Pastels with the best possible taste

Last week I told you all about storage and how exciting it can be; this week I'm expelling another decorating myth – that pastels are past it.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jun 2010, 14:03 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2010, 14:03 BST

Of course, the word conjures up images of bland and boring sitting rooms, or worse still, those tedious moments spent in waiting rooms, but I prefer the term candy colours. Muted tones are great for relaxing and you can always add a little pizzazz with the accessories.

There is, in fact, a sofa in Barker and Stonehouse which I think proves my point. It's the gorgeous Sanctuary Sienna sofa in a beautiful blue floral fabric. Yum.

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Imagine if you will this sofa alongside a calming shade of Borrowed Light blue from Farrow and Ball on the walls, and a stunning, sleek coffee table, like the Travo coffee table, again from Barker and Stonehouse.

Now there's a room I'd like to spend some time in.

If that's not to your liking, then pastels can also be used to highlight a piece of furniture. If you've just bought a sofa you love and you want it to be the centre of attention, then you simply won't want your walls competing.

Choose a shade similar but much lighter than the fabric in the sofa. My example this time is the beautiful Amilo sofa, which is a dreamy shade of purple. This sofa needs nothing more than a gorgeous cream carpet and a very light purple on the walls.

The contrasting colours of the cushions add enough interest to the room so you don't have to commit to a strong shade on the walls.

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If you don't want to paint all your walls in one colour, then team your candy shade with cream. Once your room is painted and the furniture is in, you can then add more interest through accessories. Take inspiration from the Odalis sofa and add in cushions in varying shades of the same colour.

Or go on the website of Barkerandstonehouse.co.uk and discover some beautiful candy coloured accessories, there's everything from throws to candles to complete the look.

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YP MAG 5/6/10