It’s spring and finally lightening up outside, prompting us to lighten up inside as well. Suddenly cozy feels oppressive. Can you accomplish a seasonal update without breaking the bank? Can seasonal home decor make the transition between them without creating a storage nightmare?
Seasonal Home Decor Starts with the Background
Transitioning between seasons and introducing seasonal holidays is easy when the stage is set for success. A principle of home décor styling is the use of a consistent color palette throughout. This becomes the backdrop for not only seasonal styling but also mini makeovers to keep things fresh and interesting. For example, it’s surprising how just switching accents and accessories between rooms changes the feeling of them. Complement this by moving furniture about a bit and you have a whole new house!
Bring in the Season with Textiles
Winter is about feeling toasty warm and comfy, so it often comes with layers of throws and blankets in the living and family rooms, and big comforters in the bedroom. The first transition to spring and summer is to put away those heavy layers. Spring – and even summer – can have some chilly days and nights, or maybe it’s the AC that’s chilling you. Replace the winter warmth with lighter weight textiles in seasonal colors and patterns. This is true of window coverings as well. Change out heavier drapes for valances or bare windows if privacy isn’t an issue, or sheers if it is. A good compromise: add shades that allow control for privacy. They’re a good choice year-round, with or without other window coverings.
Other textiles that move through the seasons cover pillows and upholstered furniture. If the idea of storing seasonal pillows doesn’t appeal to you, use pillow forms and removable pillow covers. Slipcovers can be simple or complicated – custom or “off the rack.” No need to have a set for every season; maybe something for summer is a good choice. Not only do they convey the spirit, but they also protect furniture from all the things that come with outdoor activities! Conversely, velvety covers for winter are another layer of cozy texture.
Bring in the Season with Color
What colors come to mind when you reflect on each of the seasons? Does spring bring visions of lavender lilacs and sunny daffodils? Is summer sky blue, red geraniums and roses, and green grass? For many, autumn is the rusty reds of fall leaves, pumpkin orange and earthy browns. Winter sparkles, dressed up in snowy white and ice crystals and is grounded in forest green.
Bring in the Season with Nature
A 2024 interior design trend is to bring nature indoors. This idea makes it a snap to bring the update seasonal home décor without spending a lot or creating need for more storage. There are many readily available plants and flowers to add spring colors to your home. Daffodils, lilacs, and tulips are abundantly and affordably available. Forcing forsythia and pussy willow branches – purchased or foraged – is spring at its best.
Seasonal fruits and veggies in baskets and bowls are both the color and the flavor of the moment. Fresh flowers around the house bring every season to life. Fancy isn’t necessary. Farmer’s markets are a wonderful place to find edible seasonal home décor.
Nature has a plethora of offerings for fall and winter as well. Red twig dogwood branches are striking combined with other seasonal offerings. Winter is well-represented with everything evergreen. Spring isn’t the only season for forcing nature to perform. Amaryllis, paperwhite narcissi and hyacinths are often associated with winter.
Bring in the Season with Fragrance
Since the sense of smell is most closely connected to memory, it stands to reason that fragrance is a simple way to bring winter, spring, summer or fall into your home. There are many ways to accomplish this. Candles, essential oils with a diffuser, reed diffusers, wax melts, sprays, soaps, sachets and of course … the real thing. Skillful layering of these scented items creates a strong seasonal sense.
Seasonal Home Decor Advice
Seasonal home décor may not seem like something to consult an interior design professional for but consider this: that underlying color palette that makes everything work is something they can help with, especially if you either want a non-boring use of neutrals or you lean to more exuberant colors. Working from that, they can help create seasonal color palettes to complement the foundation. And they often have sources for one-of-a-kind accents and accessories and creative ways to use them to create a home that welcomes family and friends.
Tips for Refreshing Your Home’s Décor Every Season
