Spring Design Tips

SPRING REFRESH

DESIGN TIPS by Georgia Hoyler, Owner of Passerine

1. FOCUS ON TEXTILES: One of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your decor is by updating textiles throughout your home. The simple replacement of throw pillows from stripes to tonal, block print floral patterns, for instance, makes a substantial impact with little effort. Beyond just pattern updates, consider the fibers of your textiles. Swapping a heavier weight cotton velvet or wool that works for winter to lighter linen in pillows and bedding subconsciously feels fresher. A cashmere-blend or more rustic wool blanket on the end of one’s sofa can be replaced with a lightweight, basketweave cotton. Most importantly, consider the color palette. Consider romantic, cooler hues of spring and summer, such as soft blues, creams, and whites.

2. UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING: Knowing that summer’s longer days typically pull brighter, natural daylight tones in your home, consider how to control your lighting. Swap the warm 2700 kelvin bulbs that you craved in winter for energy-efficient LED bulbs to complement the change in natural light outdoors. Have an outside space you like to enjoy in warm spring or summer evenings? Install solar-powered landscaping spotlights or string twinkle lights over your patio or deck to draw you outdoors, even as the light fades.

3. SWAP YOUR RUG: In any room, the most substantial change you can make without replacing a single piece of furniture is updating your rug. On cold winter nights, the shag of a Moroccan rug’s thick pile may have appeal, but Spring was made for a vintage Persian area rug. The lower pile height and antique Persian Tabriz, Farahan, or Bakhtiari make them perfect options in warmer months. Looking to replace your rubber entryway mat with something less utilitarian? The lanolin in a vintage rug’s wool pile offers natural water and mold resistance, making it both a forgiving and a beautiful upgrade. Make the most out of a medium-sized vintage or antique rug purchase by layering it on top of your existing jute or sisal area rugs, amplifying the size, and adding an additional layer of texture. Read more about selecting the perfect size rug for your living room here.

4. TRANSITION FOLIAGE: Spring flowers offer an array of bright floral arrangements. But for a more dramatic statement, consider clipping flowering foliage from your yard to bring the season in. Washington’s springtime is full of cherry blossoms, bursting pear trees, and redbuds -- a feast for the eyes. When it comes to branches as decor, bigger is always better. Oversized branches bring a sculptural element to a space that evokes a natural drama. Opt for an asymmetrical arrangement to create a more graceful line. By refreshing their water daily, a cut branch can last up to two weeks in your home.