Golden Hour Glow
Infuse Your Home With Summer’s Hottest Hues
Living on California’s Central Coast means waking up to the sea breeze, basking in golden sunlight, and finding inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds us. This summer, two Pantone shades — Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow — are perfect for infusing your coastal home with warmth, vibrancy, and an effortless sense of style. These colors feel tailor-made for our sun-drenched days and coastal lifestyle, offering the perfect way to refresh your interiors without losing the laid-back charm we all love.
Why Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow?
Buff Orange is a soft, muted version of classic orange. It captures the warmth of a Central Coast sunset without overwhelming a space. Pastel Yellow, on the other hand, is a buttery, gentle hue that brings to mind fields of coastal wildflowers and sunlit sands. Together, these colors offer an uplifting, sophisticated palette that reflects the natural beauty of our surroundings — cheerful yet breezy, bright but never brash.
- Create a Cheerful Entryway
Your home’s entryway sets the tone for everything beyond the front door. A pastel yellow front door, framed by buff orange potted flowers like marigolds or dahlias, immediately creates a welcoming feel that resonates with the casual elegance of coastal living. Even something as simple as a pastel yellow outdoor rug or a small painted bench can offer a joyful pop of color without too much commitment.
- Bring the Colors into Your Living Room
The living room is the heart of the home, and it’s the perfect space to experiment with these sunny hues. Think buff orange throw pillows scattered across a linen-colored sofa, pastel yellow vases on a driftwood coffee table, or a cozy pastel yellow throw blanket ready to grab on cool summer evenings. Keep your base neutral — whites, creams, and sandy beiges — and let Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow shine through your accents.
- Brighten Your Kitchen and Dining Areas
Nothing feels more inviting than a kitchen that radiates warmth. Incorporate Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow into your kitchen through accessories like ceramic dishes, tea towels, or barstools. A pastel yellow backsplash can look especially stunning against white cabinetry, while buff orange pendant lights or a colorful fruit bowl can tie the space together. For your dining room, consider a centerpiece arrangement featuring summer blooms in both shades, paired with natural wood or rattan accents for that classic Central Coast vibe.
- Transform Bedrooms into a Seaside Retreat
Bedrooms on the Central Coast often aim for a serene, resort-like feel, and these colors can elevate that goal. Opt for pastel yellow bedding accented by buff orange decorative pillows or a woven throw at the foot of the bed. Artwork featuring coastal sunsets or abstract pieces in these shades can help anchor the palette without overpowering the room’s natural light. Keep your furniture simple and natural — think reclaimed wood, whitewashed finishes, and soft linen fabrics — to maintain a breezy, effortless feel.
- Outdoor Spaces That Glow
Summer means long afternoons and golden evenings spent outside. Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow are perfect for styling patios, balconies, and backyard lounges. Try adding buff orange cushions to your outdoor chairs, a pastel yellow umbrella over your dining table, or string lights with soft, warm-toned bulbs to reflect the sunset hues. Don’t forget potted plants and fresh flowers — the Central Coast climate is ideal for growing blooms that naturally complement these colors.
Buff Orange and Pastel Yellow capture the very essence of summer on the Central Coast: warm, inviting, and naturally beautiful. By weaving these Pantone colors into your home this season, you can embrace the best of coastal living — easy, fresh, and effortlessly vibrant. Whether you go bold with a painted accent wall or keep it subtle with small decor touches, these hues promise to make your home feel like a sunshine-soaked retreat all season long.
