Hello everyone, how is your summer so far? Today is the Fourth of July - Independence Day! And though I live in Germany now, I can't help but to think about all of my friends and family who are in Boston today for the big 4th celebration that we all loved to visit each year. If you are American, how are you celebrating the 4th? I'm simply taking the day off to relax and get caught up on some reading, tend to my flowers, and enjoy the sunshine on my balcony. Simplicity is what I'm all about lately. Keeping stress levels low and happy levels high. :) Speaking of lowering your stress level, isn't this palette simply gorgeous? I love these pale, chalky pastel tones because they have a hint of gray in them, which brings down their sweetness and makes them a bit more grown up. Throw in metallics like copper or gold, and deeper tones of orange (like pumpkin) or add some emerald green, and you can make pastels sophisticated and even a bit edgy.

Chalky pastel wall paints from Better Homes & Gardens, April 2012 via serrvartisans.

You can find the links to each number shown in this image here on the gorgeous blog, Veda House.

Beautiful city views of Poznan, Poland on 79ideas.

A new cafe in London located at 60 New Kings Road called Hally's designed by Alexander Waterworth Interiors with chalky pastel-tones chairs seen on Petite Passport.

Another gorgeous view of those chairs...

Yummy bento boxes from Design Love Fest designed by Urban Palette.

Gorgeous ice cream scoops as seen in Kinfolk magazine.

Blackberry and sage spritzers from Joylicious.

Eucalyptus leaves by Karina Manarin.

VTWonen always has nice pastels and chalky accents in their rooms. The addition of copper is perfect!

Flowers and pastels from Laura Ashley with styling by Emily Blunden. I love the pop of red!

What do you think, can you get behind this color palette?

(images linked to their sources above.)