Top 5 Friday: Bring Spring Into Your Home Decor

Sigh. What's the weather like where you are? Spring hasn't quite started yet here in Toronto; we had a snowstorm on Wednesday that dumped over 10cm onto all of the formerly muddy lawns. So today's Top 5 Friday is all about bringing spring indoors by making some fairly simple changes to your decor.

Change the Sheets

Image from Style At Home

Doesn't that bed look luxuriously bright and fresh? White bedding is one of my favourite things any time of year, but I'm especially fond of it in spring when the morning light starts creeping under the curtains earlier, each day. If flat white doesn't do it for you, look for pattern in lace, ruffles, quilting or texture. If you're not into changing all of your bedding, try a white-as-snow throw for nights that can still get chilly.

Add Something Bright

Sorry, this is personal as I'm hunting for bright ceramics like this pitcher from The Arthur, left, and this vintage lidded vase from Etsy shop Retroburgh

There are many ways to add colour to your home and depending on your style, you may be way ahead of the game. If your interior is mostly neutral, then any colour goes, just go with your gut and think bright, not pastel or watered down. If you already have a strong palette, look to the colour wheel. Colours opposite to each other complement well, like blue and orange or purple and red. High contrast means high impact, which is just what the decor doctor orders, come spring.

Branch Out

Image right from The Marion Book House; right, from Rue Magazine

Emma of home tour fame and the lovely blog The Marion House Book, had a similar topic in mind because her post today explains how to force branches to bloom. Fresh branches are best for that bringing-spring-indoors feeling, but there are some solid fakes on the market. All you need is a large enough vessel and an uncluttered spot to place them.

Bring Outdoor Furniture In (For Now)

Right, Marais A chairs from Design Within Reach; left, Cube Side Tables from PC Home

If it's not warm enough to put the patio furniture inside, keep it indoors! And if you find something in a bright, happy colour like these examples, then all the better. The classic Marais A chair (first designed in 1934) once lined the decks of luxury liners, and it would look just as sophisticated as an extra dining chair or at the dressing table. PC Home's cute Cube Side Tables come in yellow, blue, green and white and would not be out of place in a playroom or kids' room (it's just their height!).

Get Crafty 

Image by Christine Kufske

Spring definitely brings rain, so if there's a rainy day coming your way, plan a DIY craft party (it's also our Party Idea of the Month). This simple entertaining idea was created by event planner Marla Brown with colour in mind. Make crafts to suit your palette, sip some drinks, eat some nibblies and wait for sunny days ahead.

 Posted by Alicia Cox