Pastels for Spring – No Shrinking Violets

Mariana Hardwick

Elie Saab - Spring 2010

J. Crew

Ferretti

One of the biggest trends this spring season is the nude/pastel colors that are popping up in all the stores. I, for one, could not be more delighted. However, just as with any color trend, there are certain aspects I simply cannot wear. Soft pastel colors exemplify all that is feminine and girly, but often this year they are shown with a bit of edge.

via House and Home

via Decor Pad

via House and Home

One of my favorite combinations is pastel violet or lavender mixed with ballet pinks and/or peach. For most of my career as an interior designer, I shied away from anything that was in the lavender/violet family – considering it too juvenile. It has been only over the past few years that I have come to terms with that family of colors and they have recently piqued my interest.

via Flickr

via Flickr

via Flickr

via Flickr

Flowers however, are a completely different story. I have always been smitten by wisteria with its gnarly vines and stunning display of showy pink/lavender flowers. I always dreamed of a beautiful English terraced garden – complete with gorgeous limestone urns and architectural details such as an arbor replete with a canopy of wisteria. The delicate fragrance and colors belie their sturdiness. Even in the fall and winter, their gnarled and twisted vines create an eerie beauty against a palette of snow.

Wisteria Necklace from the Flora Collection

The fragile colors of the wisteria vine were the inspiration for this gorgeous Wisteria Necklace from the Flora Collection. A soft and beautiful mix of violet, purple and pink represent the colors we most often associate with this stunning floral vine. The explosion of delicate colored amethyst, pink amethyst and rose quartz gemstones culminates with a magnificent 45 carat faceted pink amethyst briolette. 21” long with 24K gold vermeil toggle clasp and accents. A perfect touch of shimmer for a summer garden party.