Warmer weather puts a spring in the step of homeowners
Q. When is it too early to bring out the spring decor? I crave the first brave blooms that shoot through the snow and feel it is time to fold away the woolies and breathe in the fresh air.
A. Winter has its glorious moments with a gleaming palette of white snow against black bark and moody skies that threaten a cold blast offset by the brilliant winter sun. Escaping the chill to return inside to cuddle up under cozy blankets in front of the fire is a welcome contrast.
But short days and freezing temperatures do wear us down, and even the diehard winter revelers look forward to peeling off the layers.
It’s an exciting period of new growth and the return of color to the landscape. Art director, interior stylist and photographer Hans Blomquist explores the colors and textures of the seasons in his book Inspired by Nature: Creating a Personal and Natural Interior.
He stresses the awesome range of colors and textures found outdoors, and through hundreds of real-life photos, shows us how to bring the natural beauty and abundance inside to live with on a daily basis.
“The colors and shapes of spring flowers are soft, ranging from the whitest white to the palest pink and the deepest blue, set off by the vibrant green leaves,” he says.
Why not use this palette to begin your spring decorating? A pink linen tablecloth is the perfect color to use in the springtime. A blooming cherry-blossom branch has the unmistakable scent of spring. This is all you need to get started.
Opt for fabrics with a lighter feel. Natural cottons and linens give your space an airier atmosphere.
Choose unbleached varieties or splurge on colors. Indigo is a precious shade of blue that brings depth and its uniquely rich style to an otherwise neutral interior. Indigo partners well with wood furniture and accessories and positively glows beside (or under) white crockery.
I always let the seasons direct my decorating choices. If you need a lift and can smell spring in the air, I say get at it.
Q. I’d like to display my small books and miniatures in a unique way, or at least not just simply on a shelf. Have you any ideas about what I could make that would suit their size?
A. Have you thought about a series of shadow boxes? The raised sides will enclose your collections and allow viewers to focus on the tiny details.
Paint each box black or white, depending on your theme. Black is theatrical, like a stage set. White is bright and cheerful.
Experiment with a mirrored surface, either on the floor of the box or at the back. This doubles the impact of the items, but it might muddle the grouping. You don’t say what your miniatures represent. I’d add some form of greenery, a bit of ivy or a few flower buds to bring in life.
Be sure to have a good light source that is aimed at the displays. These will be a wonderful focal point in your room, and you want their diminutive size to be easily admired.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is written and produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Travis at instagram.com/debbie_travis or facebook.com/thedebbietravis, or visit her website, debbietravis.com.