Commentary by Peggy Whitaker Lucas
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to freshen your home and transition to the beautiful warm season ahead. Try one or all of these simple designer tips to easily refashion your space.
1. Perk up your pillows
Update a room with new throw pillows that complement the colors of the soon to be budding trees and flowers. Be sure to mix whimsical patterns, airy fabrics, a variety of textures and sizes for a truly designer look. Same goes for throw blankets!
2. Swap out bedding
Put away that thick, woven duvet cover filled with a heavy down insert and replace it with a lightweight quilt or coverlet. Add color with a bed scarf, pillows and bedside table accessories. Add a layer of warmth for those chilly nights in early spring with a light weight comforter. Don’t forget your guestrooms!
3. Look down
Add a rug to your foyer and a coordinating hallway runner with cheery color or one made of a light natural fiber. With warmer days ahead you’re sure to be spending more time outside, which means tracking dirt in, so don’t forget a fun spring-themed doormat.
4. Freshen your floral
I always recommend clients use at least one arrangement of fresh floral in their foyer, kitchen and bedroom for an added layer of life and texture.
5. Wow your windows
Consider replacing window treatments to complement the season. Opt for soft colors or light and airy fabrics. If you’re not ready to invest in something completely new, try adding a decorative trim to existing panels for a fun touch of color and playful texture.
6. Wash and dry
Add fun hand towels to the powder room and tea towels to the kitchen that reflect an upcoming holiday like Easter. For an added spring sensation, invigorate your senses by filling your soap dispensers with scented hand soaps. Mimic one of the most aromatic seasons of the year with cotton, citrus and jasmine .
7. Lighten up
Minimize the amount of accessories in a space to open up a room. Look for places to incorporate visually lightweight pieces like woven baskets, colored glass and pastel-hued ceramics. Be sure to use nature-inspired vase and bowl fillers.
8. Artistic touches
Treat yourself to a piece of new art. You’ll be amazed by the impact it will make in your home. Look for a piece that’s timeless to you, works with your style and incorporates peppy colors. I always remind clients to change the photos in their frames seasonally. This time of year use family photos taken outside or on vacation, those with bright colors, scenery or anything found in nature.
Dressing your home with these interior and exterior ideas is sure to breathe new life into your retreat. Always choose pieces that you love, and remember, when it comes to accents, don’t be afraid to infuse seasonal colors.
Peggy Whitaker Lucas is a local interior designer. She can be reached at [email protected]
