ON THE COVER THE MODERN WAY TO DO PASTELS

THE MODERN WAY TO DO PASTELS

Forget what you think you know about pastel shades – the dreamy new palettes are still soft, delicate and pretty, but they’re also surprisingly striking, especially when paired with playful prints and unexpected accent colours. Prepare to be uplifted by our cheerful selection…

FEATURE JESSICA TAVERNER

CHEERY PALE YELLOW

It’s easy to take a shine to this sunny shade that conjures summery notions with Limoncello hues. For a backdrop to pastel yellow accessories, choose just-off-white for the

Walls in Pale Moon matte, £85/3.79L, Benjamin Moore. For a similar chair For a similar side table, try West Elm

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Styling tip

Picking nature-inspired colours is a no-fail approach for conjuring up a soothing scheme. Paler hues, such as lavender and lilac, have a grey undertone that can be enlivened by being teamed with a deeper plum or aubergine for a calm and romantic look.

Choose natural, rustic wood with touches of brass and a marble worktop for a stunning contrast

POWDERY SOFT LILAC

Having made a strong comeback, lilac has attached itself to the playful trio of sugar-sweet pastels (mint, sherbet and rose) that continues to reign as a design trend. Done the right way, soft purples feel modern and sophisticated – ground this look by teaming them with darker plums and black accents, and mix in industrial and natural elements such as concrete and wood.

Kitchen cupboards painted in premixed Aubusson Blue and Emperor’s Silk, both £49.95/2.5L; wall painted in Antoinette chalk paint, £21.95/1L; all Annie Sloan. For a similar pendant, try Industville. For a similar brass tap, try Lusso Stone. For a similar chopping board and tableware, try Nkuku

Top left Mustard Made The Lowdown Locker in Lilac, £249; Rainbow pillar candles, from £19.50 each; Top right

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DREAMY MINT GREEN

Soothing, invigorating and surprisingly versatile, this cool

Walls in Midnight Garden (top) and Coastal Grey matt; pendant light, try Dowsing desk chair, plants, try Beards & Daisies

of a neutral – adaptable, subtle and practical – but can add cheerful liveliness at the same time. Drench your space with this shade to create an all-round freshness.

Top left Cushion covers, from £6.99 each; small vase, £9.99; large vase, £12.99; round box, £19.99; all H&M Home

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Styling tip

In an understated scheme of soft pinks, mint will bring a layer of depth. Here, a statement pendant steals the spotlight, while sculptural seating grounds this airy scheme. Experiment with sinuous lines, ribbed textures and abstract shapes for a chic and

Mint and pink is a powerful pairing that will stand the test of time

SUGARY BLUSH PINK

Taking on the versatile characteristic of a warm neutral, this easy-going hue is perfect for adding the softest blush of colour to any room. Coat your walls in this sugary shade and then use hints of charcoal or black to give it a more grown-up feel. Strategic pops of yellow will add a burst of energy. Geometric patterns and a pastel-toned rug will help bring the look together. For similar dining chairs, try Cult Furniture. For a similar table, try Next Home. For a similar pendant light, try Made.com. For a similar rug, try Dunelm

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