Simple Spring Decorating Ideas

As we head off into spring, the desire for change begins to take over. Things you have looked at all winter long now seem depressing and old. It doesn't take much to turn things around!

First of all, clean everything. Spring cleaning makes all the difference. Pack away clutter. Clear out the cobwebs. Wash the windows. Make things as clean as possible for your new, airy feel.

One of the simplest things to make a change is paint. Paint the walls, paint the trim, heck, paint the furniture if you want. Depending on your tastes, paint the walls a soft off-white, or a brilliant "springy" color such a yellow or green. Even a soft taupe can change the look of the room and take you on in to summer. If you paint the walls a vivid color, try painting the trim white.

Take down heavy draperies and replace them with light colored curtains or sheers. Make sure the windows are clean to let the light shine through. Consider roman shades for a more contemporary look. Tie them back if you wish with small fake grapevine pieces.

Bring in some green- potted plants. This time of year, home stores as well as stores such as Walmart and Kmart have tons of new flowers and plants. Place potted plants in pretty pots on plant stands and tables. Use large plants in corners and entry ways. Hanging flower baskets can also cheer up any room. Also fill vases and containers with fresh flowers cut from outside or bought from the florist. Bright yellow roses, the vivid colors of tulips and lilies can make a huge difference.

Take out dark colored candles and candle holders. Replace them with spring colored candles in clear glass holders. Also look for holders other places- small jars can hold votives or tealights. A pretty tea cup can also make a pretty candleholder. Place them on mantles and tables.

Switch darker throw pillows for light colored or bright colored ones. If your sofa is dark, try white or light colored throw pillows. If it is a bright colored or white sofa, look for contrasting pillows. Consider light, fresh slip covers for sofas or chairs. Bring in a wicker chair for a reading corner. If the color doesn't match, spray paint it!

In the kitchen, replace placemats on the table with light linen ones, or none at all. Put out fresh, new dishtowels. Roll them up in a wicker basket, or hang one or two from the oven door handle. Plant fresh herbs in small containers near the kitchen window. Place new, clear containers on countertops with things that are used daily.

In the bathroom, place wicker baskets near the tub with light colored, freshly laundered towels. Add plants and candles in there, too! Make the bathroom as welcoming as possible. Replace grungy soap dishes with a small container of liquid soap.

All over the house, replace dark picture frames with light colored ones, perhaps even replacing the pictures with ones taken outdoors. Replace decorative paintings with ones done of pretty flowers or a bright outdoor scene. Cover cigar boxes or hat boxes with pretty wallpaper or scrapbooking paper to use as decoration AND storage.

Bring nature in! Place a pretty bowl of decorative stones, flowers, fruit, or shells on coffee tables or as a centerpiece on dining room tables. Use bamboo placemats underneath bowls or candle holders. Bring in a pretty wooden birdhouse to use as a decoration on the mantle or an end table.

Change bed linens with pretty sheets and lighter blankets or quilts. Put lighter throws on furniture and pack away heavier ones. The key is to make everything "feel" lighter. It's not hard, and it doesn't necessarily have to cost much money. Enjoy your spring!