As
we prepare to cast off the wintery touches around our homes, such as they are
here in the South, there is no time like the present to begin preparing for a
lighter, brighter feel for spring.
Trade
in your flannel, fleece, or simply heavier bedding for fresh white sheets that
are t-shirt soft to the touch. Swap a
down-filled comforter for a light weight blanket between your sheets and
bedspread. These two quick changes can
take a bed from a chilly weather retreat to a soothing spot for the warmer
nights ahead.
Give
a home office or living area a mini makeover by replacing a cumbersome bookcase
and any other large shelf unit not built in with floating shelves instead. When properly installed, floating shelves can
be just as handy for shelving storage, but they open up your wall space,
keeping more of your wall color visible and making books, photos, and
accessories more of an airy display. As
a bonus, they can blend seamlessly with your existing wood tones, as they come
in a variety of finishes, including glossy white.
Add
a cheery welcome mat and new potted plants to your front entry. Exchange a large piece of wall art for a
light-reflecting mirror on a prominent wall or over the mantel. Replace dark lamp shades with white drums or
even a brighter pop of color like turquoise or yellow in appropriate
rooms. Put the chenille throw away, and
give your side chairs or sofa a couple of bright printed pillows instead. Arrange a small collection of bud vases on a
buffet or foyer table with single stems in each for a spring touch. If a bathroom sports towels in navy, maroon,
hunter green, or other dark shades, consider easy-clean white to add a breezy
spa touch to the space. Pair that with a
bright white shower curtain and some white pillar candles for the countertop,
and you have lightened the space on a small budget.
Small
changes can lighten and brighten areas of your home without a heavy
investment. Simple replacements can take
your space from one season to the next without altering your big furniture
pieces. Bright colors and accents of
clean white are always fresh for spring, and simplified, rejuvenated spaces can
just be a warm weekend project away.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star February 19th.
