What’s my HOME WORTH in today’s market?
If your home’s been decked out in dark decor and saturated colors for years, it could be time for a refresh. Or maybe we should say a refreshment.
This season, it’s all about light and airy pastels in the home. Pastels? For spring? Groundbreaking, we know. But designers say there’s a whole new reason these color shades are hot right now: They resemble your favorite warm-weather treat, ice cream.
Think: Shades of bubblegum pink, peach, lilac, and mint green (which is also trending thanks to Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex).
“Along with warmer temperatures, the next few months will usher in a resurgence of color—and what goes together better than summertime and ice cream?” asks Erika Woelfel, vice president of color services at BEHR Paints.
“The ice cream color trend is also inspired by the popularity of millennial pink over the past three years—a color that is continuing to evolve into two new, to-be-treasured pastels reminiscent of your favorite childhood treats: apricot orange and lilac.”
For the hesitant home decorator, especially, these pretty pastel shades are ideal, according to Tina Ramchandani, an interior designer in New York City.
“Light pastels are a great way to add character to a home in a soft, subtle way,” she says. “These colors are perfect for those that are afraid of going bold, especially if they’re nervous they may not love a bold color in a few years. They are also perfect for those who want an airy, spacious look.”
Ready to take a lick–er, look—at how you can add these yummy colors to your home? Here’s what top home decor experts recommend.
Paint an accent wall
If your mouth is watering for a new look, then go ahead and paint all of your walls a light and cheery ice cream shade; it can work in nearly any room in the home, Woelfel says. But if you’re hesitant to go all out with brightness—or fear it will feel out of season come fall and winter—try an accent wall instead.
“If you’re worried about committing to a saccharine space, small pops of these colors can bring a neutral room to life without the risk or expense of a larger paint job,” she says. “Try dustier, mid-tone versions of bubblegum pink or minty green on an accent wall you’ll still love when fall rolls around.”
Woelfel also recommends using a peachy pink, which she says can evoke retro vibes, but looks contemporary when paired with white or black rugs, or a dark-brown leather chair. She also likes BEHR Riverdale N410-3, a midtone, slightly blue, green.
“It will shine when paired with warm blond wood accents, white trim, and furniture painted a cheery chartreuse green,” she says.
Create a retro kitchen
There’s no more fitting place for ice cream colors than the kitchen. And with all the colored appliances on the market these days, you can swap out your fridge or microwave for an ice cream shade that will give the whole room a trendy retro feel, Ramchandani says.
Look for the Big Chill Original Fridge ($3,395) in buttercup yellow or pink lemonade, or the Daewoo Retro Microwave ($87.95) in mint green.
A new fridge is obviously a big investment, but there are some smaller (and lower-budget!) appliances that will give the same feel. Ramchandani recommends the Smeg Citrus Juicer ($160) in pink or pastel green, or the KitchenAid Professional Mixer ($679) in tangerine, majestic yellow, or past pink.
Add statement furniture
Don’t discount the impact of fun ice cream color furniture accent pieces.
“One colorful pastel piece may be all you need to bring this current look to your home,” Ramchandani says. “There are several beautiful pieces you can purchase that can transform your space in an instant!”
Stop by Anthropologie for the Perrie Bar Cabinet ($1,998) and the Lacquered Regency Nightstand ($698), she recommends—and get ready for a dramatic difference in your living room, dining room, or bedroom.
Pop in artwork and accent pieces
“Another way to bring the ice cream tones in is through art,” Ramchandani says. “This works great in homes that are already decorated and need pops of color, or in cases where homeowners want a refresh but don’t want to entirely redecorate.”
One of her favorite artists, Melanie Biehle, has plenty of ice cream tone options, like this dreamy Creamsicle Abstract (starting at $23).
Then pair your artwork with pastel accent pieces—such as lamps, vases, and planters—to really bring the room together.
Paint a welcoming front door
Not ready to commit to ice cream colors inside your home just yet? Consider painting the front door instead.
“Spending more time outside makes summer the perfect time for homeowners to add a touch of curb appeal,” Woelfel says. “While using an ice cream color on the outside of your home may sound daring, a colorful front door is one of the best ways to welcome guests and impress your neighbors.”
Her recommendations for exterior-appropriate shades include gentle green, or a soft, Southwestern-inspired orange-pink shade. Just be prepared for your home to be the most delicious-looking one on the block!
We hope you enjoyed this post. Contact us today for all your real estate needs.
AHSZMORE.TUMBLR | ICE CREAM GIF
What’s my HOME WORTH in today’s market?
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