FIVE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

This week may feel nothing like Spring, but this doesn't mean you have to hold off on updating your home for the season.  Here is a quick list of my go to's for refreshing your home for sunnier days.  

Feature image via Pinterest 
1.), 2.) 4.) Images via Pinterest 
5.) Image via shoparchipelago.com

FRIDAY FURNITURE FACELIFT

Today marks the start of a much anticipated long weekend, in celebration of the Boston Marathon and Patriot's Day.  Long weekends make me giddy because it means an extra day to work on  projects.  Since I was very young, I have always kept busy with creating, crafting and painting.  These days I am occupied with custom lampshades, reupholstering chairs, and painting furniture.  Maybe you are not looking to repaint an entire piece of furniture, but still want a fresh look?  Replacing furniture hardware is one of my favorite quick updates.  I recently bought a very simple dresser for our guest room, the piece arrived with a set of conventional bronze knobs. They were fine, but right away I knew this was a great opportunity to install some unexpected and fun hardware.  

This furniture facelift is great for dressers, side table drawers, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities.  The opportunities are endless!  Here is a roundup of a few of my favorite cabinet knobs to inspire your weekend projects: 

1.) www.anthropologie.com

2.) www.anthropologie.com
3.) www.potterybarn.com
4.) www.anthropologie.com
5.) www.anthropologie.com

OBSESSION: SKIRTED TABLE

While recently reading a few of my favorite design books, I stopped and asked myself "what do I like about these spaces?"  At this moment, I realized that most of the rooms featured skirted tables.  In the past, I have seen this design in frumpy floral patterns, but with solid colors and tailored details these tables take on a fresh look.   

Since discovering this obsession, these skirted tables seem to be everywhere. The design is quite brilliant.  If you have a boring or old table, throw on a skirt.  This design also lends itself to seasonal updates.  Maybe you want a slightly darker and patterned skirt for the wintertime or a crisp white skirt for the summertime. Here are a few things to keep in mind, if you are planning to design a skirted table for your home: 

Tastefully Tailored: Your skirted table should not look like someone threw a table cloth over the top.  Tailored details are a must.  

Pretty Pleats: Add inverted pleats for a timeless tailored look.  

Pattern in Moderation: Select a fabric with little or no pattern.  I am typically drawn to skirted tables in solid fabrics, but if you prefer a pattern, try a tone on tone damask or a subtle stripe.  

It's in the Details: If you are planning to add a skirted table in a solid or subtle patterned fabric, I suggest adding a trim or banding detail to the bottom edge or pleats.  This will help add a decorative element as well as accentuate any tailored details.  

A skirted table is a quick and easy way to add glamour.  This new obsession may even find its way into my home this spring, if it does, I will be sure to share.  In the meantime, here is a bit of skirted table inspiration: 

Images via Pinterest

SPRING ENTERTAINING IN A SMALL SPACE

The holidays may be long over, but Spring is wonderful for entertaining.  This Easter was my first time hosting family and friends for a holiday.  Limited space can sometimes make entertaining in the city a challenge.  I found myself stressed at the thought of how everyone was going to enjoy themselves without feeling cramped; imagine parents tripping over each other and plates flying through the air like Frisbees.  After a bit of methodical planning I found an enjoyable set up an easy, but well planned gathering.  Here are a few entertaining tips to inspire your Spring entertaining:

Buffet is the way to go: With limited space and seating, it is too difficult to arrange a formal sit down dinner.  Instead, pull chairs from the table, for extra seating in the gathering area.  Instantly transforming your table into the perfect setting for buffet style serving. 

A little drama goes a long way: There is no need to fill the space with streamers and balloons, this will only make the area seem smaller.  Select a focal point to showcase festive decoration, for example an assortment of flowers at the buffet, for a colorful spring pop. 

Bring the inside out: If you are fortunate enough to have an outdoor space in the city, open your doors and allow guests to flow from inside out.  If the temperature allows, try adding ice buckets filled with grab and go beverages. 

Keep it simple: Select a menu that requires as little cooking as possible.  Items like cheese boards, shrimp cocktail, and salads are perfect for easy entertaining.  If cooking is required, prep ahead so that you can enjoy your party and guests. 

Image via Pinterest