S pring, the season of rejuvenation, renewal and resurrection, is gone, and it’s time to prep your home for the long and hot summer.
Try our tips to freshen up your spaces and get ready to welcome summer into your home:
1Spruce up the door
Give the front door something to crow about — a handmade wreath, a new coat of paint or funky artwork.
2Go for pretty colours Dark hues added much-needed warmth during winters, but now that spring is here, bring in bright colours. Citrus hues, pastel shades, primary colours — take your pick!
3Play with patterns
Forget the monochromes and explore the wide world of patterns. Be it checks, stripes, polka dots or others, look for energetic patterns that bring in a breath of fresh air.
4Roll away the carpets Woollen carpets don’t exactly say spring. Put them away and get summer-friendly rugs — chatais , dhurries or just keep those floors bare.
Woven furniture
Be it wicker, rattan, cane or fabric, woven furniture brings to mind lazing, lounging and comfort. Put away a couple of wooden pieces and get some woven style.
6Hang up sheers
Now that winter’s gone, it’s time to bid adieu to heavy drapes and curtains. Opt for light sheers, in white or pastels, or do as the Greek do — keep windows bare.
7Swap the cushions
This is the easiest way to put your home in a spring-time mood. Cheerful and vibrant throw pillows will revitalise the most jaded of couches and rooms.
8Bring in flowers
Spring is the season when buds burst into bloom, so make sure you make space for them in your home. In vases, in pots or in the garden.
9Go faux floral
We get that you can’t splurge on fresh flowers every day. So why not add florals in other ways — linen, artwork, wallpaper et al?
10Fun accessories
You no longer need a cosy vibe so put away the candles and silk arrangements. Bring in glass vases, coloured glass plates and flowering house plants. Paper lampshades add a fun element.
11Opt for greenery
We’re not talking about the Pantone colour; we mean the real deal. Bringing in a potted plant into your home refreshes the look in a jiffy.
12Metallic code
Whatever may be your metallic hue of choice — brass, copper, steel, gold or silver — the new metallic code features a mix of colour and shimmer. Think sparkle meets organic, be it on lighting fixtures or other accessories.
13Work on vignettes
Fruits, flowers, pebbles, shells — put together your collection of nature’s beauty with her bounty to create living artwork for the home. Bonus points if you use natural materials such as wicker or bamboo.
14Ombré update
The ombré trend may have passed us by, but this style of gradations looks incredibly fresh. Give an old dresser or table a brand new look.
15Style the verandah
Apart from getting the outdoor seating right, give the creepers, shrubs and plants a wash. Could there be a better place to spend your quiet mornings?
