BY WENDY MCLELLAN
The first signs of spring show themselves — from those little shoots of green in the garden to the hint of warmth in the air — and our desire for renewal is ignited. First on the list for consideration is our living space.
“Spring is always about freshness … we want something new,” says Victoria interior designer Sherry Willing, owner of Make It Real Design. “In spring, we think of words like rejuvenation — we are craving balance and also wanting to create change. We are eager for winter to get out.”
To help accelerate that change, Spruce spoke with local experts to find the three most effective ways to recreate your home this season.
1. Air out the old
With spring’s return, Willing says the urge to clean and clear space is strong, but people often confuse change with bringing new stuff into their space.
“When we talk about refreshing we often think about adding more, but it’s also important to think about removing and making room in our space,” she says. “It’s like in the garden; you clean up the winter debris to make room for new things to take hold. What we really want to do is increase space so the important things can be appreciated.”
Another method can quickly accomplish a sense of change. Michele Putters, interior stylist with Spaciz Design Company, suggests rearranging the furniture in a room to alter perspective and consider incorporating fresh accents. Another option is repurposing furniture, like turning a guest room dresser into an entry hall table or buffet.
“You’re not looking to bring in clutter again. It may mean editing what you have,” Putters says. “Spring is an opportunity to lighten up; change textiles — the pillows, throws and bedding.”
2. Add in layers and colour
While neutral shades remain popular, this season’s trend is to add in textures and natural colours, Putters says. Greens and rusts are current favourites, and one hot new colour is a brown-based raspberry.
“Layering has become a bigger trend — a change from grouping,” Putters says. “For example, you might have a mirror above an entry table. Placing a print in front and leaning it on the mirror creates a layering effect that is really appealing right now. It’s art as an accessory.”
Curtis Vertefeuille, owner of Moe’s Home Victoria, says spring this year is all about calm — but with colour.
“The trends are about refreshing and resetting in this post-post-pandemic life,” he says.
Vertefeuille notes that burgundy is a popular colour this year, and building texture with accent pieces is a quick way to add style. A more subtle approach to layering, he says, is using a diffuser and experimenting with scents to match your spring mood.
Nicole Fulton, interior designer and owner of Nanaimo-based Black Caviar Décor, says after two years of working from home and seeking spa-like atmospheres, people are ready to embrace colour — like deep magenta and chartreuse.
“All the paint companies are leaning toward colour,” Fulton says. “It’s indicative that everyone is ready for a little excitement. And, if you don’t want a whole wall or a couch, there are lots of other ways to bring colour into your space.”
Options include adding new throws, pillows, colourful art or even area rugs to accent your space.
3. Get inspired by nature
Bringing nature and greenery into living spaces is a particular passion for Fulton.
“One big trend now is creating moss walls or moss art with preserved moss,” she says. “Not everyone has a green thumb; preserved moss doesn’t need light or water, and it’s a good way to bring greenery into a basement apartment or a place without many windows.”
Fulton is currently working with Vancouver’s Tejamossco to design a moss wall for a meeting space. Victorians can find moss walls and art pieces through companies like Modpots.
In mind of bringing more nature indoors, Vertefeuille says vibrant florals and rounded edges are coming back as a nod to 1970s culture. While adding real plants will always bring balance and a sense of airiness to a room, for those who can’t bear the idea of caring for another living thing, there are excellent faux options available.
Whether real or artificial, lighting is a final resource for creating design focal points and bringing a natural touch throughout the home, adds Fulton.
“They are pieces of art, as well as [resources] for ambience,” Fulton says about light sources, from lamps to sculpture pieces. “It’s top of mind right now: quality lighting to use for art and function.”
