Daylight has returned to the early evenings and the first few rays of spring sunshine are tempting us outdoors again. We’re starting to spring clean, re-decorate and renovate – all activities which seem more pleasant under blue skies with our windows flung open.
So now is the time to consider refreshing our homes in time for spring and summer. Seasonal shifts make way for white, cream and ivory accented with vibrant shades of turquoise, pink and green.
Without a neutral backdrop, these shades would be too overpowering, so consider injecting small amounts of vivid hues to add uplifting on-trend accents while keeping rooms bright and fresh.
Spring-inspired ideas can create an inviting home. Cath Kidston’s new range of china and kitchen accessories add a spring feel to kitchens and tea parties in pretty cupcake colours (www.cathkidston.co.uk).
Soft furnishings in floral patterns, such as these Wallflower cushions from John Lewis in Catkin or Crocus (£35) look set to stay popular as spring decor staples in 2010, while botanically inspired accessories such as this oak leaf hurricane lamp, (£30) also John Lewis, are ideal for the new season (www.johnlewis.com).
Dulux’s Light & Space range of paints are worth considering to reflect light making rooms feel brighter and more spacious. It’s patented Lumitec formulation works with light-reflective particles to reflect up to twice as much light back into the room, and makes a perfect backdrop to some of the nature-inspired fabrics such as Romo’s Samsara.
These colours are great for bedrooms, where it’s vital to make the room as relaxing as possible. So use muted tones and pastel shades as the basis of your colours scheme to promote tranquillity and rest. Thankfully, one of the key looks for 2010 is creating havens of peace and relaxation at the end of the day.
And for spring babies, the smartest baby linen around is the 240 thread count pure cotton percale, beautifully embroidered with butterflies at Cologne & Cotton (www.cologneandcotton.com)
Allison Pidgeon is an Interior Designer based in Wimbledon, London SW20.
Contact her by email: allison.pidgeon@btinternet.com (www.pidgeon-interiors.co.uk)
