Think Spring
design by Laura Engen
I don’t know about you, but I’ve hit the point in the year when I’m just dying for a little spring. Realistically, even though we’ve had some nicer weather and a bit of melting snow, that green grass won’t be peeking out for quite awhile. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good ol’ fashioned spring refresh! This month, I’m giving you a rundown of some of the biggest style trends out there that are inspiring me like woah right now - and consequently, all of them have fresh and natural written all over them. So, if you’ve already been knee-deep in spring cleaning and are ready for a bit of a shakeup in the weather and your home decor, scroll on down. You’ll be thinking spring in no time.
Xo,
Laura
PATTERNED FLOORS
image source - McGee & Co.
You’ve probably been told time and again to keep those extra bold and risky floors to smaller spaces like powder rooms or laundry rooms. And while that’s sound advice if you want a pop of whimsy without a major commitment, lately the trend has been to let your floors take center stage - all through the house. Yep, we’re talking kitchens, foyers, hallways, and large bathrooms. These days, large-scale patterns are popping up everywhere, and honestly, we’re here for it. There’s just something about an unexpected floor that makes a room feel completely and totally unique. And as long as you opt for classic designs and palettes - like a black and white harlequin - it’s sure to be a timeless look you’ll love for years to come (even if you end up updating your surrounding design elements from time to time).
ORGANIC MATERIALS
image source - Lulu & Georgia
If you’re a neutral lover but wary of the bland factor when sticking to only a pared-down palette, then you’ll adore this trend. Organic materials are coming back big time, and between layers of different wood tones and heavily-textured materials, it’s the perfect way to warm up an otherwise boring or neutral space. The best part about it? You can mix and match to your heart’s content. It’s all about achieving an overall curated effect versus being too matchy, and it actually strikes a much more lived-in vibe when you use a combination of different, but complementary, shades and textures. Not sure where to start? Think of everything from wide plank wood floors to rustic wood ceiling beams, wood cabinetry to accent furniture, and woven blinds to wood stools - any of these and more is bound to look simply stunning against painted cabinets or a chic gallery wall.
MIXING METALS
image source - Rejuvenation
If mixing metals has you thinking wait a second, this isn’t a new trend, you are absolutely right. But we wanted to highlight it today because it’s one that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, it’s stronger than ever and we consistently see designs that incorporate it throughout the space. It’s the perfect way to give your home a simple, but impactful, update so things feel new and exciting. So, how do you get it right? Well, the first rule of thumb is to have no more than 3 different metal finishes per room. Anything more than that and you risk things looking unbalanced and haphazardly thrown together. But 3 finishes still give you plenty of creative room! Try a mix of brushed nickel plumbing fixtures, gold cabinet hardware, and black light fixtures in your bathroom. Or go for black plumbing fixtures, gold pendant lights, and chrome shelf brackets in your kitchen. The possibilities are endless!
WARM NEUTRALS
image source - Pottery Barn
Beige is back, but don’t worry - we’re not talking about the too-dark tones from the 90s. Today’s designs are incorporating soft and warm shades of off-white, taupe, and beige and we’re in love. Not only does it work for bringing a more inviting and calming vibe to a space via paint colors, but it’s also perfect to use when layering different decor elements in your space. Natural linen, cognac-colored leathers, taupe accents, and more are excellent additions. And when it comes to a neutral space, don’t be afraid to pull together a wide range of prints and patterns. Stripes, ceramics, subtle florals, shag rugs, and more look stunning when combined together. Oh, and if you’ve just painted your house all-white or all-grey, don’t fret! You don’t have to have warm neutrals on every surface. Even something as simple as incorporating a few key accessory additions in these hues can work wonders at warming up the overall aesthetic.