After a long, cold winter, it’s time to spruce up your home’s interior with spring’s latest design trends.

Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to put the heavy wool blankets and framed winter paintings in storage, and spruce up your home’s interior with this year’s spring design trends. By freshening up your space with bright colors and a mixture of materials, you’re embracing what spring is all about — growth and renewal!

Photo courtesy of AUDENZA

Velvet

When the weather warms up and you start wearing short-sleeved shirts, you want a fabric that feels lush on your skin. Luckily for you, that’s exactly what velvet does! Soft and sophisticated, not only does velvet feel great, but it also enhances any home’s aesthetic with flare. Incorporate bits of velvet throughout your space with pillows or step it up with an entire sofa. Feeling bold? Add a pop of color with AUDENZA’s turmeric velvet chair.

Feminine Tones

Nothing quite says “spring” as much as soft, feminine tones. From blush to nude, shades of pink warm up a room and create a cozy feel that’ll make you never want to leave. You can follow this trend by sprucing up your living space with pink pillows, decor or even chairs.

Photo courtesy of Boca do Lobo

Geometric Patterns

Move over, florals. It’s time for geometric patterns to shine this spring! Edgy and bold, geometric patterns transform any space into a groovy hangout. Hang geometric pictures on previously bare walls to add detail and tie a room together. Totally in love with this trend and want to make a statement? Paint zig zag lines in different shades of colors on your walls and top it off with a swirly Gold Circlet Console Table from AUDENZA.

Photo courtesy of AUDENZA

 ©istockphoto.com / Arita Cimermane

“The seasons in the landscape, much like the seasons of one’s life, are to be embraced, appreciated and weathered.” — Robin Kramer

that I would describe as very classical, and the plantings are very much impressionistic woodland. I specified hand-cut fieldstone curbing with paths that has a Pennsylvania Colonial feel, and I really like bond pattern paving details angled from the home, which tend to be very modernist.”

When it comes to warmer climates, such as those of the Sun Belt, structure has less to do with looking good throughout bare seasons, but more to do with a landscape that can sustain year-round outdoor living. “For contemporary homes in Southern California, the indoors rolls right outside,” says landscape architect Scott Zucker. “You’ve got enormous sliding doors with pocket entry, kitchen and family rooms that pour right out onto the terrace.” In designing these homes, materials that can withstand the outdoors, but also look just as beautiful indoors is the challenge. A huge trend, Zucker points out, is utilizing porcelain or ceramic pavers that not only keep a stunning transitional look, but also require very little maintenance.

The Four Seasons

“The seasons themselves aren’t a challenge, but an exciting opportunity,” says Pell. “Even thinking about texture and emotion of the dead tissue of herbaceous plants can be an opportunity to compose something beautiful. It’s the same as working anywhere in the world — there are opportunities and constraints.”

While spring and summer’s spotlight is on the flower, that shifts completely when fall arrives. “I never focus on just the flower,” advises Pell. “They are just too ephemeral. They are, of course, an important component, but the structures of the plantings at their worst is where I start. I am looking for plants that look very beautiful in a given composition, and I want the composition to be able to hold up in extremes of weather.”

“Designing through the seasons takes careful planning and a thorough understanding horticulturally on the attributes of trees and plants,” says Kramer. “Floral succession bloom is created by selecting perennials that will create a parade of flowers from spring through to the first frost. This is supported by spring bulbs and flowering trees.”

“In fall, we plant thousands of spring bulbs. It is a late task in season, but such an important one,” continues Kramer. “In the spring, I want the ground to be punctured with green shoots pushing their way forward, poising for their bloom. After months of frigid temperatures and inches, even feet, of snow, New England begins to warm. Those rather odd-looking bulbs we planted are now a sure sign of spring and a reminder that we too, have survived another winter.”

“There’s a lot to be said for winter in the garden,” says Robinson. “It requires you to not do a lot of cut back or maintenance. Generally speaking, you should wait out the things you don’t want there, such as foliage debris and leaf litter — these things are good for increasing organic matter in the soil. You shouldn’t scrape landscape bare — it’s all about layering and allowing that to happen naturally.”

Warmer Climates

While places with warmer climates, such as Southern California or Florida, don’t have the challenges of designing through autumn and winter, they do have seasons of their own: dry season, fire season, and wet season.

“The water use in California really drives what we can and can’t do,” says Zucker, who mentions WELO (Modern Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) and fire departments regulations, as well as restrictions on paving and the amount of non-permeable landscape a property is allowed to have. “One of the trends that is big in California these days — necessitated by lack of water — is drought-tolerant plants.” These include plants such as succulents or agaves that also offer stunning structural plant material that really create a powerful look for a landscape.

“When I’m working on my designs, I take into account not necessarily annuals or perennials, but the permanent flowers that clients especially desire so that at any time of the year it will be blooming,” says Zucker. “I tend to group plant material together to give a bigger impact. Instead of giving too many species, I pare it down so that aesthetically, from the front yard to the backyard, the whole landscape ties together.”

While Zucker is looking for colorful plantings that can withstand the lack of water, places like Florida experience the opposite — with a wet season that lasts at least half of the year. “Florida winter season can be dramatic. We can go from 85 degrees one day to 28 degrees the next, which is not enough time for tropical plants to acclimate to cooler temperatures,” says Watkins. “The other issues are temperatures averaging 85 degrees for six to seven months out of the year, where our plants can be growing all year, and over 50 inches of rain.” 

It’s in these areas where irrigation designers are needed most fevertly along with specialized consideration of the amount of sunlight, soil moisture, soil pH — all extremes associated with the tropics. Without seasonal change, there is also a shortage of compost, plant material and nutrients, which is easily received each fall with the turning of the seasons in other parts of the country.

“I often say, all of life’s lessons are learned in the garden,” says Kramer. “Each season delivers reminders and rituals. It is the moments on which lives are built and cherished.”

In May and June, we take time to show love to Mom and Dad. Thousands of items are marketed to appeal to parents, but for the more impressive, indulgent gifts that go beyond your typical jewelry set or spiffy tie clip, check out these finds!

Picnic Perfect

French brand Les Jardins de la Comtesse combines tradition and exoticism in its successful collection of picnic baskets, called Bel Air.

Designed in natural honey-colored wicker, these baskets are sold completely with tropical-style plates, stemware, wood-effect cutlery and accessories, salt and pepper shakers, a corkscrew/bottle opener and an additional waterproof bag.

With chip/break-resistant dishes, adjustable straps, and a large insulated compartments with inner tabs, this modern take on a classic lunch accessory is ideal for outdoor meals — a perfect addition to any Mother’s Day brunch outside.

Photo courtesy Les Jardins de la Comtesse.

Sets to Impress

Farrar & Tanner’s collection of personalized gifts let you show Mom or Dad how much they mean to you. The brand’s selection includes premium gins and sparkling wines in personalized wood gifts boxes, beautiful gardening tools and stylish coffee accessories.

For Dad – Gins

For a sweeter palette, Gordon’s delivers a premium gin using all natural flavorings. The sweetness of strawberries and raspberries is balanced with the natural tang of redcurrant for a truly refreshing taste. Gordon’s has produced an exceptional pink gin with an eye-catching color which is delicious served with tonic and fresh strawberries.

For Mom – Gardening

Handcrafted in the UK by Burgon & Ball, this gift set is ideal for aspiring and avid gardeners. The centerpiece of this collection is a traditionally shaped, folding pruning blade, delicately treated for superior edge retention. The subtle curvature of the pronounced hook ensures a fine cut is completed in one swift movement. The robust, wooden handle has a rustic finish to suit larger hands. A miniature sharpening steel is included to keep the blade in superb condition. Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society and packaged in a unique presentation box, this is a charming, practical gift to inspire green thumbs.

This stunning copper set by Haws has a lustrous finish which is beautiful both in use and on display. The premium watering can is a piece of British gardening history based on the original 100-year-old design. Ideal for watering small plants and pots throughout the home, this lightweight design comes with a brass rose making it suitable for a variety of watering locations. The elegant mist sprayer adds moisture in dry environments which is perfect for helping orchids and succulents to flourish.

Featuring a splendid bronze blade, the Musca Trowel is the perfect way to add a lavish touch to the gardening experience. Practical for working with loose sandy soil or compost, the signature PKS bronze handle glides through the earth with its scoop design and sharp, resilient edge.

Photos courtesy Farrar & Tanner.

Featuring a three-seater sofa and two armchairs, the Colwell Sofa Set creates a lightweight aesthetic whilst also offering comfort. The set will look striking beside a pool, on a decking area or patio to sit and relax during the warmer months.

Solus Decor’s Elevated Halo Fire Table fit well into a wide variety of outdoor environments, with their clean profiles and soft curves.

Photos courtesy of Solus Decor

Torche, by Les Jardins Solar Lighting, merges modern sensibility with versatile design. Torche is the ultimate outdoor accessory, especially when used as an upgraded version of a tiki torch to light darkened pathways.

Photo courtesy of Lights4fun (left) and Les Jardins Solar Lighting (middle & right)

As spring kicks into full gear, here are some interior trends that are set to flourish this spring — as told by industry design experts.

“Layouts that allow a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas in hospitality projects give the space a sense of continuity. Outdoor amenities that are on par with those you’d typically find inside … allow people to spend more time outside connecting with nature, which is increasingly important, especially in warmer months. Maintaining light and airy indoor spaces with lots of organic, natural materials also creates a fresh feeling for spring.”

 

— BCV Architecture + Interiors

Photo courtesy of BCV Architecture + Interiors

Mixing Metals

“The all-black metal look is out, and a more refined mix of metals is in. While matte or polished black metal at plumbing or light fixtures or hardware is gorgeous and striking and remains popular, mixing it up with another metal in a warm or cool tone, will update a space with a more refined and luxe vibe.”

 

— Sara Ianniciello, Director of Design, Whitehall Interiors

Mash up of Textures

“We like to create a sense of dimension in the space with a mixture of eclectic textures, rough-hewn woven fabric walls, fumed copper accents, polished concrete floors inlaid with a rustic tile and rough-sewn oak cabinetry in a custom kitchen. In the spring, we mix textured indoor/outdoor rugs, organic accents, and vibrant art and accessories to brighten up both indoor and outdoor spaces after the dull winter.”

 

— Adam Meshberg, Founder and Principal of Meshberg Group

Photo courtesy of David Wakely

As spring fast approaches, it’s time to rid your home of those dark winter tones — such as browns, blacks and grays — and time to bring in a few bright accents.

From neon yellows to pale pinks, here are a few colors you can use to brighten your home in time for spring.

Yellow

Whether it’s the image of sprouting daffodils, the sandy beach or the shining sun, yellow is surely a color that reminds us all of springtime. From carpets and cushions to sofas and tables, these pieces will help you to embrace a pop of yellow just in time for spring.

Photos courtesy of English Blinds

Photo courtesy of Brabbu Design Forces

Left: Photo courtesy of Bohemia Design Limited
Middle: Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
Right: Photo courtesy of AUDENZA

Enjoy Hollywood glamour at its best with this Marilyn velvet armchair in a soft pink cotton velvet. The curvaceous shape of this blush pink armchair offers a touch of chic to your space.

Left: Photo courtesy of TOM TAILOR | Above: Photo courtesy of AUDENZA