Whites and brights help ring in spring

COLOUR, plants, cane, lamps and floor coverings will give any home a boost coming into spring.

Samsara owner India Collins said as the weather warmed, opening up doors, clearing out space and introducing greenery could transform any space.

“If you’re going to add ambience to a space, easily and inexpensively, add plants and lighting,” she said. “Orchids are wonderful because they are so easy to look after, they can hang under an eave and be brought inside for short periods of time. There’s always an orchid in bloom.”

Cane furniture is a trend Ms Collins said was experiencing a comeback and was perfect for a tropical climate like Cairns.

“I feel at home and the most comfortable when I have natu- ral fibres around me,” she said.

“A lot of furniture you get out there is trend-based and because it is so faddish it only lasts a season or two.

“It’s mass produced by big chain stores and loses integrity and appeal. If you go natural you can’t go wrong.”

Hurricane lamps and candles were the perfect addition to entertaining or living spaces and could revamp dark, un- used corners of the house.

Floor coverings of jute carpets, hemp and denim were also useful in making stark, tiled floor spaces homely and inviting, while maintaining tropical appeal.

“They’re easy to look after, just shake them over the side of the veranda,” Ms Collins said.

“Some you can put through the washing machine.”