You’ve been thinking about it for months. Now it’s time to go into full-scale spring fever mode! Before that first boat ride, before the leaves turn green, there’s still time to rev it up and rejuvenate your home for the coming season.

The first step is to walk through every room in your home and make an objective assessment. Make a mental note of anything that is dowdy or drab, woolly or wintery. You will be surprised at the easy changes you can make to enliven your home for the spring and summer months.

1. Refresh pillows and throws

Here's where you can make big changes that are easy and inexpensive. Freshen up your color scheme with pillows that have punch! First remove dull winter pillows or throws. Then look for ways to cool down your environment. A red chair can be cooled down with pillows in white and taupe, or a bold black and white print. A brown leather sofa can be freshened by adding blue silk shantung pillows or a chalky linen throw. Think about covering a chair or two in casual slip covers and accenting with tropical print pillows. 

2. Bring the outdoors in

Take advantage of the sun and your beautiful lake views. Remove heavy draperies or pull back with a summery sash. Switch to gauzy panels or bold patterned toppers. Nothing says summer like natural materials. Shades made from bamboo and reeds are a popular choice in 2007. Also consider sleek solar shades that let in light but screen out glare and UV rays.

3. Brighten artwork and accessories 

Here's another easy way to add some cool. Remove a few pieces of artwork and replace with cleaner designs. Transition away from heavy frames and muted tones to bright tones, black and whites, or neutrals. Those musty news magazines have got to go, too! Bring some cool stuff in. Display books and magazines that say outdoors and sunshine-gardening, boating, golfing, hiking, water-skiing!

4. Clear the decks!

Roll up and store heavy wool rugs, especially if the colors are warm or dowdy. Throw something down that’s fresh and casual—and low maintenance. Woven bamboo is nice, as are cotton and jute. Look for woven polypropylene rugs, too. They can be used indoors and out and come in a variety of modern neutrals and brights.

5. Go wild with color!

Think chocolate, turquoise, pool, charcoal and kiwi; anything in watery shades of blue.  Black and white patterns will be hot, as will bold graphics—geometrics, florals, and stripes. Easy ways to incorporate trendy new colors and patterns: on linens, pillows and throws, lawn furniture and cushions, valences and panels, serving pieces, candles, lampshades, and slipcovers.

6. Make room for fun!

Save the cozy furniture arrangements for the winter months. Open up your environment, and make more room for people, play, and parties!  Now is the time to remove a few pieces of furniture to make rooms feel breezier. Push sofas away from fireplaces and position to overlook lake views. Bring in a wicker chair (with a new coat of bright paint) or a wrought iron garden table to give your room a spark of cool.

7. Liven up with real stems, sprouts and blooms

Stash the silk and replace with pots of fresh herbs—try rosemary or thyme (their sprigs will jazz up your cooking). Move them out to the patio as the weather warms. Fill a clear glass vase with a colorful bouquet, or a single lovely bud. Ornamental grasses, bamboo, forsythia branches, or driftwood make stylish “bouquets” that last a long time and are the height of cool, especially in an oversized pottery or clear glass vase.

8. Get rid of clutter

Okay, this one will take a little work, but not that much. Simply remove a few tabletop accessories, that basket of curled up magazines, and all those extra winter coats in the closet. Instead think about what you’ll really use for the season—beach towels, sunscreen, water toys, fishing poles, patio candles, and figure out fun ways of keeping them handy.

9. Drink to summery barware

Throw out those old Simpsons glasses and get something hip. “Acrylic” (or polycarbonate) is
the new “crystal”—at least for summer. You’ll find many shapes and colors from which to
choose. Oversized margarita glasses, iced tea glasses, martinis, mugs, and champagne flutes.
You’ll also find gigantic ice buckets, outdoor kitchen components, and floating coolers.

10. Beach stuff

Stock up on sturdy beach towels, extra flip-flops, beach toys, patio umbrellas and arrange them all for easy access. Put those bright beach towels where they can be seen! Stack them in a bamboo basket, or on a baker’s rack, along with baskets of sunscreen, bug spray, and lotions. Don’t forget to set up a clothesline, hooks or hamper to hold the wet towels at the end of the day.

Cheers!

By Joni Danzl

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