Bringing the outdoors in: a guide to seasonal decorating
The seasons have the power to impact our mood, both inspiring activity and joy and inviting time for rest and reflection. Rather than resisting these transitions, go with the flow and follow this guide to seasonal decorating. By bringing the outdoors in, you can embrace your emotions and maximise your emotional wellbeing every month of the year.
Celebrating spring
After months of darkness and dull weather, the arrival of spring is for many cause for celebration. Make March a month of transformation for your home interiors as well to make the most of this feeling of hope and joy.
Begin by decluttering – the traditional ‘spring clean’. Donate or recycle any possessions you no longer need to give yourself a clean palette to work with. At the same time, clear away your winter bedding: under-bed or inventive over-bed storage options will keep it out of sight but close at hand for when you need it again.
Once the room is ready, introduce notes of spring. Fabrics in floral patterns echo the burgeoning flowers outside, and you can feature real plants which oxygenate your rooms as well. In terms of colours, light pastel shades like pink, blue and yellow all evoke spring.
Summer sunshine
We spend much of the summer outside, but why not bring the sunshine into your interiors too? This will keep you smiling throughout the season and promote feelings of positivity.
Beach lover? Remind yourself of the sea and sand with a light-hearted nautical theme! Light wooden floors and furniture, striped fabrics, and fun seaside prints will turn your home into a beach house. Mix white with the bright blues of the sea and sky to create your nautical colour palette.
During the summer, you should increase the natural light exposure as much as possible. Consider replacing heavy curtains with slatted blinds that can provide privacy without shutting out the day.
Autumn warmth
As the leaves turn on the trees and the days get shorter and colder, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of the year and encouraged to rest and reflect. You’ll likely be spending more time indoors, so ensure a cosy and comforting environment by adding autumn warmth.
Fiery colours to match the changing trees are the easiest way to invite autumn inside: think rich reds, terracotta, muted browns and gold. Texture plays a big part in achieving your cosy interiors, too. In rooms designed for relaxation such as the living room and bedroom, add soft fabrics like velvet and wool and woven wicker furnishings.
More simply, incorporate little details like candles and extra cushions to give interiors instant warmth.
Welcoming winter
There are advantages to welcoming winter into your interiors, as tempting as it might be to simply shut it out. Having a home that recognises the weather outside will make it feel like a wonderful haven throughout this challenging season.
Embrace the Danish concept of Hygge which invites you to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Bring in blankets and extra pillows that can be shared with friends and family, and be strategic with lighting to create a calming ambience.
Of course, no winter home interior designs would be complete without a touch of festivity. This could be a Christmas tree and decorations, or something more subtle such as fabrics with a metallic shine and pretty glittering fairy lights.
