Young, fun and modern – creating a contemporary interior with a pop of pastel
Picture this, it’s the era of dyed t-shirts and shoulder-mounted boomboxes. Perhaps, there’s a sweatband or two – you guessed it, we’re talking about the 90s.
Thankfully, 90s fashion is staying exactly where it should – in the 90s! But in interior design circles, muted and sophisticated versions of bright colours and bold accessories originating from the 90s are back on trend.
‘I love putting a different spin on a traditionally contemporary homes by inserting soft pastel pops and brightly coloured pieces. It is possible to create a young and fun home that’s still modern and on trend for this decade,’ says Homebuyers Centre Interior Designer Nadija Saluwadana.
‘The important thing is to balance the bold colour palette with enough warmth and contemporary elements to ensure your style stands the test of time.’
Nadija recently executed this fresh version of a contemporary interior at Homebuyers Centre’s new Harvey 23 display home in Harpley.
It’s easy for first homebuyers to create the same vibe in your own home, we’ve broken down how to do it.
1. Select the botanical colour scheme as a base palette
Start with a neutral base. Think beiges, off-whites and light greys to the majority of your finishes – these lighter tones will allow your pastel colours to pop. A neutral base will also mean your home design is set up for longevity.
‘At the Harvey 23 display home, I used Homebuyers Centre’s Botanical colour scheme for the base. The subtle elements and warm, natural tones were the perfect canvas for this style,’ says Nadija.
‘Despite this being a contemporary style, avoid using too much black.’
2. Incorporate pops of pastel
You want to give a nod to the 90s, without introducing a bright yellow dining table or too bold of furniture pieces. Create a young and fun aesthetic by incorporating muted pops of the 90s colour palette into your styling. Think soft lilacs, powdery yellows, and lime greens. It’s all about brightening each space with a feature accessory – either artwork or a bold piece of furniture.
‘Find elements that will draw the eye and bring a sense of life to each room. I love the lime green sofa in the theatre room of the Harvey 23 display home,’ says Nadija.
‘Pinky lilac and lime green bed heads in a corduroy fabric are playful assets in the minor bedrooms. Painted feature walls in nooks and niches also work well.’
3. Introduce geometric shapes
Far from a minimalist style, don’t be afraid to play with patterns and shapes. Don’t be afraid of using shapes and patterns – remember to really embrace the 90s.
‘Wallpapers featuring geometric shapes and pastel tones are a fantastic feature in your minor bedrooms,’ suggests Nadija.
‘To keep the home feeling contemporary, look for furniture in organic shapes with lots of curves. Avoid harsh, sharp or square edges.’
4. Bring warmth through walnut timber
Pastel prints and groovy wallpapers are fun. But fail to tone down the 90s vibe and they can quickly look kitsch.
The solution? Bring warmth and texture to your interiors by introducing walnut elements.
‘Look for deeper, warmer grains that balance out the pastels. At the Harvey 23, I chose Polytec’s matt Notaio Walnut cabinetry throughout the kitchen and wet areas,’ explains Nadija.
‘I matched this with the warmth of Surface by Hynes’ Brooklyn Ridgewood floorboards.’
You can also weave walnut elements through your furniture. Just ensure each piece is balanced with a lighter, contemporary feature. For example, introduce a coffee table with a warm walnut base and lighter stone top, or pop your vibrant pastel print in a walnut timber frame.
‘Potted greenery is another great way to soften this palette,’ adds Nadija.
‘Potted greenery is another great way to soften this palette,’ adds Nadija.
5. Pick fun accessories
Add vibrancy and individuality to your rooms through your accessories. This could be as simple as a framed mirror in a geometric shape or a few pastel-coloured throw pillows in your lounge. But don’t be afraid to get creative!
‘For the Harvey 23 display home, I found some brightly coloured fluted lamp shades, that are available in a variety of patterns and shapes,’ says Nadija.
‘I also love the brightly coloured cabinets I used in the nursery.’
Discover a contemporary interior with pops of pastel at Homebuyers Centre’s new four-bedroom, two-bathroom Harvey 23 display home in Harpley.
Featuring the contemporary Kensington façade and a nursery styled entirely from Sage and Clare, it’s the perfect home for young couples and families looking for a fun, affordable and modern aesthetic.
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