Coastal interiors do not always have to be filled with navy stripes, anchors and weathered wood.
Pastel Pier takes inspiration from the cheerful side of the British seaside: candy-coloured beach huts, striped sweet shops, melting ice creams and cheeky seagulls waiting for an opportunity to steal someone’s lunch.
It is colourful, nostalgic and playful, but it can still look stylish when introduced thoughtfully.
Here is how to bring Pastel Pier style into your home without making every room look like a seaside souvenir shop.
Start with a soft pastel palette
The foundation of the look is a collection of gentle, ice-cream-inspired colours.
Think:
- Strawberry pink
- Mint green
- Vanilla cream
- Pale blue
- Soft yellow
- Lilac
- Candyfloss peach
Choose two or three main shades and use the others as small accents. This prevents the room from becoming overly busy.
You do not need to repaint your walls. Pastel colours can be introduced through mugs, candles, cushions, ornaments and tableware.
Add candy-coloured stripes
Stripes are an essential part of the Pastel Pier look.
They are reminiscent of beach huts, awnings, deckchairs and traditional sweet shops. A striped mug, tray, candle or storage container can introduce the theme without overwhelming the room.
For a subtle approach, use one striped statement piece and surround it with plain pastel accessories.
Use novelty pieces as focal points
The key to styling novelty homeware is allowing each piece enough space to be appreciated.
An ice-cream-shaped candle, bucket-and-spade oil burner or seagull mug will have more impact when displayed on a relatively uncluttered shelf.
Avoid grouping too many novelty items in one small area. Instead, spread them throughout the room and connect them through colour.
For example, a pink ice cream candle on one shelf can coordinate with pastel dessert spoons on a nearby drinks trolley.
Create a seaside drinks station
A small drinks station is a practical way to showcase colourful mugs and glassware.
Arrange a striped or novelty mug alongside tea, coffee or hot-chocolate supplies. Add a small jar of sweets or biscuits for a playful finishing touch.
During summer, transform the area into a cold-drinks station with pastel glasses, paper straws and a colourful jug.
If you enjoy entertaining, this can also become an ice cream or dessert station for special occasions.
Brighten the kitchen
The kitchen is one of the easiest rooms in which to embrace Pastel Pier style.
Introduce seaside details through:
- Novelty salt and pepper shakers
- Colourful dessert spoons
- Striped mugs
- Ice-cream-inspired storage
- Pastel tea towels
- Small decorative signs
- Bright serving dishes
Keep functional surfaces clear and choose accessories that can be used as well as displayed.
A pair of pastel beach-hut salt and pepper shakers, for example, adds character without taking up much room.
Introduce playful fragrance
Scent can help create the atmosphere of a seaside holiday.
Ice-cream-inspired candles, sweet fragrances and colourful oil burners can evoke memories of beach cafés and traditional sweet shops.
Place fragranced products on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and follow all safety instructions. Keep them away from children, pets, curtains and other flammable materials.
If you prefer not to light candles, they can still be displayed as decorative objects.
Style a cheerful shelf
A small shelf or windowsill can become a dedicated Pastel Pier display.
Begin with one taller object, such as a framed print or decorative sign. Add a mug, candle or ornament, then finish with a small plant or jar.
Varying the height of each item makes the display more interesting. Leave some empty space so every piece remains visible.
Try grouping items in odd numbers, such as three or five, for a naturally balanced arrangement.
Combine seaside pieces with existing décor
Pastel Pier does not require a complete room makeover.
The collection works particularly well with:
- White or cream furniture
- Light wood
- Rattan
- Colourful retro interiors
- Cottage-style kitchens
- Eclectic home décor
- Soft floral patterns
If your home already contains darker colours, use pale accessories to create contrast. A mint or pink item can bring a fresh pop of colour to navy, charcoal or deep green surroundings.
Create a summer table setting
For a relaxed summer lunch, combine plain tableware with a few playful seaside pieces.
Use a pale table cover, pastel glasses and colourful dessert spoons. Add beach-hut shakers or an ice-cream-inspired centrepiece.
Fresh flowers in pink, yellow and white can soften the novelty elements and connect the table to the season.
The result should feel cheerful and inviting rather than overly themed.
Keep the look fun but balanced
The best thing about Pastel Pier is that it does not take itself too seriously.
A cheeky seagull, an ice-cream-shaped mug or a bucket-and-spade burner can make an ordinary corner of the home feel more personal.
The secret is balance. Choose pieces that genuinely make you smile, repeat a few colours throughout the room and leave enough space around each accessory.
At The Party Factory, our Pastel Pier Collection celebrates everything we love about the British seaside—nostalgic treats, playful designs and bright colours that feel like summer, whatever the weather is doing outside.