Editorial assistant Jodie Draper picks the best softly coloured spaces from our Pretty Pastels Pinterest board to inspire a softly spoken decorating scheme.



This space, found at Sköna Hem, is light, airy and liveable. The look is kept comfortable and homely through the grounding use of wood and white, allowing the yellow accents to do the talking. Simple additions like a stool and a couple of displayed trinkets can create a similar feel.



The above image from vtwonen is styled by Marianne Luning and captured by Anne de Leeuw. The soft pinks are the perfect accompaniment to cool concrete and textured fabrics. This look can be as easy and inexpensive as a cushion update.



Choosing to have a coloured sofa doesn't need to limit you when it comes to incorporating other colours and patterns into your space. This is the home of Bri Emery, styled by Emily Henderson, and it incorporates a mix of cushions, a great contrasting lamp, and some natural wood to tie it all in.



One of the hottest trends is the innovative contrast of salmon pink and bright yellow - a winning duo that can revive an existing blank canvas. This image is from 101 Woonideeën, and we love the softly graphic rug that grounds all the different elements.



Norwegian interior magazine "Interior Magasinet", have produced a calming lilac space with minimalistic furniture, some clever pattern-on-pattern walls, and of course, a bunch of scatter cushions. The trick here is to pick two similar and complementary tones - in this case light blue and purple - and work your elements into that scheme. Add one or two bold focal points (like the dark cushion) and you've mastered it.



Vases are often an overlooked accessory that can be used to introduce new colours to an area or pick up on existing ones. Recycled bottles and vases have been having an extended moment, so get your hands on (and your blooms in) some of our styles. Mix lime, green, and teal; stick to one colour like Vogue Living have done above, or opt for the clear. This shot, styled by Caroline Choker for The Sunset Room at Watson's Bay, is definitely something we'd like to replicate in our homes.



This shot from Real Living in November 2012 goes to show that you don't need to abandon other styles you love in order to pick up a bit of pastel. Instead use a focal point like an artwork and draw out a series of colours. Here, they have combined patterns and bold oranges with elements that tie it all together, like the yellow lamp.


 



This fresh dining area goes to show what a bit of paint can do. Set aside a Sunday afternoon to revitalise old chairs, pick up a new table cloth, or paint a feature wall. Regular updates with relatively small tasks like this can create a completely different room. Image via our Pinterest board.

See these images and more on our Pretty Pastels Pinterest board.