Embracing the Pastel Palette of the Year

As I strolled through the aisles of my local home decor store, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the soft, soothing hues that seemed to be everywhere. Rose quartz and serenity blue – Pantone’s colors of the year for 2016 – had well and truly made their mark. These delicate shades, which Pantone described as evoking “a sense of calm and relaxation,” were popping up on everything from plush throw pillows to sleek accent chairs.

At first, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. As a self-proclaimed “anti-pink girl,” the idea of embracing such a pastel-heavy palette didn’t exactly thrill me. But the more I saw these colors in action, the more I started to appreciate their subtle sophistication. There was something truly soothing about the way they seemed to soften the harsh edges of modern design, creating a sense of tranquility and comfort.

Balancing the Palette

Of course, the key to making these colors work in your home is all about finding the right balance. As Monique McHugh suggests, it’s important to use them as accents rather than going for an all-out pastel explosion. Incorporating them through pillows, throws, or even an accent wall can add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the space.

And let’s not forget the power of pairing these colors with the right complementary hues. McHugh recommends grounding the palette with darker wood tones or even a healthy dose of crisp, clean white. This helps to prevent the space from feeling too saccharine or juvenile.

A Romantic Wedding Palette

As much as I’m intrigued by the idea of using rose quartz and serenity blue in my own home, I’m even more excited to see how they’ll be embraced within the wedding industry. After all, what could be more fitting for a romantic affair than these soft, dreamy shades?

Mountainside Bride has already showcased some stunning examples of how these colors can be brought to life in a wedding setting. From delicate floral arrangements to elegant table settings, the combination of rose quartz and serenity blue creates a truly breathtaking aesthetic.

And as luck would have it, my close friends who are getting married this April have decided to incorporate these hues into their special day. I can’t wait to see how they’ll weave the colors throughout their celebration, from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the cocktail napkins. I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely stunning.

Bringing the Palette to Life

Of course, if you’re not a bride-to-be, there are still plenty of ways to bring the magic of rose quartz and serenity blue into your life. Golden Rippy offers a wealth of inspiring ideas, from statement-making furniture pieces to subtle home accents.

For those of us who are a little hesitant about diving head-first into a pastel paradise, the key is to start small. Perhaps a cozy throw pillow in a soft shade of rose quartz or a serene blue vase for your coffee table. Once you see how these colors can transform a space, you might just find yourself craving more.

And for those of you who are feeling bold, why not consider a dramatic accent wall or even a custom sofa in a dreamy pastel hue? Sofas Spectacular, a leading custom sofa company in the UK, offers a wide range of upholstery options that could bring your rose quartz and serenity blue dreams to life.

Embracing the Unexpected

At the end of the day, the beauty of these Pantone colors of the year is that they’re anything but predictable. They’re a departure from the bold, saturated hues we’ve come to expect, and that’s exactly what makes them so intriguing.

So whether you’re planning a wedding, redecorating your living room, or simply looking to add a touch of serenity to your everyday life, I encourage you to give rose quartz and serenity blue a chance. You might just be surprised by how much they can transform your space – and your mood.

After all, as Pantone so eloquently put it, these colors are all about providing “a sense of calm in the midst of our chaos.” And goodness knows we could all use a little more of that in our lives.