are very comfortable and budget-friendly. Plus the color feels very ‘right now.’”
Courtesy of Estelle Colored Glass
WINE GLASSES IN CORAL PEACH PINK BY ESTELLE COLORED GLASS
“For a dinner party or for every day, pastel wine glasses are so much fun and a conversation starter.”
Courtesy of Anthropologie
WOVEN KYLER THROW BLANKET BY ANTHROPOLOGIE
“I like mixing pastels with a slightly more masculine, unexpected color in my designs. The earthy ocher color combined with the feminine lavender in this throw is a great example.”
Homepage photo: A living room designed by Rachel Cannon | Jessie Preza
