profe ssional a dvice

‘to make pastels work in new ways, you have to take them out of their comfort zone. pastels are the shy, polite kids of the colour spectrum and are often undervalued and neglected. use pure white on woodwork and ceilings, then add clean, crisp, vibrant hues painted in blocks on walls or furniture to make these hidden gems of the colour palette really come out of their shell.

The delicate, slightly greyed nature of pastels provides the perfect balance for more exuberant shades, which gives a room refreshing dynamism without overpowering it. Try combinations of pastels and brights from harmonious colour groups to get the best effect. Compatible shades lie next to each other on the colour wheel, so pastel pink, apricot and yellow will work perfectly with vivid shades of orange, fuchsia and blue. You can also team two or more soft pastels with pure white on walls and woodwork for a luxurious modern look that is understated but in a very sophisticated way. Combined with beautiful natural woven fabrics, fleece and smooth polished wooden surfaces, they create interiors with a delicate, tactile quality that soothe the senses.’