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If you’re new here (welcome, darling), this is part of my monthly Things That Give Me Life series—a love letter to the aesthetic obsessions currently keeping me afloat in this chaotic world. Think of it as a highlight reel of what’s breathing new energy into my design brain, making me gasp dramatically like I’ve just seen a perfectly styled bar cart.
In last month’s post, we talked about how “giving me life” is more than just cute stuff—it’s that rare, energizing combo of beauty, joy, and “OMG where did you get that?” vibes. It’s the design equivalent of espresso for the soul.
This month? It’s all about Pastels and Pops of Color (aka Pinterest’s Primary Play trend). These two looks are running my entire Spring/Summer mood board and—spoiler—they pair deliciously well with each other. So let’s break it down, room by room, vibe by vibe.
If you don’t believe me about my love affair, here are some of my latest blog posts that prove my current obsession:
Primary Play – Pops of Color Part 1
Primary Play – Pops of Color Part 2
40 Best Spring Nails – Pastels & Brights
Spring Style – Pastels & Pops of Color
Pastels for President
Pastels are the unofficial uniform of Spring and early Summer—and for good reason. They whisper “I have my life together” but also “I eat cake for breakfast.” The vibe is breezy, polished, and just a little retro in the best way possible.
Kitchen & Bar
Minty green mixers, pale pink espresso machines, buttery yellow bar stools. Pastels in the kitchen are giving chic diner meets 2025. Start with countertop appliances in soft hues—bonus points if they’re matte. Don’t forget glassware! Lilac wine glasses or blush pink tumblers are a low-commitment way to flirt with color. For the bar? A baby blue tray or pastel cocktail napkins are chef’s kiss touches. And yes, pastel wine bottles are now a thing. You’re welcome.
Get the Look:
- Shop vintage-inspired SMEG appliances (yes, even the mini fridge).
- Use pastel ceramics as functional decor—bowls, mugs, even your spoon rest.
- Hang a soft-toned abstract print above your bar cart and pretend you summer in Nice.
Talk about dreaminess. This mug calms me down just by looking at it.
Putting oranges in their rightful place – a pedestal. This pink and orange pedestal bowl is so sophisticated with its matte finish.
Whether you’re drinking wine or water, do it in these chic pastel glasses.
Aren’t these pastel plates gorgeous? I’d like one in every color.
Furniture
Curvy powder-blue accent chairs, sage green dining chairs, and lavender ottomans. Pastels on furniture say, “I’m playful but still own a label maker.” These tones create softness without sacrificing style. They’re mood-lifting but not mood-swing-inducing.
Get the Look:
- Try a pastel accent chair in your living room. Instant happiness.
- Swap out neutral dining chairs for soft pink or mint options.
- Style pastel poufs under a console—extra seating and visual candy.
I’ve never seen a lavender locker, but now I want one.
I’m usually not a floral couch person, but I could get into this one and Anthropologie never misses.
Stools are a game changer for me. So useful when you need another side table or seat. This mint one is stunning.
Pastel marble. Enough said.
A baby blue velvet chair is the chair I never knew I needed.
A bench at the end of the bed is always a good idea and this curvy pink one is so unique.
I can’t say enough about this retro lounger with an ottoman, cause it’s so damn good!
Decor
Soft ombré candles, pale art prints, and matte pastel vases. Pastel decor is the gateway drug into bolder color adventures. It plays nice with neutrals and adds that kiss of color that says, “Yes, I know what I’m doing.”
Get the Look:
- Layer pastel throw pillows on a neutral sofa like you’re frosting a cake.
- Add pale-toned books to your coffee table stack.
- Style your shelves with pastel ceramic pieces for a curated but cozy look.
This vase shook me to my core. Again, I’m not a flower girl but this vase is everything.
This chandelier is like a breath of minty fresh air. Vintage pieces are my favorite for pieces that no one else has.
Moroccan rugs always hit the spot, but in this pale peach color, it takes it to a whole new level.
This tissue holder is so much fun!
I love sconces and this peach and blue one will add a touch of whimsy to your walls.
This pastel rug looks like a map of the world and I would never get tired of looking at it.
Just a beautiful vignette on the wall. Simple but effective.
Instagram @madame.surto.official
Art
Now we’re talking wall candy. Pastel art is soft but impactful—it doesn’t yell, it suggests.
Get the Look:
- Framed abstract pieces in dusty pinks, lilacs, and sky blues.
- Watercolor landscapes or pastel-toned line drawings.
- Don’t forget digital downloads—you can print and frame them faster than it takes to say “gallery wall goals.” My favorite place to get them is Etsy.
This painting is so soothing.
Try a pastel poster to add some color to your walls.
These colors are just doing something to me.
Ombre tones make this painting stand out.
Primary Play with Pops of Color
This is color turned up to 100. Pinterest’s Primary Play trend is like if Bauhaus design and a pack of Crayola markers had a very fashionable baby. It’s bold, unapologetic, and living its best life.
Kitchen & Bar
We’re ditching the neutrals and inviting red, blue, and yellow to the dinner party; and why not green, orange and purple too?. And yes, they RSVP’d with flair.
Get the Look:
- Bright yellow bar stools, cobalt blue mugs, or cherry-red Dutch ovens.
- Layer in vibrant placemats, punchy cocktail napkins, or funky coasters.
- Style your shelves with mix-and-match dinnerware in solid, bold hues.
I can’t believe these banana dishes, but I want them displayed across my table exactly like this so bad.
If you collect enamelware, you should definitely go to Re-found Objects and check out all the colors of the rainbow.
I would love to eat cantaloupe in these cantaloupe bowls, wouldn’t you?
Kitchen towels are so underrated. These towels are so fun and will make you look like a rockstar in the kitchen.
Furniture
Primary-colored furniture is a power move. It says you’re not afraid of a little drama—or a lot.
Get the Look:
- Add a bright red side table, a blue velvet bench, or a yellow statement chair.
- Keep the shapes clean and modern to avoid preschool-core.
- Use bold furniture as a contrast against white walls and light flooring.
These chairs made me swoon, with their candy striped upholstery fabric.
This blue side table would go with any decor and add just enough pop of color.
Since green is my favorite color, I love this cabinet with it’s inverted “V” shape at the bottom. I would definitely turn this into my liquor cabinet.
Orange is such a cheerful color and when you use velvet, this accent chair is pretty much perfect.
When you find something that’s handmade, like this stained wood coffee table and it’s so beautiful it just makes you proud to be alive. The vases are good too.
Sculptural and cobalt blue, the color for Summer this year. So good.
Another stool but this time in a bright yellow steel cage. It’s like a piece of sculpture.
Decor
Decor is where Primary Play really gets to show off. These colors are confident, charismatic, and just a little chaotic (in a fun way).
Get the Look:
- Swap out neutral pillows for red, blue, or yellow ones.
- Add a primary-colored vase or funky sculptural piece.
- Go for unexpected color combos: blue with orange, red with pink, yellow with green. (Trust me.)
Green and glossy. What more could you want in a vase?
I’m a blanket girl. In fact, I have three on my couch right now. These colorful throws are instantly craveable.
Tangerine planters are so retro and modern at the same time.
As a long time quilter, I approve of this quilt. It’s so special and would be all you need in a bedroom to give it a load of personality.
A pop of color inside this bowl is for the person that just wants to dip their toes in.
This lamp just makes me laugh with joy.
Handmade woven rugs in bright beautiful colors. Sign me up.
Art
Art is where the Primary Play party really pops. Think bold, graphic, and mood-lifting.
Get the Look:
- Color-blocked prints in all the colors of the rainbow.
- Modern, geometric art that feels like a museum—but fun.
- Frame up poster-style artwork with thick white mats for a punchy, polished look.
Dizzying, yes, but also dazzling. Maybe try it with a wood frame to tone it down some.
A balloon dog piece of wall art. Who knew it even existed?
Why not try an ink blot in acid pink? I would.
Popsicles as wall art, gimme one. I would hang this piece of art in a heartbeat.
So to sum it up, pastels are like emotional support colors and pops of color are the extroverted alter ego. Together, they create a perfectly chaotic harmony of joy and design envy. Whether you’re drawn to soft sorbets or loud primaries, this is your sign to stop being beige and start being bold.
Come back next month for another hit of design dopamine. And if you’ve already added three pastel mugs and an orange chair to your cart while reading this… same.
See ya next time.
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