In the spirit of Easter Sunday, today's post will be a fitting lilac, a great color for spring, renewed life and energy and, it just so happens, a very "in" color for homes in the coming season.
All of that ham and potato salad yesterday had me thinking about how I use to decorate for virtually every holiday in existence. I really got into the celebrations within my own home. Decorating for holidays can help give a fresh perspective to a home's tired decor. And I don't just mean placing big eggs and bunnies all over the front and inside of your home to celebrate Peter Cottontail. There is, of course, the literal interpretation of the holiday, and then there is the more figurative or abstract interpretation. And while many Irish would not mind throwing clovers all over their table linens and lving rooms- it might be a little strange throughout my household, being hispanic, and all! A more figurative interpretation of St. Patrick's day or even spring would be to infuse some subtle shades of green throughout your home's interior. This can be done in many ways:
If your living room furnishings are a neutral beige or brown, use printed, lime or light green throw pillows on your sofa. Freshen up with accessories like rattan baskets to hold a visitor's umbrella or interesting magazines or use beige and green vases on tables to further carry out the look.
If your home has a palette of darker colors, try adding the pastel of that same hue, in many different shades, to create a cohesive blending of a more upbeat space. For instance- if you have a room with navy furnishings, try adding beachy blues, light blues, teals, sky blues and even blue whites to give your space an updo! If your home has more of a rusty toned decor, add corals, pinks and coppers, even a pale peach to bring about the same look in your home. These looks are fresh for spring, current and can be swapped out just as easily for the next holidays to come.
Of course, there is the easiest way to add a touch of April Showers...bring May flowers. Grow or buy large headed flowers and place in interesting decorative containers throughout your space. They do not have to be in colorful vases, but spice them up with more than just the typical clear glass vase please! How about a great metal container or a deep wicker basket lined with a plastic, leakproof bag to contain water. Flowers are the best decorative item for a room and are the most temporary. You can create a different mood each week with a brand new bouquet- quirky this week with sunflowers, seductive the next with deep purple tulips. No matter what, have fun with this style of decorating.
Just a note_- Memorial Day and Independence Day are coming up. Please don't pull the red, white and blue into your home decor. Some holidays just carry no decorative elements to them. A small floral arrangement in memoriam of a fallen soldier or in appreciation of the spirit of the day is good enough! Do not break out the red white and blue plaid pillows- keep them in the drawer AT ALL TIMES!
2 comments:
Speaking of the red, white and blue literal interpretation of the fourth of July.... I put it this way to my clients. "Don't theme out. It is never a good look!"
Oh yeah- Theme Out is a great, and to the point way to put it. Thx- using that next time I see an easter bunny loving housewife!
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