A sorbet world

Inspired by our Sorbet Collection, Karen McCartney picks a few favourites from our pretty pastel Pinterest board.

In the pendulum swing of interior fashion, pastel shades (now called sorbet) are the quiet heroes of decorating. They don't shout, they whisper, they seduce with their references to nature, to the patina of ancient buildings and the refreshing chill of a hand-made ice. Use them sparingly as a hint of directional styling or go the whole way with ice blues, washed-out yellows and of course, the central player in the look – a soft but determined pink.



Artists have long taken their cue from nature's palette with its inspiring, and sometime surprising, combinations of colours. This example is particularly appropriate with its pink, pale yellow and band of soft green sea (left). While the height and light in this room (right) is not available to everyone, the subdued colours placed in the context of white is something that is easy to appropriate.


The charm of this higgledy piggledy cabinet (left) is enhanced by the colour choice of the doors. The look is softened, and grounded, by the use of a light timber on the legs. (Right) Bowls and platters with an organic handmade feel, and irregularly stacked, are enhanced by the background of light blue and the tabletop of white.


The spectacular colour combinations on this building are sun bleached and have developed patina over the passage of time. Punches of stronger colour in the window shutters give it a graphic quality which turns it into an abstract painting on a grand scale.


Upholstery pieces, rugs and lights can all combine successfully if they share a common tonal depth. Nothing is sharp or assertive, the eye gliding over the entire room as through a well-conceived flower garden. (Right) What would a sorbet collection be without the simple joy of strawberry gelato? If you can't have the cushion, try the ice-cream!


This chair and stool combination reminds me of a shy toddler standing behind its mother. A classic timber chair takes on a new modernity through the choice of solid paint colour and the tiny coloured feet of the modest, country-style stool adds a playful note. (Right) While an unfinished painted wall may not be to everyone taste it is effective in showing how a graphic wall treatment using nothing more than paint creates a backdrop to a range of softly-toned colours.

For more inspiration, check out the 90+ images on our Pinterest board.