Designers Share Fave Pastel Picks for the Home

We caught up with designers across the West to find out why pastels are so essential for spring 2016.

Soft, dreamy pastels have been a recurring colour palette, but with Pantone recently naming baby-pink Rose Quartz and baby-blue Serenity its 2016 Colour(s) of the Year, now is the perfect time to get in on the trend. We talked to five interior designers about their favourite pastel picks and how best to incorporate them in your home.

1. BoConcept Copper Ball Pendant

“In 2016, the use of pastels has matured past being cutesy or accenting Scandinavian design. Layering pastels can soften, enrich or add complexity to a multitude of colour palettes. Pair this transcendent trend with a banana leaf print for an instant boho glam or refresh art deco decor with a touch of colour. We love this modern combination of two trends, pastels and metallics. Copper and rose gold pieces are a great way to ease into the pastel trend.” —Sylvia Croteau-Willard, Collage Interiors

2. Schumacher Zimba Soft Chartreuse Wall Covering

“In the right application, pastels can either be a lovely colour hint to a space, or you could layer an entire space with them without everything being too intense. Product manufacturers are now incorporating more pastels into their lines. There is a lot more for interior designers and homeowners to choose from for both modern and traditional applications. I love this shade of chartreuse. This wall covering is soft, cheerful and fun. Perfect for a feature wall or a powder room.” —Natalie Fuglestveit, Natalie Fuglestveit Interior Design

3. June Erica Vess’s Atmospheric VI

“The pastel trend has a freshness about it, especially as we turn the corner towards spring. The softness of the pinks and blues adds a calmness to every room. I love the rose gold that we are seeing in interiors and fashion, and the fact that it can act as an accent on its own. For me, staying current with trending colours in interiors is like wearing a current outfit. The trend has changed from gold metallic to rose gold in 2016. As well, the pastel trend of 2016 is creating a calmer aesthetic throughout interiors. I love finding abstract pieces of art that have the current Pantones to help integrate pastels into my space. Artwork can standalone in a home and be a statement without clashing the rest of the decor; I love the pastels in this print that have been done in that abstract way.” —Rochelle Cote, Rochelle Cote Interior Design

4. Doshi Levien Uchiwa chair

“I think that while pastels are taking the spotlight currently, which can seem trendy, when you look deeper there should hopefully be an intention and a story that adds to the appreciation of their beauty. If there is that critical layer to the meaning of the object they are associated with, then that is very good design. I love the idea that this chair is named Uchiwa, which is Japanese for fan, as in paper fan. I used to live in Japan and fans are used by everyone in the hot summers, at which time pastel colours proliferate the culture in food, flowers and textiles.” —Andrea McLean, Andrea McLean Design Office

5. Rina Menardi Big Bottle

“I think pastel colours never go out of fashion, they always evolve and come back with a new twist each year. For example, an aqua blue colour can look beautiful on the walls of a nursery, a wool area rug, or a silk decorative pillow. Each application creates an unique impact in different spaces. What I like about pastel colours in 2016 is their mix with hints of metal hues like gold, silver, copper and rose gold, as this adds a luxurious touch and a playful twist to a rather muted and soft combination. I love the grouping of these Rina Menardi ceramic bottles. It’s so elegant and subtle, yet modern. You can use these almost anywhere in your home.” —Negar Reihani, Space Harmony

Want more? Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and all things interior design with our WL newsletter!