She Said, She Said: The Spring Interior Refresh
We tapped two of our local home and interior experts, Amy Rutherford of Red Barn Mercantile and Kristin Try of Kristin Try Interiors, for tips on how to refresh our homes for spring. If anyone knows how to add a touch of subtle luxury and comfort to our indoor space — it’s these women.
Here are some ideas:
What are some simple and affordable ways to refresh your home décor for spring without a major overhaul?
Amy: Going from fall/winter to spring/summer can be as simple as going from dark and rich to sweet and light. Change the candles in your candle sticks. Replace your scents with floral and garden inspired smells and save the pine and woodsmoke for fall. Swap your dark dishtowels or bathroom handtowels for breezy linen. Retire the wool blankets to storage and bring out the cotton. Invest in a (or multiple) pretty tissue box cover for allergy season!
Kristin: I love to add a couple of new throw pillows in fabulous florals or soft spring colors and purchase new white sheets for my bed! I also splurge on window cleaning inside and out to get rid of all the yellow pollen.
Which color palettes and patterns feel fresh and sophisticated for spring, especially for a timeless look?
Amy: You can always find me loving blues and flax linen. Add in some seafoam and a touch of butter yellow or blush for a fresh look this season. Honestly, Kristin is the queen of textiles in my book, so hire her and just do whatever she tells you to do!
Kristin: This spring I am really feeling light pinks, lavender, and mint and florals from some of my favorite textile artists. I’ll pull together a little mood board with some pretty textiles we are working into projects!
How can busy women incorporate natural elements like flowers, greenery, and textiles to create a bright, welcoming space?
Amy: For a splurge go for a weekly delivery from Helen Olivia, obviously! But for something a little more homegrown, we are loving the Stem Shares from Quince Blossom Ridge Farm. If you’re at the farmers market, grab gorgeous fresh produce to fill a pretty ceramic bowl or basket and display it on your kitchen table or counter.
Kristin: I will typically buy fresh flowers every week, but this spring I have been into some really pretty orchids and branches from my yard. And I always have a candle going with a little hint of jasmine scent.
What small home updates—like swapping out accessories or rearranging furniture—can make the biggest impact for spring?
Amy: Bring the outside in! Clean your screens and throw open the windows. Dust off the patio furniture and invest in dishes suitable for outdoors. Give your doormats a good scrubbing or replace them with something fresh and light. If you have a green thumb and love to cook, then it’s time to plant an herb container garden. Fresh rosemary and basil are as pretty and aromatic as they are delicious!
Kristin: It’s amazing what a little deep spring cleaning can do! I love tinkering with furniture and art placement and clearing clutter for spring and bonus – this doesn’t cost anything! I also love getting a new doormat for spring and a couple of new planters for the front steps.
Are there any common decorating missteps to avoid when transitioning your home from winter to spring?
Amy: Be careful not to swing too far afield from your usual color palette. If dark jewel tones are your thing, then soften them a bit but don’t go straight to pastels. Be sure to clean and properly store your wool and winter accessories so they will be ready for next year. And, not necessarily seasonal, always remember scale. Too small or too big will throw everything out of whack.
SEE ALSO: She Said/She Said: Outdoor Entertaining
