Rethink Pastels With These Easter-Inspired Home Design Ideas  

Easter is a sure sign that spring is in full swing, and whether you wait all year for the holiday or just think of it as a great reason for brunch, considering its signature whimsy and pastel palette can be a fun way to think about interior design. Hate the pastels – baby blue, rosy pink, lavender, soft yellow – that go hand-in-hand with the season? Associate whimsy with kitsch? Check out these Easter-inspired home design ideas (don’t worry, no bunnies included) and rethink your stance on this holiday’s signature style.

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Welcoming pastel colors

Pastels may seem all wrong in your living spaces, especially if you’re used to stark white walls, neutrals, or dark hues in your rooms. However, these light colors have one big benefit – they can open up a space. Pastels can transform a living area into a welcoming, soothing retreat.

If you aren’t ready to paint your walls powder blue just yet, you can think about incorporating pastels in little ways. Invest in pastel-colored throw pillows or opt for a bright area rug. Slowly introducing these hues into your living space can help you work up to a more daring interior – perhaps one that even includes a pastel color on your walls.

As you explore the potential of pastels, think about looking into the trending colors of the season as well. For example, you might fall in love with Easter Grass and find that it complements the hue of your oak wood dining room set.

Creating whimsy

Whimsy can be considered a trademark of spring and Easter, and it doesn’t have to be an intimidating concept – envision it as anything that makes you stop in your tracks and think. It can also come in different forms throughout your home. For instance, consider sheer curtains with a vibrant, swirling pattern. Not only are they bright and seasonal, but also intriguing to the eye.

The same can be said about decorative vases, rugs, and pillows you use throughout your space if you opt for whimsical designs.

Plants can encompass all of the aspects of whimsical interior design. Think about placing potted orchids around the house, such as phalaenopsis or cymbidium, which can bring pops of color to your living spaces.

Read more: DIY Outdoor Easter Decorations That Will Wow Everyone

If you want to make a more permanent whimsical change to your home, you can also consider doing or commissioning some wall stenciling. Stencils help you flawlessly incorporate patterns or images into your home, and go beyond just walls, as seen on How to Nest for Less. There are many stencils designed to create images of trees, flowers, and birds, which are perfect for introducing a little whimsy, nature, and imagination into your home.

Embracing flowers

There’s no better way to celebrate Easter and spring than with flowers. Sure, fresh flowers are always a great addition to a room, but try something floral that’s a little more daring.

Go beyond what you find in your garden and think floral prints on wallpaper, tablecloths, and dishware. They’ve come a long way since your grandmother’s days, we promise.

The key to incorporating floral designs into your home is to do so in moderation. For instance, if you bring a floral-styled rug into your kitchen, you should avoid the pattern on your dishtowels, wallpaper, and pot handlers. Simplicity is key, and one or two floral-patterned items is all you need to make a bold statement.

This Easter, think beyond colorful eggs and fluffy bunnies. Let the holiday inspire your décor with soft colors and a sense of whimsy. Thinking beyond the basics can help you create a cohesive interior design that says “spring” as soon as you walk in the front door.

Read more: Spring Into Easter With Cheerful Decor Ideas And More

Written by Krystle Vermes. April 3, 2015

Krystle Vermes is a professional writer, podcaster, and creator of GetSpooked.net with a background in both online and print journalism. She graduated from Suffolk University with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism.