8 Effective Improvements to Your Living Space to Show Spring has Sprung!
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and with that, we’re welcoming warm weather into our lives! We’re rounding up some basic spring decor ideas that are easy to implement and will help you transition your space for spring. Now, it’d be really easy to suggest flowers, pastels and bold inanimate objects BUT at House of Thayer, we’re not into cramming your space full of stuff that doesn’t really reflect you or your home. In fact, in many cases you can simply shop your home! Consider enhancing your home with bringing the outside in - that is, natural elements that can add a subtle layer of texture and color that can help you transition to a new season without breaking the bank AND allow you to simply toss them back outside when you’re done with them.
Let’s infuse your space with the rejuvenating energy of spring!
At House of Thayer, we believe in slow and intentional living and don’t suggest purchasing decor just for the sake of having them. Often times, in doing so, your space can just end up looking cluttered and lacking in personality. Or even just plain bland. You’re not bland and neither should your space be. It’s a reflection of who you are!
Contrasting Colors: Now, there is a difference between simple and bland. 5 or 6 colorful items could really brighten up the space and help change the look and feel. If you’re taking stock around your home and notice you have mostly a solid and neutral color base (gray, beige, white, greige or even blue-grey) you just need a touch of contrasting color! You can add color by adding fabric runners and tablecloths to flat surfaces, sprucing up sofa textiles like throws and pillows - and remember, layering is never out of the question and pattern mixing can be very fun!
Area Rugs: If you have area rugs, this can be a VERY simple and effective change to make. If you’re being budget friendly, just switch out area rugs from room to room. If your budget allows, shop for area rugs that have a touch of color in them. The color should be contrasting to the neutrals in the space and coordinate nicely with colors in artwork already on your walls or colors found in textiles throughout your space. And speaking of textiles, switching out your throw blankets and accent pillows is another VERY budget friendly change.
vintage, hand-knotted, overdyed Turkish area rug photographed by @chezmemevintage
Pottery: I personally love to bring pottery into my space and I often shop for studio (or amateur) pottery at thrift stores and garage sales. I found that neutral pottery with colorful artwork compositions will always compliment the colors in my space. Pottery can be small and large pots (that you could stash fresh foliage from outside in), bowls and plates that could serve as catchalls, and especially oddly shaped or abstract sculptures that simply catch your eye.
Differing Heights: For this tip, I might suggest using your phone to snap a pic of your space. You’ll probably find that most things are low to ground and are all at one height. Placing items at differing heights is a terrific way to heighten your space (figuratively and physically!) and will showcase your personal style more effectively. Move your curtain rods closer to the ceiling. Stack books horizontally and lean books vertically. Use floor lamps and table lamps at differing heights. Hang artwork in a more gallery-like formation like starts heigh up on your walls. Stack things styled on the floor up on tables for good height variation. Bunch accessories in groups of 3 at different heights to maximize what the eye is drawn to. Source pottery or glass vases (maybe the ones you store under the sink or on top of the refrigerator!) and bring tree branches from outside. Grab thin branches that have fallen on the ground or trim budding tree branches, clean them up with a little bit of water and a scrub brush to prevent bringing in unwanted dirt and bugs. Once fully dry, arrange tall branches and place on the ground, in corners, up on consoles or shelves. This is minimal cost and you can just toss the branches back outside when you’re done with them.
Tall and detailed crown molding, a gallery wall, tall book shelf, low profile coffee table and corner lamp together are beautifully displayed at differing heights. Your eye is drawn to each detail. Compliments of House of Hackney.
Plants: Plants are the most obvious improvement to your space. I say plants over fresh flowers, because flowers are very temporary and can be expensive. Plants are so accessible: you can find them at grocery stores, home improvement stores, nurseries and small local boutiques. You can ask a friend that has a plant that you admire for a cutting. Plants are the biggest change you can make to your space, even if it means swapping our plants from other areas of your house (just ensure that it receives adequate lighting and watering). Plants come with a gorgeous variety of color that you can play off and use as coordinating colors on your textiles and artwork. Putting large plants in the corner and hanging plants from the ceiling will also help with the tip mentioned above in ‘differing heights’.
Simple black and white artwork coupled the the colorful green variations of plants are the epitome of fresh, cool and simple.
Lamps: Lamps can do what no other home decor piece can do. They come in so many different shapes and sizes, colors and textures. Not too mention the changing up of the lampshade. Obviously, lamps can be an expensive addition to your decor, BUT are easily very budget friendly. I often pick up lamps at the thrift for under $10 that make quite a statement. You can pick up lampshades also at thrift stores and garage sales, Target, HomeGoods, etc. Not to mention, you can play with the ambiance of the light bulb. Again, placing lamps at differing heights throughout your space can really change the environment. Play with putting modern lamps on the floor in the corner; place small lamps up high like on top of your refrigerator or on the corner of a shelf; put lamps in the kitchen on the counter or on a flat surface in the living room. Don’t rule out floor lamps either.
a ceramic pineapple lamp with abstract lampshade by House of Hackney
Window effects: I’m seeing more and more temporary DIY window effects that I find very charming. I love the look they achieve and can be easily applied as well as taken down when you decide it’s no longer wanted. These window effects are found in applying window film. I’ve seen ribbed/fluted film applied in kitchen cabinets, french doors, and bathrooms windows. I’ve also seen fake stained glass window film strategically added to windows, like at the top. You don’t need to cut out the view of your windows entirely and can play with the shape of film however you’d like.
Faux stained glass film installed on an interior french door. So simple and effective and the perfect fresh upgrade. Thanks @thekwendyhome
Fill your home with scents of spring: I like to simply open my windows and bring the smells of the outside in. A true spring refresh isn’t complete without infusing your home with the beautiful aromas of the season. Spring scents evoke the essence of spring and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that rejuvenates both body and mind. But my favorite way to capture these seasonal fragrances is by lighting up non-toxic candles. The aromas coupled with the ambiance of the light is unparalleled. And remember, it doesn’t have to smell like flowers. Scents can be dewy, woody, clean or even citrusy. Whatever reminds of a spring refresh will work. If you’re not into candles, then I suggest a room & linen mist that can bring those spring vibes into your home, leaving it feeling restored and vibrant.
As we’ve highlighted, welcoming spring into your home is all about celebrating renewal and natural beauty. Refreshing what you already have when coupled with a few new-to-you pieces, can create spaces that reflect the spirit renewal in spring. From utilizing contrasting colors and bringing the outside in with budding branches and plants, to the delightful aromas of springy non-toxic candles, there are countless ways to infuse your home with the spring.
Take this opportunity to mix and match your favorite spring decorating ideas and make your space a true reflection of you!