COLOR

from Inspired Home Summer 2022

WINE WISDOM

Pastels, please…

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

IMAGES COURTESY BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore’s First Light is an upbeat and hopeful color. Here, the grounding neutral “Thunder” completes this kitchen color scheme with total sophistication.

Here, Head Over Heels, Mist Blue and Dusty Trail by Benjamin Moore create a stunning trio of pastels. Natural wood and a terrazzo counter continue the sleek, contemporary feel.

Little pops of color in wall art will add dimensional interest throughout your pastel décor theme. Here the room is grounded by the deep pastel couch.

The pink tone-on-tone interplay pictured here is a perfect example of the comforting scheme of soft analogous colors. ovely warm weather conjures up colorful thoughts of lilac, pretty pinks, robin’s egg blue, buttercup yellow, periwinkle or pistachio — light-hearted and airy shades of color with a deep connection to nature. Pastel colors represent a dramatic break from the dark and moody colors often favored in wintertime, which have long given pastels a strong affiliation with the spring and summer months. L DEFINING PASTELS Pastel colors are white-diluted versions of primary or secondary colors.As a result, they combine both the character of the original color and the purifying, cleansing mood of white. Pastel pink can be achieved by mixing vivid red with a quantity of white, for example. Pastel lemon combines the bright optimism of yellow with the freshness of white. Adding white to green plays down green’s natural cocooning tendencies, creating pistachio green, which emits a fresh and vibrant feel. PASTEL PSYCHOLOGY Psychologically, pastels are a strong, positive color group with dual personalities. Adding white not only raises the color value, but also changes the psychology of a hue. They are generally considered delicate, sophisticated and clean. Pastel colors represent neutrality; they are peaceful, soft and innately calming to the viewer. Their soothing nature is often incorporated into the interior design of hospital rooms as well as nurseries and surgical floors. Fresh pastels, with their power to evoke emotions, are often used in marketing themes and in the design of cleaning, sanitation and health products or by fragrance companies. PASTELS IN HOME DÉCOR There are countless ways to use the power of pastels in your home. They are perfect for one of the busiest places in the home — your kitchen. The use of minty green, soft gray and bright white combined, create a calming kitchen environment. For those more adventurous, try a pastel pink, lemon yellow or pistachio green to create a fresh and airy retro-inspired theme when teamed with colors of gray, white or black.

Psychologically, pastels are a strong, positive color group with dual personalities.”

Metro tiles and retro cookware come in an abundance of pastel colors to complete your kitchen in grand style.

CASUAL RESPITE For a more casual feel, incorporate pastels on larger pieces. Shiplap walls give a space a beachy lakeside, vintage feel. Create a cottage-inspired theme by painting furniture pieces with a pastel paint shade, then create handmade patina by sanding the paint for a well-lived look. Would you like a particular room to feel more relaxing? Soft colors can provide a sense of serenity. Rest in rooms that utilize pale hues for a tranquil feeling morning, noon or night. Bedrooms, baby nurseries, reading rooms — all are great candidates for the peace and calm pastels provide.

PASTEL POSSIBILITIES Create a comforting color scheme of soft analogous colors, which are colors very closely related to each other. The key to this look is keeping the colors within the same color palette, but differing the shades just enough that they aren’t matching. To really play up this monochromatic pastel color scheme, add black and white in your décor for clear contrast in the space. Note: Pastels will offset any black or dark wood finishes beautifully.

GROUND PASTELS When combined with stronger or more formal colors — pastels lighten the mood, creating complex, balanced schemes that feel at once both lighthearted and chic. Incorporate pastel elements with earth tones —like mustard, saffron, gray, midnight blues or forest green — for a balanced and sophisticated palette. One of the best reasons for incorporating pastel colors into a home’s design and décor is the sheer relaxation factor. Softer-hued pastels are

Pastels created this tranquil dining space. The natural wood flooring is perfect to complement the tonal qualities of the soft pink walls and seafoam décor.

Benjamin Moore’s First Light bathes this dining area in a relaxing yet energized feel, accompanied by natural light. Windmill Blue peacefully bathes the sunroom.

Multiple pastel color variations create the perfect scenario in this bathroom. The neutral gray, which is a pastel tone, grounds this tile display, helping to add a balanced and chic design theme.

Color companions October Mist, Morning Dew, and Steam are accompanied by streaming, natural light to define subtle and natural beauty.

Jamie Wallace, owner, CKD

BY APPOINTMENT

205 E Lincoln Ave, Ste B, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 218.998.3889 • CALLALILYDESIGNS.com

There are countless ways to use pastels in your home. In this kitchen, soft green creates a calming environment. White subway tile and black hardware complete the look.

This is a feel-good room you will never want to leave. Soft pastels introduce the vibrant coral of the chairs. Moon Yellow and Fernwood Green define this space.

Soft, tone-on-tone pinks and grays are the key elements in making this bedroom a peaceful and comforting retreat for the homeowner.

a perfect way to introduce a vibrant color into a space without that color drawing too much attention to itself. Incorporate a natural jute rug, bright white seating or crisp molding to immerse your room in sophistication. Little pops of color on pillows and wall art will add dimensional interest throughout your pastel décor theme.

GET STARTED Experiment! Check out unusual sources to spark your creativity. Take note of candy colors, produce in your local market or notice colors in your garden. You will be surprised how many natural pastel colors are all around you. Determine what room in your home you want to tackle, visit your paint store and get to work! Next? Simply sit back, relax and enjoy your personal paradise of pastels.

Want to see these colors for yourself?

Visit Hirshfield’s in Fargo, 100 36th St. South, (Butler Business Park at Main Ave. & I-29) or call 701-235-0549. Visit shophirshfields.com to order online and pick up at the store.