Perfect match: pastel & timber

There's a lot to love about a power couple - Obama and Michelle, wine and cheese, Dolce & Gabbana. But here at The Apartment, we're more intrigued by life's unlikely pairings. Caramel and salt. Leather and lace. Charlize and Sean. And today's duo du jour: pastel and timber. One is earthy, natural and raw, the other is all saccharine sweetness. Yet put them together and they combine to create one of the strongest looks in interiors right now.

Image via etxekodeco.blogspot.com.es

Unless your name is Elle Woods (we've been dying to get in a Legally Blonde reference), you're probably not going to deck out your whole apartment in pastels (but please, be our guest!). There's just something a little daunting about committing to such an overwhelmingly feminine aesthetic. Which is why we love the pastel meets timber combination: woody grains instantly toughen up a soft and girly palette.

Plus, most of the pieces in these images can be re-created with some Ikea/Matt Blatt/vintage furniture and a few tins of gelato-hued paint. Should your penchant for pastels pass, you can easily revamp them to match your next decorating direction.

Image via 101woonideeen.nl

Image via design-milk.com

Image via pinterest.com

Image via sigridstromgren.se

{SHOP THE LOOK}

Canvas weave chair, Douglas and Bec.

'Bo' side table, Jardan.

Block print and 'Aqua Corner' frame, Lumiere Art & Co.

'Jiro' bowls, Country Road.

Hand-turned table lamp, Douglas and Bec.

Set of 3 painted wooden vases, ShaedeonShape on Etsy.

'Studio' wooden display boxes, Ferm Living.

'Luck Of The Drawer' recycled timber drawers, The Family Love Tree.

'Eikon' basic oak pendant, Yellow Bungalow.