Soft But Strong: How to Use Pastels and Whimsy in Your Home

Dark and dreary decor got you feeling down? Brighten your home up with an alternative: pastels and whimsy! While pastels and whimsical decor might make you think of a kid’s bedroom, there are easy ways to keep them feeling mature. Mature doesn’t mean boring, though – all of the lighthearted fun of this look can still work in your home. Keep reading to learn how!

What Is Whimsical and Pastel Decor?

Pastels

Pastels are soft, gentle colors that add a soothing touch to a space. Almost any color can be pastel, but common examples include blue, pink, yellow, and green. Pastels are often associated with babies and nurseries, but keep reading to learn how to use these soothing colors in your home maturely!

Whimsical decor

The word “whimsical” may make you think of a fairy tale cottage house. While that can be true, any space can benefit from a whimsical touch. Whimsy typically uses playful or quirky accessories, fun patterns, and fantastical themes. Whimsy should evoke a feeling of wonder, and bonus points if it includes natural elements like flowers, animals, or even bugs.

Embracing Pastel and Whimsical Decorating Style: Top Tips

1. Turn your pastel bedroom into a soothing retreat.

The softness of pastels can make a great addition to your bedroom, turning it into a cozy, peaceful space. Consider a cool color, such as pale blue or dusty purple, for your walls to give your bedroom a spa-like feel. Black or dark-colored bedroom furniture contrasts nicely with these lighter colors and maintains the room’s coolness.

Try a pastel yellow or green if you’re more interested in a bright, connected-to-nature feel. These colors can pair well with a light-colored wood dresser and bedside tables in a Japandi or Scandinavian style.

2. Let your interests and imagination guide the way.

When you decide to include a whimsical style in your home, one of the most important elements is creative, imaginative touches. There are a few different ways that you can achieve this:

  • Display collection, including figurines, rocks, gems, feathers, or anything else your heart desires on furniture such as a bookcase
  • Include cute items, like pillows with embroidered animals or drawer pulls made to look like bugs
  • Incorporate plenty of handmade items. Mugs and paintings are a great place to start!
  • Bring in antiques, especially kitschy collectibles, like salt and pepper shakers
  • Find wallpaper and tapestries with interesting patterns, including floral, botanical, celestial, and animal themes

3. Elevate pastel room decor with darker accents.

A solid pink bedroom can look like a child’s room if you aren’t careful. Consider using darker accents, including greys, black, and even darker shades of the same color, to help elevate your pastels. There are a few ways that you can do that:

  • Painted accents
  • Darker-colored soft goods, including upholstered furniture, throws, and curtains
  • Darker-colored furniture, like living room furniture in neutral shades of grey, black, and navy or dining room furniture in darker wood tones

Darker tones keep your pastels looking sophisticated, timeless, and grounded.

4. Add a cottagecore touch.

Tie your pastels and whimsical bedroom decor together with a cottagecore style! Pastels are an excellent pairing with cottagecore, so use some of the core elements of this style, such as:

  • Plenty of plants in every room of the home
  • Patterns with botanical, mushroom, and floral motifs
  • Plenty of thrift, antique, and vintage elements
  • Natural textiles, including cotton, linen, and wool

5. Turn to CORT Furniture Outlet for Timeless Decor and Accent Pieces

Pale colors and whimsical themes don’t have to come across as childish. With pastels at your disposal, you can start embracing the magic of everyday life and finding joy in the small things.

At CORT Furniture Outlet, we know personalizing your house is crucial to making it feel like home. When you’re ready to change your home decor, you’ll find a wide range of timeless pieces that match your style and work with your new taste. Our collection includes everything from classic to contemporary, all at up to 70% off retail prices. Shop gently used furniture and decor at your local CORT Furniture Outlet or online today!

Find furniture at great prices with CORT Furniture Outlet.