Party with pastel palette

Rashmi Gopal Rao 

Diwali is incomplete without the customary cleaning, decluttering and redoing of your house. It is a great opportunity to unleash your creative side and give your house not only a brand-new look but also add personal touch that reflects your personality and sense of style.

“Each person wants to create a different space that speaks about her and her lifestyle. It is interesting that as the world becomes more hectic, people want their homes to be a sanctuary that defines their meaning of life,” says Manjari Upadhye, CEO of Domestic Business, Welspun India Ltd.

Unconventional yet festive

While Diwali is synonymous with bold colours like bright red, green, yellow and orange, oodles of bling, jazz and shimmer, why not try something different this season? Step away from the traditional and embrace pastel hues to give your home a pleasant and refreshing vibe. Festive vibes can be rung in with an elegant palette that comprises of cool, muted hues as well as in an understated Scandinavian decor to create the much-needed cheerful and light look.  

“The traditional festive colours of red, green, orange and gold have found new softer versions in their corresponding pastel shades. Pastels are pale tones of colours and this makes them ideal to create a dreamy and whimsical ambience. Including pastels in home decor creates a serene yet warm look,” says Radeesh Shetty, Lighting Designer and Director of The Purple Turtles.

Shades and textures galore

It is a misconception that pastels are dull and boring; these colours score high on elegance and class. A toned-down colour palette would include shades like beige, cream, lighter shades of blue, pink and elements of white and grey to create a subtle yet chic look. Play around with the textures and you can create a truly memorable interior with candy hues that will stay on in people's minds long after the festivities have died down.

“Decorate your space with curtains, upholstery and wallpapers in pastel shades to create a calming and tranquil effect in your abode.  Consider incorporating the pale shades of yellow in cushions, curtains, runners, rugs to energise the entire ambience” says Hemil Parikh, Founder, Elysium Abodes LLP.

Sheets and swathes of fabric can be draped and hung from the ceiling to transform your room and instantly create a festive feel. Use light ethereal fabric like sheer chiffon or filmy muslin in shades that go well with teals, aquas, blush pinks and mint.

Orange pastel coloured curtains, paired with cushion covers or rugs in complementing shades, is another way to induce colourful festive mood. “A console table in a pastel shade can be given a festive touch with golden tea-light holders and rustic wooden artefacts” adds Radesh Shetty.

Give your Scandinavian monochrome palette an easy pop of colour by adding some nautical flair to the space by adorning your sofa with sky blue throws and cushions. “Add some character to your neutral living room by layering the floor up with multiple fringed rugs in pastel shades of baby pinks and powder blues. You can create a boho chic statement in the living room with light steel blue and lavender cushions combined with abstract wall art for a cool finish” says Saloni Khosla, Interior Design Expert, Pepperfry.  

Say it with lights and flowers 

“Diwali is the festival of lights and pastels and whites go beautifully well with strings of tiny twinkling rice lights in warm or cool white colours” says Basob Majumdar, VP, design, HomeLane.  Think fairy lights behind white sheers, coupled with candles and flowers all around.  Your space could not get more festive and dreamier! “Plants can be lit up with twinkling light transforming your home into a magical fairyland! Always choose a bunch of small lights that pool together to create a glow” adds Majumdar.  

Lighting up your balcony with white hanging lights as well as illuminating your dining space with jute pendant lights is another good option. Smoked glass tea-light holders in pastel shades that let out a soft translucent glow, as well as carved metal lanterns in patina or pastel shades are quite popular for their stylish aura. “Make a statement in your hallways by painting the walls soothing yellow and enhance the setup further by adding an edgy-touch to the space by illuminating it with black industrial lights” adds Saloni Khosla.

While roses and marigold are the conventionally festive, think of tulips, gerberas and lotuses in pastel shades. Bunches of white lilies in corners as well as jasmine buds floating amidst candles can instantly add a celebratory touch to your space.