Revitalising home decor - Simple ways to embrace spring

This year, in particular, there has been a general sigh of relief with the first long hours of sun and balmy temperatures. This does of positivity is a welcomed sight, and reinforces feelings of optimism and embracing a renewed, hopeful season. The notion of revitalisation is that we improve something that is existing, that holds integral meaning, (and in this instance the home setting), and creates a transformed or diverse look/ feel to a space. This alternate look can also represent something more than aesthetics and possibly a new shift of perspective experienced from the challenges of a year to an increased appreciation of simple comforts. 

Create delicacy and vibrancy through clever use of colour, materials and light. Soft pastels are powerful go-to colourways for spring, and poetic pastel sheers and blush pinks are incredibly popular this season. This impression of creating a ‘soft mood’ is so praised that French home décor trend forecasters, Maisons du Monde, have created a collection on this atmosphere.

Use various elements to construct visual interest such as relaxing colour, lighting, accessories, kitchen appliances and soft furnishings that blend tone, subtle shades and texture. Tranquil pastels can enhance peace, and promotes the current movement of self-care.

• If there is a specific, signature piece that will add presence in the interior, change the colour to a pastel shade – easy!
• Look at the finer details and finishes on surfaces. For example, change the colour of cabinet doors to a pastel, add blush pink drapery, or paint a feature wall in pollen yellow.
• Colour blocking is creating an impact, and is our favoured spring update. Inspired by the fashion world, colour blocking is achieved when two or more colours without a pattern are placed against each other in a defined, strong form.
• Add pastel accents through your selection of decorative accessories. This low cost and effective option, will dramatically revamp a space and with minimal effort. Add some quiet colour through kitchen appliances, decorative lounge cushions, and coffee table accessories.
• Opt for some calming yet positive green shades such as sage, pistachio, mint, and our favourite, eucalyptus. These colours are timeless, and combining a variety of green hues will bring the leafy vibes flourishing on the outside, in.

An alternate approach to create a subtle atmosphere but with an air of romance, is to focus on selecting natural materials and finishes. Raw and textural materials such as driftwood and shell are perfect choices and creates an inviting compulsion for surfaces to be explored. Chunky weaved rugs constructed with thick cord, and imperfect, coarse linens will generate a grounded and naturally immersive space.

Although a predictable option, introducing some floral accents in your interior will bring an element of the poetic, and classically celebrates this positive seasonal change. A demure print of pastel tones expressed in cascading floral motifs, is a stunning approach to introduce floral without being overtly obvious. Printed cottons reminiscent of botanical watercolour studies are exquisite, and their intricate detailing draws the eye to wander the fabric surface. Additionally, observing a leafy printed fabric being mirrored by moving trees outside will bring a calming atmosphere to a space.

If your preference is a bold or maximalist aesthetic, why not embrace this years’ celebrated colour. The rich and inky quality of the Pantone Classic Blue is a great option for spring. Meandering accents of this vibrant shade in a space against a predominantly neutral colour scheme can create a fresh and striking makeover. Incorporating a strong tone across decorative accessories, artworks and the hallway entrance are great ways to feature a colour throughout the home with continuity.

The season will of course bring a variety of bright, bold flowers, so this is the ideal opportunity to display extravagant flower arrangements on console’s in entrances, and credenza’s in lounge and dining areas. If you can’t justify the expense of flowers, then investing in striking patterned wall paper will add the same affect and can be admired for a greater amount of time. Elaborately designed and illustrated wallpapers are replacing feature walls, and the variety of designs available will speak to all sensibilities. Reimagined signature patterns from the 19th century, even decorative Baroque designs, are incredibly popular and will add that bold grandeur. More recently, stylised and exquisitely illustrated tropical and wondrous plant life scenes, are creating a dramatic impact, and perfectly reflect ideas of beginnings that accompanied spring.

• To create further interest with your chosen wallpaper, add chair railing around the perimeter of a room and adhere wallpaper on the top, or bottom section. A larger print above the rail generally works best, and painting the bottom section in a coordinating colour featured in the wallpaper design will add continuity.
• Did you know that wallpaper can also be used on ceilings? If walls are too predictable for you, the ceiling is always another option to create a bold and surprising affect.

Whether you’re a traditionalist and celebrate a more neutral, soft mood full of pastels and classic floral motifs, or prefer a loud statement with the vibrant change of season, spring décor is versatile and can adapt to any unique approach.