Grown-up pastel decor

Paint it on

Mount Airy by Olympic is similar to a robin’s egg blue and will add a fresh, coastal feeling to any space. Mix in neutral brown tones and rustic textures like jute, rope or bamboo. To give the space a more sophisticated look, you could also mix in metallics like gold or silver and then add in black to ground the space and give it that modern chic appeal.

Valspar’s Apricot Ice may scare you off a bit due to the pink tone but pink doesn’t have to be just for babies or your Grandma’s bathroom. This soft tone would work well in a bedroom or office space. Mix in luxurious-looking fabrics in rich patterns like baroque or damask. Deep jewel tones will also help make this sweet pink color look rich instead of juvenile.

Glidden’s Pistachio paint could almost be considered a neutral if you pair it with the right accessories. Pair it with richer versions of other bright colors like yellow for a fresh look. This paint color is versatile enough that you could use it in your larger spaces like the living room or kitchen. If you aren’t prepared to commit to a green room, consider adding wainscoting or paneling in a creamy white tone to break it up.

YOLO’s Grain paint is the perfect golden shade of yellow. It too could function as a neutral backdrop to other more prominent colors and would help brighten up a dark space. We’ve love to see this color in a bathroom or even a kitchen with crisp white cabinetry. To balance the space mix in cool tones like green or blue.

Accessorize

A colorful couch like this aqua version from Wayfair is a great way to set the tone for your space. To avoid overwhelming the room with color, stick with more neutral accessories and then mix in other small pops of aqua to blend it all together. Set the sofa over a natural jute rug and then add in few solid throw pillows. Consider patterned curtains that contain subtle hints of aqua. ($394) 

Pink gets a bad rap for being overly feminine but it doesn’t have to be. If you want a subtle hint of pink, keep it chic with these bauble-like pink knobs from Anthropologie. They’d add a little sparkle to an otherwise plain dresser and they can help tie in any other pink accents you have in the room. Rosy pink pillows can look chic on a sandy brown sofa or consider patterned fabrics with pink included. ($8)

The type of fabric you use can make all the difference from child-like to adult-approved. This lavender pillow from World Market is made with a herringbone fabric which gives it the look and feel of sophistication. Pair it with other rich colors like deep blue or gray for a look that is perfect for a living room or bedroom. ($25)

Your male counterpart may turn up his nose at the idea of pink bedding but if you select the right pattern and fabric, pink need not be girly. This pink bedding set from West Elm is the perfect example of a sophisticated pink look. Mix in deep browns and masculine textures to keep the room balanced. Wood grains and leather accents can help create the perfect blend of him and her. (Price varies)