Pastel colour schemes – 10 of the best

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  • Although you might think pastel colours will only work in the spring, these soft shades are actually great for making your home feel light and airy all year round. And you don't have to restrict pretty pastel shades to a girl's bedroom: Take this colour scheme into the kitchen, the bathroom and even the hallway.

    Muted tones of mint, lemon and duck egg can make just as much of a statement as more vibrant colours. A pastel colour scheme can even range from elegant and sophisticated, to cute and quirky. Whether your tastes are grounded in classic country, or something more along the line of hotel-chic you still can make this popular colour scheme work for you – and we've got the know-how to help you do it.

    If this is your first foray into pastel shades, ease yourself into the trend with subtle accents. Choose a white backdrop to build on and add touches of soft lilac or pale blue on painted furniture or soft furnishings. Pastel throws and cushion, or even a canopy over a bed, in a neutral bedroom is a simple way to give a nod to the trend, without changing the look of your home too much.

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    If you're in love with a pastel colour scheme and ready to dive in head first, we have plenty of inspiration for you to theme your home in pastel hues. Don't be afraid to mix up your pastel shades: Painting your room in one pale colour will complement one or two other shades around the room – on sofas, tables and chairs – as well as making a small space appear larger.

    Double bed with pale blue and pink bedding

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    If you're after a country look, why not go for pretty pastel bedlinen? Here an assortment of throws and cushions adds warmth and depth to the scheme.

    Bed

    Loaf

    Bed linen
    H&M

    Green sofa and chair in front of patterned wallpaper

    Double bed with pink canopy

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    Not sure how to introduce pastel shades into a neutral bedroom? Invest in a statement four poster bed and decorate with a romantic pastel-coloured canopy.

    Wallpaper
    Little Greene
    Canopy fabric
    Harlequin

    Black table holding flower and books in front of a blue wall

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    Love pastel blue? This funky looking hallway mixes warm sky-blue paint with graphic floor tiles - the results are simple, yet stunning.

    Floor tiles
    Lindsey Lang
    Tray table
    Cox & Cox

    Grey sofa in front of floral wallpaper

    Lilac and pink room with long white table and chairs

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    Going for a full room refresh? Choose soft lilac walls, pink sheer curtains and painted furniture for a stunning colour scheme in the dining room.

    Dining table
    B&B Italia
    Curtains
    Designers Guild

    Blue dolls house and gingham stool next to a single bed

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    If you're a fan of tonal colour schemes, take a look at this pretty bedroom. A french-style bed takes centre stage, while powder-blue checks and florals soften the look.

    Similar paint
    Farrow & Ball
    Curtain fabric
    Laura Ashley

    Pastel coloured suitcases piled up in a yellow room

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    Introduce colour with fresh lemon walls and, if you're feeling brave, why not go for ice-cream coloured furniture - great for adding a playful touch.

    Sofa bed
    Molteni & C
    Armchair
    Ligne Roset

    Pink sofa in front of blue and white printed wallpaper

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    Pastel shades work well in country-inspired schemes. Here blue floral wallpaper and a pink coloured sofa give the living room a soft, gentle feel.

    Wallpaper and lamp
    Laura Ashley
    Floral cushion
    Lombok

    White chest of drawer and fireplace with large mirror

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    Love neutral tones? Here, grey blue walls teamed with cool white floorboards create a calming mood.

    Paint
    Farrow & Ball

    Looking for more decorating ideas? Take a look at our galleries for inspiration. See our bedroom channel for inspiration. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest homes and interiors trends, news and competitions.

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