As we leave winter behind, we seek to remove its gloomy cloak and replace it with a more colorful and lightweight mantle that will invite invigorating and refreshing feelings into our homes. Spring cleaning is an old ritual we practice at the beginning of this season, but is removing dust and de-cluttering the living room truly enough to fill our homes with much needed optimism? Not really. Fortunately, there are ways for spring to spring into our interiors, without having to spend too much money or invest too much time. Here are some of them.
A Splash of Color
Painting the walls has always been the easiest way to make a change in your interior design. You would be surprised how something simple as changing the color or refreshing the existing shade can breathe new life into a space. White is always a safe way to go, but you can also “spring up” your walls with pastels like pale pink, serene blue, green, lavender, pale yellow, etc.
Say Hello to “Greenery”
Speaking of colors, we can’t help but mention Pantone’s optimistic color of the year – Greenery. It is a zesty yellowish green that is described by Pantone’s think-tank, as nature’s neutral. A color that symbolizes renewal and spring itself should find its place in your decorating efforts. If you consider it too bright to use on the walls, you can introduce it through accent pieces, such as a green sofa, chair or artwork.
Maximizing the Light
This is the season when the sun shines bright, but not too bright; when it keeps us warm, but not too warm. It seems to be the best time to invite it into our homes, right? Ditching heavy drapes and deciding on sheer curtains (or no curtains whatsoever) is one of the ways to do that. You can use a little trick to maximize the amount of light – place mirrors opposite to light sources (fixtures and windows), so they reflect light and make the space look brighter and bigger.
Go Bold or Go Home
If you were holding back on using bold colors and large patterns this winter, now is the time to let all that outside. Treat your home with boldly-colored area rugs, bed covers and throw pillows. Include some interesting patterns, such as flowers, leaves, woodland animals, fruits (pineapple, anyone?), etc.
Floral Details
Floral is a pattern for itself, when it comes to spring decoration. It brings joy and happiness into our homes, and, if we use it right, an extra dose of stylishness. If you’re not afraid of too feminine a décor, you can introduce floral with a shabby-chic wallpaper, but if you want to tone it down, you can try with simple details, such as patterned cushions or bed-sheets. Adding a welcoming floral-wreath to your front door wouldn’t be a mistake either.
Introduce the Original Greenery
Pantone’s Greenery may be cool, but it will never be as cool as the shade of green that has inspired it. That’s right, we’re talking about the green we see outside, in our parks, forests and gardens. Sounds like a perfect excuse to turn your home into a jungle filled with Ferns, Palm Trees, Aloe Veras, Dracaenas, Philodendrons and other potted plants. Arrange plants of various heights, to create a stronger visual impact.
Breathe-in the Spring
Did you know that our sense of smell can largely impact how we feel and how we perceive visual images? So, if you want your house to look spring-ready, maybe you should make it feel spring-ready as well. Kill two birds with one stone, and induce new scents with a vase filled with aromatic lilac, or add decorative scented candles with floral or citrus fragrances.
Winter is over, so don’t you think it’s time to notify your home about it? Remove heavy-duty fabrics, vanquish deep dark shades, and set the tone for the loveliest season of all.
