Spring Inspiration–Decorating Ideas and Tips

March 1, 2016

I can’t believe the weather we’ve had the last couple of days here in Atlanta. Spring is definitely in the air and I’m super excited for its arrival. The other day I was driving and noticed that a few cherry trees had started to bloom and that daffodils are popping up everywhere. All these signs of spring have me thinking about decorating for the season which is not typically something I do a lot of. This year though, I want to add a few more spring touches to my decor and rounded up a few ideas and inspiration that just might inspire you too.

When we lived in Seattle there were tulip fields about 60 miles outside the city. Every year we’d take a drive to look at the beautiful rows of tulips and buy bundles and bundles of tulips for $5.00 ea. The tulip festival took place around my birthday in April so tulips hold a special place in my heart.

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Entertaining Inspiration: Spring Flowers

March 13, 2014

Don’t you just love a beautiful party table? This image caught my eye and represents the perfect blend of sophistication and fun.

If you study this image you’ll notice three things that set the tone for this table. These three elements are great to keep in mind when you build a tablescape and want it to be dynamic.

1) CONTRAST–a stylish party table brings together contrasting elements in a way that makes the table come to life. The graphic pattern of the table runner contrast perfectly with the bold impact of the flowers. The two elements balance each other perfectly.

2) SHINE–Every party table needs elements that add a bit of shine and glimmer. The silver cups are a simple touch that adds elegance while also offering another element of contrast.

3) COLOR REINFORCEMENT–when you multiply the color statement on a table the entire table setting will be more dynamic. The mass of flowers down the center of the table is a visual pop and energizes the entire table arrangement.

I loved the look of this table so much that I went on the hunt for items that would make this tablescape a reality. Here’s how to get the look…

The best part about recreating this tablescape is that it won’t cost you a ton. Creating the table runner from $7.99/yd Ikea fabric is an easy no-sew project and looking on-line for the best deals will lead you to $9.99 silver mint julep cups at Staples (Staples, not just for office supplies).

When shopping for dinnerware invest in plates that can be mixed and matched with other items you have and use decorative bowls (less expensive) to add the pattern.

And fancy glass goblets are always in style, mix great with other stemware and can be used in both a formal and casual table setting.

Your Shopping List:

Floral Mums Invitation—Paper Source /Black and White Stripe Fabric–Ikea / Nomad Flower Bowls–Cost Plus / Baroque Ogee Plates–Cost Plus

Silver Mint Julep Cups–Staples / Baroque Scroll Goblet–Pier 1 / North Satin Silverware–Pier 1 / Raspberry Flower Crochet Napkins–Cost Plus World Market

Tablescape image via

Spring Has Sprung

March 21, 2011

It’s official….Spring is here!

via CreatureComfortsblog

I love this time of year, because I’ve settled into the new year, come to grips with any resolutions I made on January 1st (and didn’t keep), am excited about the warmer temperatures, fresher air and all the vibrancy that Spring brings.

I also love the fact that Spring allows me the opportunity to energize my home in ways that no other season affords.

Traditional Home via decorpad

I love decorating with fresh fruit because it is colorful, textural and an inexpensive way to add a punch of color.

via theknot

via coastal living

I love shopping for fresh flowers and adding bouquets of cheerful stems throughout my home.

Ashley Whittaker via decorpad

It’s that time of year when I take the blankets off the bed and replace the comforter with a crisp white bedspread. Every morning, as I make the bed, I spray the sheets with lavender spray and look forward to the relaxation that awaits me at night.

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

And, I enjoy getting my hands dirty and making my flower boxes and planters come to life.

via myhomeideas

As I work with design clients this time of year, I can’t help but want to infuse touches of Spring into their home. Here are some of my methods for doing that…

Change out the pillows on the sofa

Lisa Palmer via decorpad

Try adding a few colorful pillows to your sofa or chairs to liven up the space.

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

Sally Stepankus via decorpad, photo by Gordon Beall

Add freshness with Slipcovers

via myhomeideas

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

Whether it’s your dining room or family room, nothing says spring like fresh white slipcovers or ones full of color for that matter!

via myhomeideas

Use mirrors to enhance the natural sunlight

Pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in. And, while you’re at it, re-position a few mirrors throughout your home to help bounce that natural sunlight around your rooms.

Foyers and hallways are a great place to hang mirrors during the spring and summer months. And, mirrors opposite windows will double the light in the space.

via myhomeideas

Bring the outside in, with greenery and flowers

via decorpad

I often tell my design clients how important touches of nature are within their decor. Not only do greenery and flowers add a bit of color, but they make a room feel awake and lively.

via decorpad

Jan Showers via decorpad

Re-Accessorize

via decorpad

One of quickest ways to freshen up your home for spring it by changing out a few accessories. Replace the large candle hurricane on the coffee table with flowers, or change out your display of formal dinnerware to all white serving pieces.

Lonny Mag via decorpad

via myhomeideas

Adding pops of color will also make your home feel more spring like. A simple change of dish towels in the kitchen, adding a bold throw to the sofa, replacing ceramic vases with colored glass, or adding a colorful chair cushion will do the trick.

via myhomeideas

Caitlin Wilson via decorpad

Courtney Barnes via decorpad

via decorpad

De-clutter and Organzie

Ok, call me crazy but I love spring cleaning. Going through my stuff , and cleaning out the things that have sat idle give me a sense of calm and control over my life! Every spring I go through drawers, purge under the bed, clean out the garage and organized my closets. And, in the process, I try to make my organization and storage as pretty as possible.

deliciouslyorganized.blogspot via decorpad

Create An Enjoyable Outdoor Space, regardless of the amount of room you have!

Sunset Magazine via myhomeideas

I think one of easiest ways to make your outdoor space inviting and comfortable is to treat it like another room in your home. Add pieces of “real” furniture like ceramic garden stools, dining tables and mirrors.

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

If your outdoor space is small, mirrors are a great way to visually enlarge the area and add more light and energy. Weatherproof wood framed mirrors or go for an iron or metal frame style.

via decorpad

And, decorative pillows, as part of your outdoor decor, are essential to creating a cozy environment.

Now that SPRING has officially arrived, it’s time for me to look forward and think about all the great things I can accomplish in the next 9 months. My focus is on growing my business, spending more time creating, enjoying the company of family and friends, celebrating my 20th anniversary, spending time at the beach, taking my blog to a new level, making jewelry, embracing twitter and simply enjoying all that life has to offer!

Happy Spring!

What’s SPRING got in store for you and what’s your favorite Spring decorating idea?