Fresh Springtime Decor Ideas
Happy spring, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post, but I am definitely feeling inspired to share some happy spring inspiration. After a few months of winter gloom, I love starting to think about the warm, light colors of spring around the corner. Here are some ideas to get you thinking about ways to incorporate spring feels into your home.
1.) Incorporate more natural light
Is anybody else a fan of more daylight hours? It’s like the world is literally waking up with us as we transition out of our cozy winter slumber. One of the best ways to capture the springtime mood is to include as much natural light as possible. Open up the blinds, switch up heavy curtains, and consider adding some mirrors to your rooms to reflect more natural light.
2.) Opt for lighter shades
Anywhere you can incorporate lighter shades of color—go for it. Some simple ways to achieve lighter colors is swapping in your table runners or placemats for lighter shaded ones. Woven straw placemats are a terrific, neutral way to go to make any kitchen or table space seem lighter and fresher for the spring months. I would also recommend burlap table runners in place of a heavier table cloth or in addition to placemats. Burlap is neutral enough to fit with most spaces and will definitely lighten the mood.
3.) Florals and greens
While winter is about those evergreens and branches, spring is about those fresh, lighter greens. Think about small potted plants, greens or succulents that can liven up even small corners of a space. I am not a plant expert, so I recommend you check out this site for more suggestions on indoor plants that will give the most spring energy. Another idea is getting a larger clay pot or vase and filling it with faux branches that contain a more springtime bud.
4.) Lighter bedding
In more ways that one, lighter bedding is key for transitioning your home from winter to spring. Not only willl lighter blankets be cooler, but lighter colors will also bring a springtime aesthetic. I personally find lighter bedding to be very fresh and clean looking. It is such a simple way to incorporate the newness of spring into your home and routine.
5.) Lighter throw pillows and blankets
Similar to bedding, I recommend swapping out any throw pillows or blankets over to lighter weight or less dense ones. Sometimes the heavy knit or wool pillows and blankets that make a room feel cozier and moodier in the fall and winter can make a room feel darker and more claustrophobic in the springtime. Opt for some lightweight blankets that are still comfortable and some pillows that have a fresher, more neutral texture like cotton or linen?
6.) Potted bulbs
Potted bulbs are a simple and inexpensive way to decorate your room. They are a great way to bring the essence of spring inside your space with little change or arrangement necessary. You can arrange them in clusters of spread them out around a space. You absolutely cannot go wrong with potted bulbs to decorate pretty much anywhere.
7.) Bold table settings
As the outside temperature begins to warm, you can incorporate more bold and fun table settings. This doesn’t necessarily mean bold color schemes, but finding pieces that have a little more life and statement. Brighter colored dishes or table vases make a wonderful pop and bring instant life to the room.
8.) Baskets and Grassy Textures
I am a huge fan of straw baskets in daily decor. Whether you need a space to hold extra throw blankets or books and magazines or are simply looking for some interesting touches to your shelves or other surface areas, woven baskets are an excellent choice. There is a reason we go with straw baskets for Easter, afterall!
9.) Fresh mantel decor
If you have a mantel of any kind, I strongly suggest mixing up the decor to be a little lighter and more minimal for the spring season. You could always go with some fresh, lighter candles and maybe a light green garland to keep it elegant and springy. This will instantly give the room a springtime theme, as mantels tend to center one’s focus.
I hope this article inspires you with some simple steps to bring spring into your home! Stay tuned for more articles to come.
Color Philosophy Part 1
Let's dive deep into the world of color theory, a topic that is super close to my heart. As a designer, nothing quite compares to the power of color. It can transform furniture, fabrics, and accessories, but it's never more important than when selecting the perfect wall color. The color you choose for your walls sets the mood for the entire room, which is why it's crucial to get it right. With a solid grasp of color theory, you can craft the perfect palette for your space and make it shine.
For this post I will walk you through some general principles in color theory that will enlighten your understanding about color and inspire your taste moving forward.
Before diving into the world of color, get a grip on the vibe you want to radiate in your space. Do you crave a chill and calming oasis? Or, do you need to feel invigorated and empowered every time you step in the room? Perhaps a timeless and understated look is your cup of tea? Knowing the exact mood you want to set will be your trusty compass on the road to selecting the perfect color palette.
Understand Color Undertones
Welcome to the vibrant world of color! Let's kick things off with a quick lesson on primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Trust us, this is the secret code to unlocking the color wheel's mysteries. When it comes to creating the perfect vibe, undertones are the secret ingredient to success. Whether you're after a cozy or chill mood, understanding warm and cool tones or how much pigment to throw in the mix can turn a bland canvas into a masterpiece.
1.) Warm Colors
Let's turn up the heat with some sizzling hues! Picture fiery reds, oranges that burst with energy, and warm browns that mimic a crackling campfire or a dazzling sunset. These cozy colors are like a hug for your home, adding a touch of excitement and comfort to any space. If you're hoping to transform your kitchen, living room, or front entrance, get ready to embrace the warmth of these tints!
2.) Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are the chameleons of the color world. They have a sassy blend of warm AND cool tones, making them perfect for any occasion. Beige, taupe, cream, and certain grays, browns, blacks and whites are all part of the neutral family. Pair them up with any color in the rainbow and watch the sparks fly! Or, let them take center stage and let your creativity run wild with the rest of the room's design.
3.) Bold Colors
Get ready to pack a punch with bold colors! These striking hues are all about being vibrant, powerful, and chic. Whether you're accenting a space or going all out with a bold color scheme, you're sure to make a statement. Pair them with black or jewel tones for a sophisticated vibe or use them to balance natural tones like wood and straw. With bold colors, you're the master of your own dramatic destiny!
4.) Cool Colors
Step into a chilled-out oasis with cool colors! These shades, like subtle grays, whites, and blacks, give off a calming, Zen-like vibe, making them perfect for rooms where you want to relax and unwind. They're also great for making a space feel larger and more inviting. Bathrooms and bedrooms are the perfect spots to splash some cool colors around. Just keep in mind that the lighting in the room plays a big role in how these colors are perceived. Natural light will enhance the chill vibes, while artificial light can sometimes make things feel too chilly. And don't forget to consider the room's purpose when selecting your color scheme. A pale blue or green would be perfect for promoting restful sleep in a bedroom. Meanwhile, a cool gray or blue would be ideal for creating a spa-like atmosphere in a bathroom. So, if you want to create a peaceful and tranquil environment, cool colors are the way to go!
Key Takeaway
Why give color tones the time of day, you ask? Well, they are the building blocks of any room's design! As a seasoned designer, my color theory know- how has a huge impact on how I approach every project. So, if you're curious about getting a color consultation, let's chat!
How To Tastefully Decorate For Fall
Now that August is rolling to a fast end, it will soon be time to swap the lemons and sunflowers for the wreaths, pumpkins and mums as we enter the fall season. If you are anything like me, you love the chance to embrace the change of seasons inside your home. So for this post I am going to give some of my top suggestions for how to tastefully decorate your home to be cozy and festive for the fall season (without being tacky).
1.) Embrace Mood Lighting
If you take nothing else from this post besides this, you will have the most important element—mood lighting. Fall is the prime season to embrace mood lighting. Not only will dimmer wattage and subtle glow make your space feel cozy and warm, but it will give a fresh perception of your entire room!
One trend that I am absolutely loving right now is bookshelf or accent lights. These lights are usually small, lower wattage lights that measure about half the size of a normal lamp and fit well in random, unexpected nooks of space like bookshelves or kitchen counters. Of course you cannot go wrong with luxurious candles of varying sizes to make a space instantly feel moodier and more relaxed.
2.) Nature Elements
Fall is a season that very much orbits around nature. From the changing of leaves to the darkening of the days and cooler breeze, the natural colors and textures of fall take the stage. One of the best ways to tastefully transition your home for fall (without tacky signs and props…) is to incorporate some of these natural elements inside. There are several options here! You can go the organic route and use foraged twigs, branches, pinecones, apples, pumpkins or gourds for display. Or you can purchase artificial fall decor, like dried florals or faux leaves, pumpkins, apples, etc. if that is your preference. I recommend finding pieces that look as natural and understated as possible, if you are going for a more sophisticated approach!
Regardless of whether you prefer organic or faux materials, I suggest staging them in a statement or centerpiece, such as a bowl or cluster, rather than spacing them sparingly throughout a room.
3.) Cozy Textures
My third suggestion for decorating for fall is to fully embrace cozy and warm textures in your space! My favorite way to do this is by adding a few luxurious throw blankets to your room. Herringbone, plaid and chunky knit blankets are fantastic ways to make a room instantly feel cozy for fall and wintertime. You can also switch out for some new throw pillows that are more tactile to the touch.
If you are willing to go the extra mile and truly want to change up the vibe of your house beyond throw blankets and pillows, a burlap table runner is a fantastic touch to a kitchen or dining table, as well as adding some more candlesticks.
5.) Final Tips
I hope this post gives you some easy fall decor ideas! As a designer, I often get asked about seasonal decorating. And while I appreciate the seasonal charms as much as the next person, I am rather selective about how to go about this. My opinion? Avoid tacky signs and props! If you are into the more rustic, modern farmhouse look and want to incorporate more harvest themes into your space, go for it. But for most homes that fall somewhere within the transitional-modern spectrum of design, less is almost always more. The key is to create subtle elements of fall coloring and texture that don’t draw too much overt attention. The result will be a cozy, warm and fresh feeling in your home for a new season.
Calming Master Bedroom Overview
For this blog post I thought it would be fun and helpful to share a mini overview of one of my own recent design projects. Today’s post features a master bedroom transformation for one of my favorite clients. This project was completed in summer 2022 and is an excellent example of a dreamy, transitional and subtly luxurious master bedroom. Read on for an overview of the process!
Vision and First Steps
This master bedroom was a personal favorite because I was able to do the entire room from start to finish. The clients originally had sparse, dark furniture with white walls and were ready for a fresh start. As a corporate couple in their forties with demanding jobs and schedules, they wanted their bedroom space to feel restful, soft and gender neutral with a transitional style.
To me, this vision called for a neutral and soft color palette, luxurious textures and minimal accessories that blended seamlessly with the room’s elements. It turned out that blue was the color of choice for these clients as it was a personal favorite for each. We went with a soft, pale smoky blue for the walls and pale cream for the trim. These colors contrast well against the deep espresso color wood floor. Because this bedroom was so large, I wanted the wall coloring to be interesting and mimic a grasscloth texture. My faux finisher, Lucy Bernsteen, did an excellent job custom painting the walls with a subtle airy texture . She also painted a soft cloud-like design on the room ceiling to create a spa-like ambience. The wall colors were luxurious and relaxing and popped well against the deep wood floor.
My next task was to really play up the bed and make it the centerpiece of the room. We went with a king sized bed frame and had the frame and headboard custom upholstered in a cream crypton fabric. The bed turned out beautifully and made accessorizing and furnishing the rest of the room much simpler. My client’s main requests for the room were that there be a ceiling fan and blackout shades on the windows. So we installed custom black-out shades paired with denim blue fabric curtains on silver curtain rods.
With the bed, walls and curtains complete and cohesively in shades of pale blue and cream, we had the room’s theme established.
Creating Flow and Accessorizing
Once the foundations are laid, it’s time for the fun part! Keeping with the client’s desire for a soft and restful bedroom, I wanted the rest of the room’s accessories to match with the subtle blue and cream color palette and soft transitional elegance. We went with weathered shades of taupe for the rugs and wooden furniture pieces and kept with my client’s preference for silver accents.
We found rugs that also carried this soft, weathered taupe color and really blended nicely with the bed and walls. This allowed us to find dressers and nightstands that were similarly colored yet unique in their own geometric-like texture. I decided to use a mirrored bachelor’s chest for the one side to mix it up from the other pieces yet still fit within my client’s taste for transitional and graphic accents.
You will also note that the chairs and ottoman at the foot of the bed are also custom made in varying shades of cream and grey, denim blue. The patterned accents on the pillows and chair mattresses really give a luxe and interesting touch without deviating from the room’s overall softness.
Aside from the ceiling fan and blackout shades, my clients only requested for a small workspace that could blend in the room. I had an idea to go with a lucite glass console and drink table that would provide some practical use without standing out too much from the soft and monochromatic theme of the room. My clients loved the way the glass gave some sophistication to the room and found it to be the perfect size for what they wanted.
Plants, accessories and simple, abstract artwork were the final touches to this room that really sewed all the elements together. The mirror and vase also fit that transitional theme while still possessing some character to add. The silver accents and soft blue, cream and taupe color palette really completed this master bedroom’s mission to be a calming and luxurious sanctuary.
What Do You Think?
Now that I’ve walked you through this master bedroom transformation, I would love to know your thoughts. Do these color palettes and soft textures resonate with you? If this post inspires you to give your own bedroom a refresh, feel free to reach out to me for a consultation and I would love to chat with you!
Design Style Philosophy
As a designer, one of the most common questions I receive is related to my personal design style. So often people will ask about the trends and styles I most often use or what specific furniture types or color palettes are preferable. The answer? It depends!
Not only do clients vary in personal design preference or home style, but their personalities and lifestyle needs also play a large factor in those choices. Instead of narrowing in on a specific niche or style category, I primarily focus on the feeling and lifestyle needs of the homeowner.
So, if you are a homeowner considering changing up your space, I would encourage you to start with this simple question: what is the feeling or mood you are trying to create in this room?
For instance, do you want your room to feel calming, inspiring, energizing or exciting? Do you want it to help you relax or give you feelings of comfort and nostalgia? I like to find out the general emotion my clients are seeking to feel in their living space before getting into more specific patterns, textures, colors or lighting settings.
The reason this is so powerful is that our homes have such an influence on our mood, and are the place where we and our families come home to at the end of each day and make countless memories. Different spaces have different functions and design holds the power to maximize that potential.
The moral of the story here? Challenge yourself to think about the mood and feeling they most to create in their homes. Reflect on your lifestyle and role of your home in light of that. Do you entertain a lot? Do you have young children or are you an empty nester? Do you want your home to reflect different cultures or prefer it to be more streamlined and soft? These are great first steps towards creating your home design journey as it will truly focus each decision moving forward.