Just as the seasons come and go, so do trends. And, when it comes to interior decor and home design, it can be invigorating to incorporate some trendy new looks and ideas in your home as winter gives way to spring. When outside begins to reach moderate temperatures, the trees bud, and flowers start blooming, it’s time to lighten up your interiors and get ready for brighter days. Seasonal changes may be what prompted “spring cleaning” in generations past, and it works as well for modern home owners, although it may not involve the same kind of intensive cleaning ritual.
What are the top design trends this spring?
In general, spring calls for lighter, brighter, softer interiors. Winter is a time for families to enjoy the pleasures of home and hearth, while the advent of warmer days and sunshine signal new growth and a hopeful outlook. In areas where winter is slower to leave the scene, it can be a gradual awakening, but even in the South, the transition to spring and summer speaks to a new, fresher take on interior accessories and a move toward outdoor living opportunities.
This year is no different: Color dominates, and there are only a few surprising color choices. It is normal to lighten up in warmer weather, but this year top designers are showing jewel tones in velvet for spring. Think about replacing those textured, plush sofa pillows with trimmer, smaller velvet versions in colors like lemon yellow, kiwi green or eggplant tones to tell the world of your design savvy. Design pros note that velvet is luxurious and timeless, and who can argue with that?
Glamour is another spring trend, and it translates to exteriors and garden spots — including backyard tents — as much as to interiors. Have you heard about glamping? It’s one of the latest trendy directions, involving a mix of glamour and wilderness camping. Think exotic excursions and translate that to dinner in the backyard. What a wonderful idea for at-home entertaining with a movie-set sensibility!
Lay on the glitz for some spring updates. Replace a tired dining room chandelier with a bejeweled version. Hang a pendant with crystal embellishments in the master bath to evoke 1920’s glamour. Or string a chain of paper lanterns around your patio to shed light and a bit of other-world intrigue for a weekend barbecue. Spring is about having fun and shedding the bonds of winter. Go for it in a big way!
Welcome spring throughout your home. Here’s a bakers-dozen list of simple changes that will change everything about your interior. Do one, or do them all, but be sure to do something to make your home more glamorous and move livable this spring.
- Always have fresh flowers: Whether you pick them from your garden, order them from a local florist, or grow them in a pot, bring flowers indoors this spring! And keep the tradition throughout the year!
- Change your bedroom decor with new linens. Nothing speaks to your soul like a soothing bedroom. Make sure yours in calming and beautiful. Think about a serene color scheme that emphasizes pale sea colors and soft textures.
- Paint one piece of furniture a zingy color. It can be a bright orange patio table, or a soft turquoise mirror frame. Just break out of the ordinary and indulge a whim.
- Buy a new set of china to brighten your meals. Or, replace your salad plates, wine glasses or vegetable bowls. Learn to mix and match. Try out some new recipes in your new dishes. Savor every moment.
- Buy linen napkins and feel the elegance of family dinners the way they once were enjoyed. If you’re especially handy, take up the almost lost art of embroidery and personalize each napkin with your initial.
- Haunt flea markets and garage sales for garden ornaments that will add spice to your backyard scene. Even plastic pink flamingoes can be totally enchanting amid the shrubbery!
- Pull out old silver serving pieces you inherited and put them to use as planters, vases or potpourri holders. Don’t bother polishing — a dark patina is the “in” look.
- Forget matched sets and go for an eclectic look in every corner of your home, from bathroom to den. Mix metals, woods, textures and fabrics. Once you get the hang of it, your friends will ask for the name of your interior designer. Just smile!
- Go blue and white. Whether its Delft tiles or mattress ticking curtains, the fresh look of blue and white is sure to speak spring throughout your home. Be creative.
- Add scents to lift your mood. Lavender helps you relax; citrus and mint speak freshness; floral fragrances beckon you to the garden.
- Embrace exotica and south-of-the-border spirit as spring gives way to summer. Surround yourself with bright colors and you won’t be able to keep from smiling.
- Pare down and simplify. Spring is the time to start living a simpler life. It’s also a great time to have a garage sale, to tote away unused and unnecessary belongings, and to donate to charities.
- Finally, resolve to spend more time outdoors — be active or simply sit and breathe in the sights, sounds and scents of the outdoor world.
This spring, resolve to enjoy the season and the coming summer to the fullest extent possible. Fall and winter will come again soon enough.
2 Point Highlight
Glamour is another spring trend, and it translates to exteriors and garden spots — including backyard tents — as much as to interiors.
Think about replacing those textured, plush sofa pillows with trimmer, smaller velvet versions in colors like lemon yellow, kiwi green or eggplant tones to tell the world of your design savvy.
