HELLO, COLOR

4. Light effect. Twine a colorful garland through the arms of a decorative chandelier and replace the bulbs with clay pots filled with moss and batterypowered candles.

5. On the fence. Prop a salvaged piece of fence beside the door, with a basket full of blooms hanging from a picket.

6. Potted panache. Top a garden urn with twig and forsythia wreaths before potting a real or faux shrub inside. Here, the green plant picks up on the hues on

the siding, checkerboard-painted porch and layered accent rugs.

7. Pretty as a picture. Paint a large open frame in a vivid blue hue and then hang it on the door using a wreath hanger. Showcase a sunshiney daisy wreath on top, wiring it in place.

8. Wheely sweet. Turn a brokendown bicycle into a whimsical design element by spray painting it white. Add a bright basket filled with a floral bouquet and garden tools. “It’s a fun way to give something old a new purpose,” René says.

9. Banner day. Bedeck a banner with a bunny stencil. Make or buy a rectangular fabric banner with a rod pocket. Brush on watered-down white paint to make a center oval large enough to fit your image. Stencil the design and embellish it with faux flowers and leaves. Using pastel ribbons, hang it alongside your door with another seasonal sign.

To view a video of how-to hints to make your rooms bright and cheerful, visit www.youtube.com/CountrySamplerMag.