Decorating with pastels

Insight Take inspiration from Ilona Polcyn’s home and surround yourself with uplifting tones

Hues such as bubblegum pink, lemon yellow and mauve are often thought of as feminine, but they can be used almost anywhere in a family home. Serene and spring-like, pastels enliven a neutral palette and give a fresh feel to darker, moodier schemes.

Versatile style

Keep pastels on-trend by teaming with metallic accents. Geometric wallpapers with touches of gold or copper add warmth and offer a modern way to make a statement with these hues, while chrome fittings complement pale blues and blush pinks. Move away from vintage or country connotations by introducing an industrial edge with materials such as concrete and marble to give a pastel interior an urban feel.

These soft colours are often chosen for their calming qualities, and therefore work well in living areas and bedrooms. Like Ilona has done, keep walls and floors neutral and introduce fun prints, cosy textiles and whimsical artwork. Try incorporating different pastel shades to create a feature wall, which will help to zone areas within a multi-purpose space. A patterned rug can achieve the same effect. These delicate tones are also ideal for bringing a sense of playfulness to a child’s room and are easily changed as they grow.

Perfect partners

When it comes to furnishings, opt for pieces with clean, contemporary lines. Try adorning a Mid-century cabinet with pastel-pop vases and plant pots in varying shapes and sizes; or display Scandi-style kitchenalia, as Ilona has done in her open-plan space. For an eclectic look, use chalk paints to brighten up mismatched dining furniture, and use touches of black for contrast and to stop a scheme looking too childlike. Splashes of neon or textiles with fluoro accents will do just as well, and a vibrant light fitting will break up the drama of dark walls.