Spring Design Ideas

As we see the trees outside begin to bud and tips of green break through the soil, we want to energize our homes with the sense of growth and newness that spring brings. For a fresh look to chase away the darkness of winter, try these easy to do ideas for spring.


1) Update lampshades. For a do it yourself project, add a liner to your shades so when the light is on, the image shines through. Other ideas include gluing trim to the bottom and threading ribbon through the top and bottom. Don't have time? Visit your local big box store and buy a new shape and color.


2) Pillow appliques.  For your existing solid color pillows, stitch on some decorative elements. Flowers can be made from felt or Ultrasuede whose edges can be cut cleanly without hemming. 


3) Add spring flowers. Whether you opt for real cuttings or purchase faux, placing flowers around your home in vases, urns and other creative containers will be seasonal and bring a sense of spring inside.







4) Dress up your table. Table runners are nice accents but don't use them in the center. Lay them crosswise over  your table and one runner will become a place mat for two. Buy some new napkins, add a new centerpiece and voila,  a fresh new dining table!

5) Decorate your candles.  Often, swapping your candles for new springtime colors makes a nice change. Adding decor to them is an extra touch. How about gluing large blades of grass, flower petals, or even twigs to the base of large candles? Gluing pushpins to flowers, small seashells, beads and other 'found' items makes it easy to decorate candles.


6) Switch to white. Change your bed linens and towels from the decorative colors or flannel to crisp white. If that's too plain for you, simply purchase white linens with a touch of color. If you're handy, sew on grosgrain ribbon for a custom touch that matches your decor.

7) Paint with pastels. How about updating that hallway table you need but are tired of, or the old dresser that needs a facelift?  Using springtime colors, yellows, soft blues and greens and changing the hardware, breathe new life to the furniture and the space in which it resides.

8) Peel and stick your way to new style.  With the variety of wall decals available at big box stores and on line, you can create a new style in just a few hours. Since they are easily removed, you can use decals seasonally. 


9) Add birds. A sure sign of spring, birds are one way to make your home fresh and festive. For a quick touch, clip on miniature birds to twigs, branches or dried arrangements and place in a large vase or planter to grace your entry or fireplace. Have more time? Gather images of birds and create new art for your walls.