Design Tips & Advice

“An optimist is the human personification
of spring.”

  - Susan J. Bissonette

Ah, spring, lightness in the air and your heart.   As spring approaches and the days grow longer the urge to lighten and brighten grows; our spirits are renewed and we want to imbue everything in our homes with that same happy feeling.

 “All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.” 

                                                                                                  - Helen Hayes

As the first crocus peek out from the earth and we begin our spring decorating your garden is the perfect place to draw inspiration.   Bring nature indoors by placing twigs in a pitcher, plant flowering bulbs in your favorite piece of pottery or a terra cotta pot.  Use everyday items like a colander to hold fruit or birds eggs; try to find some with leaves and stems intact.  Mix it up by placing some seashells in with the fruit or plants. 

Let the sun shine in; replace heavy lined drapes with light breezy panels made of sheer fabrics such as sheer cotton or shimmering silks.  Cover dark wood tables with light bright fabrics.

Incorporate spring tones into your home; use shades drawn from the emerging flowers such as pink, yellow and green or blue from the sky.  Use these colors in accessories such as pillows, candles and table runners to brighten your space.

Re-energize you bathroom with white towels and lightweight curtains.  Use natural materials like raffia to tie a bow around hand towels, add a sprig of thyme or rosemary for a touch of color and clean scent.  Roll towels and place them in wicker baskets.  Place fragrant candles on small glass discs then surround them with pebbles.  In the bedroom, cover the upholstered chair with a light canvas slip cover or put it away and bring out a beautiful wicker chair or other outdoor inspired furniture.  Use "outdoor" accessories such as urns and planters indoor to tie it all together.

Hot spring decorating trends for 2009

§      Filigree – delicate scrolls, curlicues and flourishes reminiscent of embroidery

§      Our fine feathered friends – birds and bird-related accessories add whimsy and a delightful spring accent.

§      Bigger is better –flowers, twigs, fronds blown up and cropped add a sculptural element drawn from nature.

§      Orange is the new black – add orange accents such as pillows, curtains with thin orange stripes and patterns – bold or delicate, either will work.

§      Sewing – take inspiration for accessories and linens from Grandma’s embroidered table cloth or crocheted afghan; add pillows that resemble big buttons or a lamp shade that resembles a thimble. 

§      Wood grain – use furniture incorporating natural shapes such as tree branches and fabrics with wood grain prints.

 

Spring is in the air,
now bring it into your home!