Trend alert: Pretty in pastels

Sure you may have loved pastel colors as a kid, but do you know how to put a mature spin on this trend? If you shy away from using light lavender, pale pink or baby blue in the home sector because you don't want your home to look like a nursery, take a look at these helpful design tips.

• Balance with white: Nothing makes pastel colors pop quite like a white backdrop. Give your walls a fresh coat of white paint or contrast pure white window coverings with pastel furniture or home accessories.
• Experiment with patterns: Contrasting a bold pattern with a pale shade can give your room visual balance. Experiment with geometric shapes in your window fashions, throw rugs and decorative pillows.
• Freshen up furniture: To give your furniture a refresher, try painting an end table or chair with a pastel hue. Mix and match the cushions on your chair for an innovative look. For instance, if you're painting your chair light pink, brighten it up with a vibrant magenta cushion.
• Think outside of the box: "Pastels do not have to mean pink and purple — if girly colors are not for you, don't discount pastels altogether," writes Houzz.com. "A pale mustard or chalky blue can be incredibly chic when paired with black, white and charcoal." A common misconception is that pastel colors have to be feminine or childish, but this is simply an interior design myth. 

If you need help selecting custom window coverings in gorgeous pastel hues, stop by Bazaar Home Decorating Center's Milwaukee showroom.