Who wants to channel a little springtime energy like Will Smith?
Q: Hey guys. I’m so not in the mood to work this morning so I thought I’d ask you a question. With the seasons changing, what are some of your must-haves for spring? Like, are there certain décor switches you make to get things feeling a little sunnier and fresher? Are there any tips you have or things people can do regardless of their color scheme or current décor that would instantly transform a room from winter to spring? Do you keep specific décor items on hand specifically for spring? Thanks! -Jennifer
There’s nothing like that first hint of spring after a long winter. Even when temperatures are still cool and yards haven’t fully greened, a little seasonal shift can lift the mood. I love refreshing the home for spring, and the best updates are often inexpensive and simple. Fresh flowers in vases or branches from the yard are an instant mood booster—and free if you forage for blooms or greenery.
Another easy swap is bright pillows, lightweight throws, and lighter bedding. A cheerful duvet from an affordable retailer can change the look of a bedroom without spending much. Stowing heavy wool blankets and opening windows to let in a breeze also makes the house feel lighter and fresher right away.
We don’t go overboard with holiday-themed decorations, but swapping a couple of neutral sofa or bed pillows for bold green, yellow, or blue ones instantly lifts a room. Small accessories—like a cake stand filled with colorful citrus—add a playful, springy touch in the kitchen. Fresh, crisp white pieces also read as spring: replace darker winter tones like mocha or maroon with white lacquered boxes, white vases, or a green plant in a simple white planter for an immediate refresh.
Swapping out deep winter hues for lighter fabrics—curtains, throws, bedding—creates airier rooms without breaking the bank. Many stores offer budget-friendly curtains and clearance bedding that work well for seasonal updates. Beyond those basics, here are specific, practical ideas to add a spring vibe throughout your home:
1. Bring home a ceramic bowl in a sunny color like lime, yellow, turquoise, orange, or fuchsia to corral keys or hold a candle for an instant votive.
2. Drape a colorful scarf over a home office chair or hang one on a hook in the mudroom for a quick pop of pattern.
3. Replace a black-and-white portrait with a colorful, cheerful print for an easy seasonal switch.
4. Fill glass hurricanes or clear vases with lemons, limes, or oranges for a simple, festive centerpiece.
5. Line up three white scalloped bowls filled with jelly beans as a playful dining table runner.
6. Cover plain manila folders or box lids with punchy patterned wrapping paper to create attractive desk storage—or frame the paper as art.
7. Paint an old lamp base a bright, glossy color and top it with a crisp white shade for an inexpensive makeover.
8. Add one or two bold table runners in the kitchen or dining room and pair them with simple white vases to keep the look balanced.
9. Frame affordable botanical prints to bring the outdoors in—no watering required.
10. Little ceramic birds or similar small accents brighten consoles or side tables with a spring feel.
11. Create an abstract canvas using inexpensive paints for a bold statement above a sofa or bed.
12. Reupholster or make an upholstered headboard in a punchy hue—lime, coral, or sky blue are all great spring choices.
13. Paint the inside of a lampshade a soft spring color so the light casts a flattering glow.
14. Line drawers with pretty paper for a cheerful surprise every time you open them.
15. Buy a yard of bright fabric to sew a simple table runner that instantly livens up the dining area.
16. Remove labels from saved glass bottles and group them with colored vases on a tray for an attractive clustered display.
17. Keep your bedding but swap pillowcases for bright colors so you wake up to a cheerful palette.
18. Add colorful outdoor pillows and planters to update a porch or patio quickly and affordably.
19. Place a brightly colored tray on a coffee table or ottoman filled with books or magazines for an instant pop of color.
20. Group soft-colored blooms in a similarly toned vase for an effortless, chic arrangement.
21. Hang white sheers or lightweight curtains to soften windows and let in more light.
22. Remove dust jackets from hardcover books to reveal colorful spines and stack them as decorative accents.
23. Use bold cloth napkins on the table with hand-snipped leafy branches in a clear vase for a casual spring centerpiece.
Those are just a few simple, budget-friendly ways to add spring sparkle to your home. From spray paint makeovers to creative uses of wrapping paper, small changes make a big difference. What are your favorite spring decorating rituals or projects? Share what you do to welcome the season—I’d love to hear your ideas.