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

FRESH INSPIRATION: SPRING FLOWERS

We are months away from spring flowers, which makes this a great time to consider adding flowers in all rooms.  Try fresh cut flowers from local markets in vases, jugs, or planters filled with topiaries and greens for a longer lasting approach.  In keeping with fresh green and blue inspiration for winter, try using blue and white chinoiserie planters and vases for plants.  

Here are a few of my favorite blue and white chinoiserie planters and vases to get this look: 

1.) One Kings Lane, Assortment of Two Patterned Platers in Blue www.onekingslane.com

2.) Ballard Designs, Blue & White Chinoiserie Collection www.ballarddesigns.com

3.) Ballard Designs, Blue & White Chinoiserie Collection www.ballarddesigns.com

4.) Williams Sonoma, Blue & White Ceramic Planter www.williams-sonoma.com

Maybe your thumb is not the greenest, try life-like faux arrangements like this one from onekingslane.com

Here are my top suggestions for flowers and greenery for your indoor planters: 

1.) Boxwood Branches 
2.) White Hyacinth
3.) Myrtle Topiary
4.) Paper White Flowers 

Images from various unknown sources

THINK SPRING: AT HOME

Today, I sit inside with a fresh bouquet of brightly colored flowers. Icy rain taps at my window, reminding me that winter is not over.  The forecast remains consistent, with gloomy and damp days ahead. Winter seems to drag on and on, but my flowers are a blissful reminder that every day is step closer to the end. 

Flowers are the best way to bring spring home.  I tend to favor arrangements with pink. There is no other color that brightens a gloomy day, as well as this color.  Arrangements with variety are a great addition to any space, but sometimes all you need is a single flower. No matter the size or complexity, flowers will enliven your home and inspire you to think spring.  

Images via Pinterest

COLORFUL PRINTS

Wintertime often leads to long hours cooped up indoors.  Within a very short amount of time, cabin fever sets in and the quest for something to do begins.  I have gone through multiple crafts and activities to try to alleviate the dreaded cabin fever.  One that I have found most successful, is watercolors.  There is something about seeing a blank sheet of paper evolve into a colorful image.  Like the blank white landscape outside, the paper is transformed into a colorful spring day. One winter I created a series of floral prints inspired by vintage patterns.  I have yet to find this year’s remedy for cabin fever, but I am sure today’s snow day will spark my creativity.   

Images by AGA