Welcome to Project Design! Today I’m joining this fun series hosted by Cindy of Rough Luxe Lifestyle, Mary Ann of Classic • Casual • Home and Annie of Most Lovely Things along with a few other fabulous designers to share some simple ideas on how to bring a touch of spring into your home. I just love these bloggers! Wait until you see their beautiful ideas!
Affiliate links are included in this post for your convenience. Read more about affiliate links here.
I could not love this topic more because winter in New England lasts a bit too long for me – around this time every year I am so over the frigid cold and can’t wait for more sunshine, warmer temps and trees starting to bloom!
Here are a few ways you can usher a little spring into your living room – even if it’s freezing outside.
ONE | CHANGE OUT PILLOW COVERS
I know – Captain Obvious!! But seriously, this is the easiest trick in the book for bringing in a fresh pop of color. Pillow covers are such a quick and affordable way to freshen up your space!
I much prefer new covers to buying more pillows with inserts because I don’t have a lot of storage space in this house. Grab a few down pillow inserts and then you can vary the look of a room through the seasons or when you need a change, and only store the covers.
For squares look for 20″ or 22″ pillows or bigger for a higher end look. Sometimes I have found 20″ down pillows in pairs at Homegoods and they are great to use as is or with covers. Use inserts that are 2″x2″ bigger than the pillow cover for a fuller, comfier pillow instead of a flat pancake (so buy 22″x22″ pillow inserts for 20″x20″ pillow covers.)
A few of my favorite places to buy pillow covers:
Etsy • Pottery Barn • West Elm • H&M Home • Ikea
I ended up buying these solid blush pink pillow covers you see above (listed as mauve but most definitely not mauve!) without a plan of where they would go and was amazed how they went with my next recommendation…..
TWO | TRY SOME NEW ART
If you’re tired of what you’re looking at every single day and are yearning for a change, there are many affordable art options available. Find something that speaks to you!
For some fresh spring/summer color I downloaded this print – Cove by LaurieAnn Gonzalez at Juniper Print Shop – for $20 and then had it printed on canvas ($53 on sale with shipping for a 30″x40″ canvas). When the weather warms up I’ll DIY a frame for it like I did here but in the meantime I’m loving this subtle piece with it’s pretty blues, greens and soft peachy pinks.
THREE | RESTYLE BOOKSHELVES
A great way to change up the look of your living room and bring in some spring. (Do you see all that darkness to the left in this photo? That’s the dreary winter light that makes me need a living room refresh. And also a flight to someplace warm and sunny!! 🙂 )
I have resisted the whole “turn the books around” trick for a long time (because how will we find books we want?) but truthfully, the books I’ve put in these shelves have been untouched since I gave this room a makeover for the One Room Challenge almost 2 years ago! I gave it a whirl and I must admit, I love the neutral, calming affect! Plus, I’m using what I already have, and using what you already have in a new way is always awesome right?
Bookshelves are another perfect place for downloadable art that you can change out easily, inexpensively and not feel too committed to. This pretty print – Abstract Art No. 24 – is by Jenny Kun of The Crown Prints on Etsy and is only $5.90 to download. It reminds me of spring blooms; I printed it at home onto 8×10 photo paper and popped it into frame with a mat (you can also have it printed at Staples or even Fed Ex on one of their high end printers for better quality color).
FOUR | ADD IN SOME FRESH PLANTS
The best accessory to a room – living, green plants that add fresh organic color and purify the air!
Weak winter sunlight and my sore neglect have killed nearly every houseplant this year (see the poor peace lily to the left above that I am trying to nurse back to health?) Snake plants are highly recommended for being hardy and withstanding low light, so I’m giving this one a try. At any rate, every room benefits visually from fresh (or really good faux) greenery, and they are also good for your health too!
If you’re not digging the flower selection at your local market, try just a bunch or two of fresh greens to get you through the end of winter onto spring.
This love bug hasn’t experienced spring yet, but she has discovered mud and of that – she is a fan!
cindy says
Lisa that bunch of greens is divine! Sometimes the most unlikely flowers turn out to be the most interesting. I love those blush pillows and the pretty new art. It is all so pleasing to the eye. Your living room always just makes me happy Lisa! I wish I were a better indoor plant gardener. I have a brown thumb when it comes to indoor plants. Thanks so much for joining us Lisa. We always love having you!!
Debra @ 5th and state says
Nice to meet you via this collaborative Lisa. Great style and excellent tips. writing from Chicago, with a fresh snow….I feel the same, bring on Spring!
Debra
Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com says
What a great idea to download art for framing or canvas prints. So lovely yet inexpensive. Thanks very much for the inspiration and resources.
classic casual home says
Lisa!!! So full of great info. But first….that CUTE PUPPY!!! (my heart flipped). What a good idea to have art printed on canvas! Love the colors. I am going to copy your simple lemon leaf bouquet! Bet they will last longer than the tulips that I bought. Lisa, it makes me so happy to see you here doing what you do so well.
Mary Ann
Elizabeth says
I love the pink accents! And yes to changing up our art pieces. Art seems to be one of the few things (besides the sofa) that doesn’t change but it really can completely transform a space. Now I just may have to rethink my entire gallery wall! 😉
leslie Harris says
Lisa looks like we had the same ideas when it came to sprucing up our room. I’m glad to see that great minds think alike! (haha) Your living room looks amazing. I just recently discovered Juniper as a good resource for art and your new print the Cove, really ties it all together. Love those colors for spring. Funny you mention the topic of turning books around. I know what you mean. I do like the sedated feeling of unified color when you turn books around, but as a serious book reader I’ve resisted it so far. Even though I’ve got some vintage books on some of my shelves which never get opened. But you’ve made me consider it.
I’m so happy to meet you Lisa.
Kelley & Co says
Hey Lisa! Your house is so fresh and bright. Love it. Especially like the black behind the books. What a great idea. Thanks so much for all the tips and links, it’s s nice to see everyone’s’ ideas. Cheers, Kelley
LA CONTESSA says
HELLO LISA who is YOUR DROP DEAD GORGEOUS DECOR BABY?
WHAT A SWEETHEART!
I wonder if she would like my INDOOR PIG who HATES MUD AND WATER!
I SAW MY FIRST FULL BLOOMING TREE YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m in Northern California!
SPRING IS MY FAVORITE SEASON………..SO I TOO AM READY!
XX
Annie Diamond says
Lisa,
I love the little touches of spring and even though it has been a mild winter…I’m still ready for spring! The blush pillows very blush pink and not at all mauve! I remember mauve from 1987! Love your options for inexpensive art! There’s no reason for blank walls! I look forward to your DIY frame idea when it gets a little warmer outside!
xo
annie
michele@hellolovelystudio says
Lisa – it looks so lovely! Thank you for the nudge to bring in greenery – these grey February days in the heartland need the life plants can bring. And yes – what a bonus that they are good for our health as well! Peace to you.
Lisa says
I strongly feel that every room needs a plant or fresh flowers (and yet I struggle to keep my house plants alive!) They really add so much life to a room don’t they?