You’ve dragged yourself through another winter. You’re seriously considering throwing out every jumper in your wardrobe because you’re so sick of wearing them. You’ve spent way too much time indoors dreaming of winning a trip to Bali. Every time you hear the words Piña colada mentioned you shout, “Yes, please!” That’s a sure sign you’re pining for summer! Luckily, spring is already upon us. It’s the perfect time for a makeover, especially in our living spaces! Here are five tips to welcome sunshine into your home after a long cold winter.
Soft furnishings.
Often these are the easiest and quickest items to change over. Super bright throw rugs and scatter cushions in rich primary colours are readily available from places like Target and Kmart, where the shelf price remains consistently low. Think summer, think citrus: zesty lemons, juicy oranges, and fresh limes.
Scents.
I always fill up the entrance to our house with a basket of lemons or apples straight off the tree. That way, every time you walk by them, their soft aroma wafts through the rest of the house. I also keep a drawer full of incense and candles to burn away the stuffy smells that so often permeate stale locked-up rooms. Of course one of the most effective ways to bring scents into your house is to display fresh flowers. Gardenias, frangipanis and lavender create a welcoming aroma to greet you at your door.
Wall Art
Whenever I think of summer I think of long white sandy beaches, cool palm trees, or laying poolside under the shade of an umbrella sipping cocktails. Beautiful images portraying summer are readily accessible from variety or online print stores, with many online stores even offering free shipping. Op shops and trash-and-treasure markets are other fab ways to snaffle a bargain or two. Paint old frames bright yellow, pop in a favourite black-and-white photo of summer and sit back and enjoy the good vibes.
Lighting.
Illuminate your room with strings of festive lights. Change over lampshades to reflect the cheer of the season. Display an array of primary coloured candles, en masse, on top of bamboo beach mats. Float tea candle lights and lotus flowers in fake ponds and pots. Without looking Christmassy you can still achieve a festive feel – even a string of clear light bulbs will do the trick, or fairy lights cascading down your windows.
Textures.
I adore the look and feel of anything organic and natural: from jute rugs to bamboo flooring, wicker placemats to pared-back industrial style tables. They frame bright colours and add depth to a room. Textured neutrals add immediate flair and warmth to a room without overpowering it. Leave that to the pops of bright accent colours of candles, lights and cushions. Another gorgeous way to bring texture into your living area is to display a collection of straw hats – and if you don’t have room on the walls, leave them strewn around on the backs of couches to give it the “lived in” holiday feel.
Authors Bio:
Betti writes about Art, Culture and Interior Design. She is passionate about creating inspiring living spaces where people feel free to live healthy lives. As a hobby, Betti sources vintage clothing, reviving the 1950’s style.
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