Pantone's color trends for Spring/Summer 2021 emphasize a contrast between soft and dynamic tones, with pastels such as floral pink, turquoise and soft marigold coming to the fore. Here's how this cheerful palette of bright pastels can brighten up the interior.
1. Bright, contrasting color accents
Pantone's Spring 2021 palette is inspired by the vibrant floral tones of the season, with colors such as coral and French blue offering a touch of glamor and warmth against a soothing buttercream base. Bring these shades into your home with accessories and upholstery.
Bringing a mix of soft pastels and energetic colors into your home can be as simple as choosing the right accessories. Pillows and throws work very well here, as they can be moved around to get the most pleasing combination and look. In addition, art, glassware and even a bunch of flowers can add a pop of color. Here, French blue vases, soft pink walls and marigold pillows add vibrancy and style – when everything else is kept minimal and neutral, a thoughtful use of pastels will give a boost of life and freshness to the room.
2. Pastel color blocking
The secret to putting together a bright, chic outfit is contrast, whether it's strong lines and soft colors, or softer patterns and punchy hues – and the same rules apply to interiors.
Pastels sparkle when combined with color blocking and graphic looks, adding character and vibrancy without being overwhelming. Even the simplest designs, such as an arc or circle, can make an impression in the right color.
A color blocking wall is a creative way to incorporate vibrant pastels. The key is balance. Here, a marigold arch draws most of the focus, with its sunny energy. To make the room feel cozy and relaxing, offset it with soft pink and cream walls and some earthy blue accents, with a cerulean blue pillow and a dark blue throw.
3. The ombré trend with eye-catching DIY furniture
For a fashionable look, an ombré look is an elegant, eye-catching way to introduce this spring palette into the home. This can easily be done with a fun, impressive DIY project:painting a dresser or chest of drawers to make a statement with a unique piece!
With an ombré approach, you can accentuate and soften a vibrant color like pink at the same time. Pantone's spring palette has a rich selection of colors – from turquoise and yellow to pink and lavender – so pick your favorite and use different shades to create the effect you want. It's also good to choose an item with a clean silhouette so it doesn't feel too crowded.
4. Create impact with tone-on-tone styling
Pastels are a good starting point when working with color because they are easier on the eye than more saturated shades and have a soothing quality. This translates well when styling a tonal, pastel-colored room – much like a monochromatic outfit – that evokes the personality and character of the color without being flashy.
While a bright green might be a bit much for a dining room, an airy turquoise is a modern choice, especially with a strong centerpiece as an anchor. A white wooden dining set retains the airy, relaxing feel that turquoise brings, but also keeps it clean and simple, bringing it all together.
And just as accessories can be the perfect finishing touch to a great outfit, complete the look with darker tonal accents like blue pendant lights and glass vases and glassware. This layering of colors and texture gives variety, depth and visual interest.
