To celebrate the arrival of Spring, we’re diving into the soft, inviting world of pastels – a colour palette that has become synonymous with this time of year. From pistachio and mint greens to soft pinks and sky blues, these hues symbolise positivity, new beginnings and the blossoming beauty of the season.

Pastel pinks evoke joy, fresh blossom and playfulness. Pastel green reminds us of new growth and fresh grass. Meanwhile, pastel blues and lavenders reflect the clarity of spring skies and bird eggs, and soft yellows bring to mind newborn chicks, the sun shining and positivity.

Spring is also the perfect time for a redecoration project, so we’ve gathered some pastel colour inspiration from some of our favourite film sets to help you reimagine your surroundings.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

If you’re a film fan, all this talk of pastels may conjure up images from The Grand Budapest Hotel. Wes Anderson’s signature pastel colour palette is one of the most distinctive features of the film, particularly in the scenes set in the hotel’s lobby, guest rooms and Mendl’s bakery.

The soft pinks, sky blues, and light greens create a whimsical, almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The film’s unique design uses these hues to tell a story of nostalgia and opulence.

Get painting!

If you’re looking for a touch of Wes Anderson’s pastel magic on your walls, consider shades like Whirlybird, Vert de Terre, Middleton Pink, and Nancy’s Blushes, all from Farrow and Ball. These colours capture the spirit of renewal and elegance that’s central to the film’s theme of romanticised nostalgia.

 

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

Colour is central to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’s unique visual style, where it extends beyond costumes to envelop the sets and furniture. Soft, vibrant pinks, blues, yellows, and greens permeate the film, evoking innocence, romance, and nostalgia.

The palette not only enhances the film’s fairy-tale-like atmosphere but also highlights the underlying melancholy, underscoring themes of separation and unfulfilled dreams. The colours play a dual role—both uplifting and bittersweet, perfectly mirroring the emotional trajectory of the characters.

Let the light in!

Inspired by the striped wallpaper seen in the dining scene, this green and pink striped lampshade from Palais Sustainable captures the essence of the film’s playful yet wistful design, adding a subtle touch of charm to your space.

 

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette is a lavish celebration of pastel tones, especially in the court scenes’ extravagant costumes and palace interiors. Soft pinks, blues, and lilacs are used throughout the royal setting, enhancing the film’s dreamy, anachronistic aesthetic.

The duck-egg blue of the walls above, and the elegant chair upholstery fabric invoke feelings of calmness and refinement. In this opulent world, the use of pastel tones adds a layer of innocence and extravagance, playing off the contrast between Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle and the coming revolution.

Get inspired!

Wallpaper can work wonders in transforming a space. Pineapple Damask wallpaper is a classic pineapple damask pattern with a surface print texture in off white on light blue, whilst the Elderwood wallpaper from the Laura Ashley Signature Collection in duck egg is a charming all over flowering trail design with cute berries and birds nestling in the branches. Josette is an ornate and elegant shabby chic style damask, featuring glamorous chandeliers and romantic rose bouquets. All available from Wallpaper Direct.

 

The Secret Garden (2020)

Director Marc Munden and production designer Grant Montgomery chose some of Britain’s most idyllic locations to create a magical world for The Secret Garden.

We catch sight of a stunning arch of flowering laburnum in a scene filmed at Bodnant Garden, North Wales. This Laburnum Arch is 180ft long and was created in 1880.

Get planting!

Bring a touch of the outside in, with the A World of Plants Haller Shelving available from Chaplins. This minimalistic design (available in a variety of colours including Golden Yellow) becomes more than storage—it’s a green masterpiece. The plant accessories transform your USM Haller shelving into a vibrant oasis, with three pots and a watering set ensuring your urban jungle thrives. Arrives fully assembled for instant style and nature infusion.

 

Down with Love (2003)

In Down with Love, pastel colours are seamlessly integrated into mid-century modern interiors, creating a visually striking combination that captures the essence of 1960s design. The soft hues of powder pink and baby blue are paired with the clean, geometric furniture designs including the a pair of Saarinen Womb chairs in perfect pink.

The pastel palette softens the otherwise minimalist, functional elegance of mid-century modern furniture, turning Barbara Novak’s open plan living room into stylish haven that reflects the idealistic view of romance and independence at the heart of the film.

Get the look!

Touches like a vintage retro blue table lamp from Etsy and soft-hued mid-century classic seating can instantly transform your space into a retro-inspired haven with pastel accents.

 

Atonement (2007)

In Atonement, the set design uses soft pastel tones to evoke a sense of nostalgia and innocence, particularly in the Tallis family home. The pale pink armchairs and cream-toned sofas create an atmosphere of pre-war elegance, mirroring the innocence that is lost as the story unfolds. 

Wallpaper inspiration!

Stokesay Court, a grand Victorian mansion, served as the filming location, but when the crew arrived in the summer of 2006, the house was in dire need of refurbishment. The master bedroom suite, in particular, was in a poor state after being abandoned in 1911 and later used for furniture storage. For Briony’s room (played by a young Saoirse Ronan), the production design team selected new wallpaper, specially created in New York using a pattern from the archives.

A similar floral wallpaper in a gentle turquoise green and purple hails from BRICOFLOR. This wallpaper echoes the soft, vintage feel of the Atonement interiors, perfect for recreating a romantic, nostalgic vibe in your own space and is available from Etsy.

 

Wicked (2024)

Last but certainly not least, in 2024’s hit Wicked, the dorm room shared by Elphaba and Glinda uses pastel colours to reflect their contrasting personalities.

Elphaba’s side is filled with earthy greens and browns, mirroring her misunderstood, complex nature. Glinda’s side is awash with pastel tones—pale pinks that emphasise her bubbly, idealistic character.

Glinda’s oversized luggage doubles as storage for her fashion forward (mostly pink) wardrobe, while the Moroccan-style ceiling light she swings on adds to the room’s quirky atmosphere. Wood paneling, a fireplace, transparent glass and brass table and wall lamps, an art nouveau style tulip-shaped bedside lamp, and an oval mirror complete the room’s magical charm.an art nouveau style tulip-shaped bedside lamp, and an oval mirror complete the room’s magical charm.

Get the look!

Tulip-shaped bedside lamps, with their elegant curves and soft pastel hues, perfectly capture the whimsical, romantic charm of Glinda’s side of the room, adding a touch of vintage sophistication that enhances the room’s magic.

 

Feeling inspired to redecorate?

Pastels have a knack for transforming a space, giving it a fresh, light feel without the need for a full-on makeover. Whether you’re eyeing up a spring redecoration or just can’t resist the charm of these soft, uplifting shades, the pastel interiors of these films offer plenty of inspiration for adding a splash of colour (and maybe a bit of drama) to your own home.