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Trend Alert: Pretty Pastel Rooms With an Edge

March 04, 2015

By: Chelsea Faulkner

Pastels are the hottest color trend of the year, and we're seeing them in a whole new way. Say goodbye to those babydoll hues you once knew. When paired with neon accents and bold colors, soft pastels are a fresh and trendy way to make a statement in any space.

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A Pop of Pink

Pistachio-colored wallpaper paired with punches of hot pink, ballet pink, fuchsia and lemon yellow make this nursery fun yet sophisticated. But this color combo isn't just for babes. Switch out the crib for a bed and you'll have a stylish room any grownup would envy.

Photo: Mark Lohman (Styled by Liz Strong). From: HGTV Magazine

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Darker Pastel Shades

Darker shades of pastels are perfect for more "adult" spaces, like this color-saturated breakfast area. Designer Liz Strong pairs this teal tablecloth and thistle-purple sofa with darker teal bamboo chairs, creating a more updated pastel palette. See more photos of this bright space from HGTV Magazine.

Purple Curtains, Rug and Pillows in a White Living Room

Photo: Photography by Jim Bastardo. From: HGTV Magazine

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Let the Accessories Do the Talking

Do you want the pastel look but don't have the energy to paint? Mixing accessories in a variety of soft and bold hues is a great way to achieve the look in a neutral room. This light purple living room from HGTV Magazine is complete with additions of pastel and jewel-toned pillows, vases and artwork. See more photos of this bright space.

Blue cottage-style kitchen with colorful backsplash

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A Touch of Whimsy

In this colorful farmhouse kitchen, carved accents are highlighted by pastel blue cabinets and a jewel-toned subway tile backsplash. Designer Meg Caswell finishes the look with a sleek glass-topped island in another coordinating shade of blue -- teal!

Pale blue and white create an airy look.

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Open and Airy

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn gives this small living room an open look and feel with pale blue wall paint, furniture, drapes and throw pillows. For added dimension, soft pink tulips and hot pink roses add punches of natural color to the space.

Gray Transitional Nursery With White Chest and Floral Curtains

Photo: Jenna Buck Gross. From: Jenna Buck Gross

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Long-Term Versatility

The great thing about pastels is their versatility. Even though this soft-hued nursery is accentuated by youthful hot pinks and bright blues, it can be easily transformed to suit the needs of a growing child simply by switching out the accessories. There's no need to repaint!

Photo: Mark Lohman (Styled by Liz Strong). From: HGTV Magazine

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Pops of Pastel

Pops of rich pastels, like these teal throw pillows and this plum sofa, are beautifully contrasted with hints of aquamarine and neon orange. When set against a neutral backdrop, this color palette creates a warm and inviting space. See more photos of this bright space from HGTV Magazine.

Kid's Bedroom with Pink Walls, White Nightstand and Purple Bed

From: Carey Karlan

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Lavender Dreams

Not only does the scent of lavender promote sleep, but so does the color … or at least it does in this comfy purple bedroom. Designer Carey Karlan creates a sweet and simple sleep spot by combining vivid yellow-green and turquoise accents with soft purple walls.

Mint Green Eclectic Living Space With Pink Accents

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Mix and Match

Use accessories to inspire your design. This eclectic sitting area was built around the pair of patterned, pastel drapes that designer Fawn Galli found in Cambodia. Additions of neon, primary and neutral tones give the room a fresh and interesting edge.

Lavender Bedroom With Light Blue Bedside Table and Multicolor Art

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The Right Way to Use Neutrals

Lilac-hued walls are a beautiful backdrop for neutral accessories. The camel-colored headboard, lampshade and wall canvases in this contemporary bedroom hold their own among bright splashes of blue, green, orange and purple.

Green Living Room With Plentiful Seating and a Fireplace

Photo: Travis Neely. From: Alisha Gwen

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Green With Envy

Don't be afraid to go overboard with color in your space. In this contemporary living room, designer Alisha Gwen balances yellow-green walls with chairs and curtains in a darker shade of the same hue. This same technique can be applied to any pastel color you choose. And don't forget to add pops of bright pigment, like these bubblegum pink pillows, to complete the look.

White Tulips on the Green Vanity With Undermount Sink

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A Bold Pair

Pastels shouldn't always play backup. In this luxe spa-like bathroom, Caribbean-inspired blue-green walls complement the sweet apple-green vanity. This color combo is fresh and relaxing when paired with a white quartz countertop and a Carrera marble shower.

Open Dining Room With Bright Floral Chairs and White Dining Table

From: Avram Rusu Studio

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The Proof is in the Pattern

Fun fabric patterns are a great way to add interest to a pastel space. In this soft teal living and dining area, large-scale floral-patterned dining chairs create a rich focal point. The chairs' light cyan hue is repeated subtly throughout the space to create a gorgeous pastel color scheme that isn't monotonous.

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Lavender Fields

This purple dining area takes on a modern monochromatic color scheme with velvet chairs, Roman shades and a round pendant. For contrast, designer Angie Hranowsky inserts a turquoise vase and pink print.

Green Living Room With Red Armchairs, White Sectional, Modern Art

From: S&K Interiors

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Primaries and Pastels

Pair bold primaries, like red and blue, with soft pastels for a chic and contemporary design. Red armchairs and royal blue accents make an unexpected yet striking statement in this pastel green living area.