Seven simple ways to refresh your home this spring
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No matter which season you prefer, there’s just something about spring.
As the blossoms bloom and the winter chill fades, there’s a sense of renewal is in the air. Puffer jackets are left in the back of the cupboard, doors and windows are thrown open and social calendars gradually fill up again.
The same renewal process can work for our homes: spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into living spaces and cast-off wintry textures. And the good news is you don’t have to spend big to do it—sometimes a few simple tweaks are all it takes.
We spoke to two Canberra interior designers for their tips on how to best embrace spring in your home and outdoor spaces.
Bring the outdoors in
Bringing nature inside through greenery and flowers is an easy way to make a room feel fresh and energised, says Maria Cerne of Studio Black Interiors.
“Plants bring an element of ‘life’ into a room,” Maria says. “Adding indoor plants will also fill empty spaces or dead corners. Fiddle leaf plants, Peace Lilly’s and Devil Ivy are a few of my favourites.”
Nadine Neilson, of Journey Home Interiors, suggests taking inspiration from the floral displays in the beauty area of the Canberra Centre and draping flowers through your chandelier or on a console.
“For a draping effect you will need to be generous when working out your quantities,” she says.
Interior design: Studio Black Interiors. Build: REP Building. Photo: Hcreations
Refresh your soft furnishings and bedding
Lighten your interiors by swapping heavy, textured cushions and throws on sofas or beds with lighter ones in soft, natural materials like linen and cotton, says Maria.
“Earthy tones are ideal for spring and have a warm, calming vibe,” she says. “Replace heavy bedlinen with lighter linens or cottons to keep you cool on those hot summer nights.”
Switch your scents
Get your home smelling like spring by swapping any heavier scented candles with fresh vibrant florals, advises Nadine.
“One suggestion for spring is Mrs Darcy’s Rose Citrus and white blossom from Lilly Cooper homewares in Manuka.”
Make little touches to your dining space
Update your napkins or tablecloth to add a dose of spring to your dining space.
“A pretty spring napkin is an easy way to add a spring touch to your dining room,” Nadine says.
A centrepiece of fresh flowers on your dining table will also cheerfully brighten the mood in your home, and Maria says you can look no further than your garden.
“Native flora like eucalyptus leaves, wattle or banksia look stunning in ceramic vases or for a more feminine, classic look, consider roses in a simple glass vase,” she says.
Interior design: Studio Black Interiors. Build: REP Building. Photo: Hcreations
Restyle pockets of your home
Declutter surfaces on coffee tables and hallway consoles, then create a few eye-catching vignettes.
“Displaying green foliage or spring blossoms in coloured glass vases or textured ceramic vessels is a great way to add interest to a piece of furniture,” says Maria. “Pair with a stack of books, a scented candle, or some of your favourite ceramics to create a focal point. Create a cluster of three, play with different heights and textures until it looks balanced.”
Get entertaining ready
With a season of parties, barbecues and outdoor gatherings ahead, a few simple touches will ensure your outdoor entertaining space is ready to enjoy.
“Refresh your outdoor deck and any timber furniture with an oil, stain or a fresh coat of paint,” says Maria. “Liven up any bare corners with a mix of potted plant or herbs. A mix of pots in different colour and sizes adds visual interest as well as providing greenery all year around. You can also create an instant display for your outdoor dining table by potting a large range of small succulents in a shallow bowl. Invest in some colourful or patterned outdoor cushions for your furniture so your outdoor space feels like an extension of your living room.”
Image: Journey Home Interiors
Declutter
A good spring clean will not only help your home look better, it can also make you feel better.
“You will be surprised how uplifting decluttering can make you feel,” says Nadine. “If letting go is hard to do I have created a guide called Headspace Tips for decluttering with conviction.”
Keen to get started but don’t know how? Check out our article on decluttering here.
Feature image: Journey Home Interiors
