Garden PARTY

Eager for spring? Bring the outside in by transforming a vintage hutch into a potting bench display, such as the one Val arranged in her living room.

● From the top. Lean a vintage screen against the wall, and add a handpainted sign.

● Tools of the trade. Layer various sizes of terra-cotta pots in a topsyturvy fashion, and bring in bright colors with gardening gloves and seed packets.

● Sneak peek. Tuck colorful planters behind glass cabinet doors to liven up the dark recesses of the hutch, using books as risers.

● Sign of the times. Fill space next to the hutch with a plant stand topped with a watering can holding favorite garden goods. Recreate these plant markers with wood discs, paint sticks and stencils—or try your handwriting in permanent marker.