Pastel colors are light, soft, pale shades of color that have seen a major resurgence in popularity in recent years. As people seek out calming, uplifting hues for fashion, home decor, and more, pastels provide a versatile palette of options. Understanding the nuances of pastel color trends can help guide choices in design and style.
Defining Pastels
Pastels are created when lighter amounts of pure hues are mixed with white or gray. This dilutes the vibrancy, yielding a subtle, muted shade. Some examples of common pastel colors include:
– Pink
– Lavender
– Mint green
– Sky blue
– Peach
– Lemon yellow
– Lilac
True pastels have a soft, delicate appearance. They aren’t extremely light like some washed out tints. But they also aren’t deeply saturated jewel tones. Instead, they strike a pleasant balance somewhere in the middle.
Pastels in Fashion
The fashion world has fully embraced pastels in recent seasons. Both haute couture and fast fashion brands have incorporated the tender hues into their clothing and accessory collections.
Pastel pink is one of the most prevalent options seen on the runway. Labels like Chanel and Valentino have used different shades of pink in dresses, suits, and outerwear. Soft powdery blue is also popular for clothes and handbags. Mint green, lavender, peach, and pistachio have been spotted too.
Pastels work well for many clothing types. They provide pretty pops of color for basics like t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans. The lighter shades also feel fresh and youthful for floral maxi dresses and skirt suits. In accessories, pastel bags and shoes inject springtime appeal.
Delicate metallics and neutrals help balance out pastels in an outfit. Blush pink and pearlized fabrics or sequins coordinate well together. Pastel blue and tan pair nicely too. This creates depth and dimension to keep looks from becoming too sugary sweet.
Pastels for Home Decor
In home decor, pastels bring the tranquility of nature indoors through soothing hues. They create welcoming retreats that still feel airy and spacious.
For large surfaces, opt for subtle pastel walls or furniture. Lavender, pistachio, mint, and peach offer charming backdrops. Then layer on accent pieces in brighter jewel tones or black for contrast.
Use paler pastels in smaller doses on details like throw pillows, rugs, and accessories. This prevents overwhelming a room with color. Mix and match complementary shades like pink and peach or blue and lavender for variety.
In children’s rooms, bolder pastels feel playful and cheery. Turquoise, lime, and melon are vibrant choices for a youthful look. Pastel rainbow themes with every soft hue are also popular for kids.
Pastel color schemes work well in bathrooms too. The lighter colors keep small rooms looking airy, not closed in. Aqua, sky blue, and muted sage greens emulate the peacefulness of a spa.
Pastel Color Palettes
Certain pastel colors naturally complement each other based on the color wheel. These harmonious combinations form the foundation for soothing, aesthetically pleasing palettes.
Some examples of basic pastel color schemes include:
Pink, Peach, Lavender
Different shades of pink, along with peach and lavender, mix femininity with sophistication. The blend can range from a barely there neutral to bolder retro vibes.
Mint, Sky Blue, Lavender
These cool undertoned hues recall tranquil skies and refreshing mints. The palette feels laid-back, minimalist, and modern.
Lemon Yellow, Lilac, Robin’s Egg Blue
For a youthful spring or summer palette, these zesty pastels add energy. The citrusy yellow pops against the mellow blue and purple.
Seafoam Green, Salmon, Aqua
The warm peachiness of salmon balances the cool tones of seafoam and aqua. This beachy combination is perfect for coastal homes.
| Pastel Color scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Pink, Peach, Lavender | Feminine and sophisticated |
| Mint, Sky Blue, Lavender | Tranquil and modern |
| Lemon Yellow, Lilac, Robin’s Egg Blue | Youthful spring palette |
| Seafoam Green, Salmon, Aqua | Coastal beachy theme |
Choosing Your Pastels
With so many gorgeous pastel options, choosing shades for your particular needs takes consideration. Here are some tips for selecting the best hues:
– Consider the feeling you want to evoke – Soft? Dreamy? Cheery? Airy? Different pastels create distinct moods.
– Make sure colors coordinate with the existing decor in a space. The pastels should enhance, not overwhelm.
– Pick paler pastels for larger areas, bolder pastels for accents. Too much saturation can be visually jarring.
– Use your color scheme in different textures – glossy, matte, metallic – for depth.
– Allow some room for flexibility. Pastel colors can blend together across seasons as trends change.
– Go for versatility. Opt for pastels with broad appeal that won’t feel dated too quickly.
Trust your personal taste and intuition when finalizing a pastel palette. The most pleasing schemes have colors that make you feel happy and peaceful.
Working with Pastels
Pastels offer designers a gentle color option. But their lightness still requires some special considerations when working with them.
In fashion and home decor, pastels pair best with lighter color bases. Deeper shades can make them appear washed out or dull. For clothing, choose pastel tops over white, tan, light pink, or blue bottoms. With home furnishings, layer pastels onto neutral walls or floors.
Similarly, pastels look most vivid in well lit spaces. Dark, shadowy environments diminish their beauty. Bright natural light keeps them fresh.
Metallic sheens help pastels shine as well. Iridescent or pearlescent textures boost luminosity. This works for both clothing embellishments and home accessories in pastel hues.
Since pastels are so subtle, bolder colors alongside them help define their edges. They “pop” more next to black and white. Deep green, navy blue, maroon, and chocolate brown also outline pastels in eye-catching contrast.
With makeup and nail polish, pastels feel most modern as a wash of color. Blurred ombré lips and abstract nail art keep the look soft and contemporary. Avoid harsh lines.
Maintaining Pastels
The pale nature of pastels means they can show wear easily. To keep them looking their best:
– Wash pastel clothing separately in cold water, air dry, and store folded to prevent damage.
– Test paint, fabric, or upholstery cleaners in inconspicuous spots first.
– Dust furniture and shelving regularly to prevent dirt buildup on light surfaces.
– Use area rugs and tablecloths to protect floors and furniture from spills and scuffs.
– Rotate display items, especially on windowsills, to maintain even light exposure.
– Refresh walls with new coats of paint as needed to avoid yellowing or dinginess.
With proper care, pastel products retain their beauty and color saturation over many years. Avoiding moisture, direct sunlight, and grime helps maintain their pristine appearance.
History of Pastels
While pastels are currently on-trend, they have long been a part of design history. Pastels first rose in popularity in 18th century France. Lavish textiles and women’s fashions favored the fanciful, delicate hues.
Through the 19th century, pastels continued gracing ball gowns and formal suits. Soft floral prints were prevalent as well. Pastel paint colors emerged as options for home interiors too.
In the early 20th century, pastels mellowed as bold Art Deco styles took over. But they reemerged in a major way in the 1950s. Robin’s egg blue, buttery yellow, and spearmint green dominated households during Midcentury Modern era. Women also wore pastel skirt suits and shirtdresses.
Through the 1970s and 1980s pastels had a resurgence in fashion. Designers like Ralph Lauren gave them renewed status. The 1990s and early 2000s saw pastels fade as darker, muted colors came into vogue again.
Today pastels feel fresh again for the 2020s. It continues their long history as classics that cyclically return to prominence. Their versatility guarantees pastels a permanent place in the color lexicon.
Psychology of Pastels
Color psychology helps explain why pastels continue intriguing designers and consumers. Their lightness elicits certain emotional responses:
– Calmness – Pastels are soothing colors connected to relaxation. They decrease stress and anxiety.
– Femininity – Culturally associated with female preferences, pastels connote delicacy and grace.
– Happiness – Due to their use at springtime, pastels trigger cheerful, positive feelings.
– Elegance – Pastels impart a touch of luxury appealing to refined tastes.
– Creativity – The whimsical nature of pastels stimulates free-flowing thought and imagination.
Surrounding oneself with pastels helps induce these uplifting reactions. They create an environment focused on peace, joy and imaginative spirit.
Certain pastels trigger specific psychological effects as well:
– Pink – Romance, hopefulness
– Lavender – Spiritual sanctuary
– Mint – Refreshment, clarity
– Lemon – Friendliness, confidence
– Sky Blue – Openness, serenity
– Peach – Warmth, affection
Interestingly, both children and older adults are drawn to pastels more than other age groups. The colors relate to childhood whimsy and reminiscing about younger years.
Cost of Pastel Design Elements
Budget plays a key role in decorating and dressing with pastels. Pricing depends heavily on quality, brands, retailers and other factors. But in general:
– Most pastel paint colors cost $25 to $50 per gallon from mass retailers. Designer colors can range from $50 to $150.
– Pastel fabric dye runs $8 to $30 depending on the type and quantity of fabric. Natural dyes cost more.
– At most clothing stores, pastel garments have similar pricing to colors. But higher end brands charge more for soft hues.
– Furniture like sofas or beds in pastel shades usually add a 10% to 15% color surcharge.
– Pastel carpets and rugs start around $25 per square foot and increase exponentially based on fibers, quality and size.
– Custom pastel tiles and wallpapers average $50 to $250 per square foot installed.
– Small home accents like dishes, candles and decor in pastels cost comparable amounts to other colors.
– Pastel flowers cost the same as regular colors. But rare hybrids in lighter shades can increase pricing.
Savvy shopping lets anyone incorporate pastels on a reasonable budget. Seeking sales, using quality accent pieces, and choosing affordable color bases help keep costs down.
Where to Buy Pastel Products
The rising popularity of pastels makes them widely available. Some sources for pastel home goods and fashion include:
Furniture and Home Decor:
– IKEA – Affordable furniture, textiles and accessories in a pastel palette
– Anthropologie – Whimsical, feminine pastel decor items
– Restoration Hardware – Upscale classic furniture in soft hues
– Etsy – Handmade pastel ceramics, paintings and decor from independent sellers
Women’s Fashion:
– Madewell – Casual, youthful pastel tops, jeans, dresses and shoes
– Anthropologie – Unique dresses, formalwear and separates
– Free People – Bohemian tops, jumpsuits, outerwear and intimates
– J.Crew – Classic pastel clothes and accessories with a preppy twist
Men’s Fashion:
– J.Crew – Button-downs, pants, shorts and sweaters in muted pastel hues
– Bonobos – Upscale pastel shirts and suits with modern tailoring
– Ralph Lauren – Iconic pastel Polo shirts spanning casual to formal
– Banana Republic – Refined workwear staples like slacks and blazers
Pastel Paint:
– Benjamin Moore – Extensive pastel paint selection with pale primer
– Sherwin-Williams – Versatile pastel paints guaranteed for color accuracy
– Behr – Affordable pastel paints with primer mixed in
– Farrow & Ball – High quality pastel paint colors; perfect for accent walls
Conclusion
Pastels offer a versatile array of hues perfect for today’s aesthetics. By understanding the nuances of these soft, dreamy colors, people can incorporate them meaningfully into wardrobes and living spaces. Pastels’ inherent tranquility enhances mood and feelings of harmony. Their renewed popularity looks poised to continue growing across fashion and design realms for years to come.
