Spring has sprung and your spring cleaning is complete. You look at your space with everything perfectly placed and desire a new look or a little something special.  It’s the same room year after year and you just want something different to give the space a little spring refresh. Let’s explore 10 ways to stimulate the environment without requiring sledgehammers and cranes.

• Paint Me Pretty – One day or weekend sacrificed to play Picasso could bring forth total transformation. Recently I worked on a project that formally was a midtone green. I love green, however the room  was overdue for a facelift. The space is now light, airy and bright with the choice of Sherwin Williams Whirlwind (SW 9576). It was the breath of fresh air that wasn’t realized was necessary until the         change was made.

• Light it Up – Consider the type of light that is being cast across the room. Cool and warm lighting evoke different feelings. There are so many recent innovations in lighting, a simple light bulb change could do the trick. Got a handyman or woman in the house? If so, and you are feeling a little more ambitious, switch the light fixture all together and smile when you flip the switch.
• Throw Some Shades – Since we are on the subject of lighting, let’s talk about something old that has become new again. Made popular in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, printed lamp shades have made a strong comeback. Changing a lamp shade or two could pivot the room in a delightful direction. 
• Cover Me Beautiful – Wallcoverings can instantly define a room. Whether it brings the drama or delicately introduces you to an oasis of elegance, wallpaper has the power to convert an environment effortlessly.
• A Firm Foundation – Area rugs are a room’s foundation. Grounding a room can be accomplished in a few different ways with an area rug. They can melt into the floor underneath with subtlety, or compliment with sharp contrasting textures and colors.  Consider having a rug for different seasons. Okay, maybe I went too far with that one. Let’s try again with a cold month and warm month selection. If you have the proper storage and are a professional lover of rearranging furniture, like my creative mother, this might be the refresh for you.
• Spring Showers Bring Flowers – Flowers are in bloom and there is nothing like a fresh-cut bundle of flowers to say spring is here. Instant life, instant color and instant freshness in minutes. A huge bundle on a coffee table of the same kind is magic but don’t discount a single stem or two in an unexpected location, such as a powder room or bathroom vanity. Don’t limit the location of these natural beauties.  Take them wherever you dwell the most and enjoy.
• Reupholster it! – There are a limitless number of lush weaves, wovens and textures to alter any chair, window seat, bench or sofa that will bring forth a lasting impression. I have witnessed some of the most dreary and mundane pieces of furniture become majestic in a matter of a few days.
• Throw Some Pillows On Me! – Pillows and throws are two of the easiest ways to insert bright colors, muted textures, playful prints and game-changing geometrics to a space. The pillows that came with the sofa are not the only option. Remove them all for safe keeping and play a little. Whether it’s a carefully crafted custom creation with a designer or a quick run to HomeGoods, this choice may be all you need.
• Make the Bedding – If the bedroom lacks excitement, switch all or some of the bedding. The same way a sofa can transform with some new pillows or throws, so can a bed. A quick refresh could be the pillows and throws, but of course you could just change the entire ensemble. Lush light-colored faux furs, a cool cotton coverlet and/or comfy roll pillows could add comfort and style.

It’s Just Too Much – I have given a lot of tips on adding to your treasured abode, now let’s consider subtracting. The cleaning has been accomplished so maybe it’s time to take a step back and modify the space with a little less. This might require some hard tough love decisions. You may need to hire a professional. Too much to look at could be daunting, your eyes don’t know where to go. If this is the journey you want or maybe even need to take, delight in the challenge. Relocation or blessing others with your treasure may be the key to lightening the load.

Springtime is a time of renewal. Small simple changes in your home could bring forth delight that have a lasting impression all season long. Just as soil is cultivated, so is your home. Making it your own unique surrounding is what matters.

Ocala native Kay Rains is a skilled designer with degrees in architecture and interior design. She has an eye for balancing aesthetics and function with a refined vision. She believes every client has their own story to share and each design should be created with thoughtful precision, showcasing a space uniquely reflective of the client’s life, needs and aspirations. Her consistent dedication and innate flair means that every project is executed to the highest standard and with joyful enthusiasm.