Forward SPRING

NO MATTER THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE, LOCAL EXPERTS HELP YOU BRING YOUR HOME UP TO SEASONAL SPEED

BY ANDREA E. M C HUGH

The Good News Is

the first day of spring arrives on the 20th of this month.

The less-than-good news is that historically, the New England weather gods haven’t always gotten the memo. Though daffodil shoots and crocus nubs are pushing through the earth and stores are festooned with Easter bunnies, flirty floral dresses, and short-sleeve smocks, a seasoned Rhode Islander knows putting your parka away this time of year is a fool’s errand.

Though we may ride a roller coaster of weather-related uncertainty until Memorial Day gives us the o cial “all clear,” we can embrace (and manifest, perhaps?) the season of rebirth on the inside of our spaces, even if the outside plays catch up. As we linger on the cusp of warmer temps and days growing longer with earlier sunrises and later sunsets, we’ve gathered regional experts to dish on their advice and insights when it comes to speeding things along and giving Old Man Winter a kick in the pants – at least regarding our interiors.

“Pack away the bulky fabrics and bring back those lighter linens!” says Nicole Martel from Three Sparrows Interior Design. “Updating throws, towels, and window treatments are seasonal swaps you can make through the entire home to get that spring in your step and leap towards the new season.” She also says that rearranging furniture for a new look is an option, but concedes that not everyone has the luxury of having the extra space to do so. “Swapping throw pillows as the seasons change can have the same e ect. Pillow covers are a space-saving solution to keep up with decor shifts through the year.” Look for pillows with zipper closures, she advises, which will allow you to change out fabrics and styles with the seasons.

When it comes to color, Martel says a neutral color palette makes it “so simple to switch up and add subtle pops of color as shorterlived trends come and go.” She also advises bringing the outside in as plants and flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer. “Incorporating fresh seasonal greens brings a new life into the air and it’s a way to add color into your decor,” she says. “A little goes a long way with greenery, but we love to tie in nature elements to the indoors.” Brown from Salt + Pine concurs, adding that it’s not just literal greenery that can rejuvenate a space. “Bringing in natural elements including darker wood tones and organic materials help bring life to a space and remind us of the outdoors.”