Have you noticed the birds chirping in the mornings now? I know a snowstorm just blew our way, but I hope, hope, hope spring is coming soon!
Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year, personally and as a designer. Especially after Northern New Jersey’s frigid winters, there’s nothing quite like rising temperatures and watching the whole world around us come to life.
The freshness, colors, and rejuvenating feeling of spring is the inspiration for this month’s post. It’s the perfect time for you to be inspired by nature, explore color, and maybe try something you’ve always wanted to do with your decor!
Here are our suggestions for discovering your ideal color palette and bringing it into your home this spring.
Step 1. Discover Your Ideal Colors
Many clients tell us they love color but are afraid to use it in their homes. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and we promise it doesn’t have to be scary!
The problem is that most people tend to pick trending colors and throw them together, but that’s when you end up with a space that doesn’t look cohesive (or look like you!). Remember, trends are just that, trends. They come and go. You want a space that’s best for YOU.
Here are some quick questions to help you discover which colors might be right for your living spaces:
Do I like my spaces to look warm or cool? Cozy or breezy?
How do I want to feel in my spaces each day? Relaxed? Invigorated? Creative?
What colors make me feel that way?
Am I drawn to saturated or unsaturated colors?
Make a list of your answers and then move on to Step 2.
Step 2. Let Spring’s Palettes Inspire You
One of the best ways to get color-inspired is to go for a nature walk. Flowering trees, tulips, daffodils... ahhh they make the heart sing!
We can’t recommend enough the benefits of an inspiring nature walk. There is so much we all miss on a daily basis, just from living our busy lives. Have you ever had friends or family come into town and start pointing out interesting things that you pass by every day and don’t even see anymore?? It’s like that!
If you go for a nature walk with the intention of looking for color, we guarantee you’ll be surprised. Two of our favorite locations for discovering some of spring’s most beautiful palettes are:
Wherever you end up for your outdoor color exploration, keep your answers to Step 1 in mind.
Do nature’s colors make you feel the way you thought they would?
Are you really drawn to saturated vs. unsaturated colors?
It’s funny how our minds can trick us… you may think you love blue best, but you may find that you simply can’t take your eyes off those golden-yellow daffodils!
Step 3. Bring Colors Together In Your Home
Once you know what you like (and are feeling invigorated by the fresh spring air!), you’re ready to consider your interior’s palette.
First: Think about what elements you’re planning to keep in your home and which you’re planning to add. For example, if you don’t want to repaint your beige walls, make sure you find a palette that works with your specific beige (there are many variations).
Second: Start looking for palettes that combine the colors you love and the ones you already have. Design-Seeds (images shown throughout this post) is a great place for palette inspiration, but you can find several other resources online, too. You’ll quickly realize the options are endless!
Third: Once you have your palette in mind, you can start planning what colorful elements you want to add. Consider colorful pillows, a fresh new rug, or window treatments that welcome spring even more.
You’re now well on your way toward creating a space you love. If you feel stuck or need help, leave your questions in the comments below. Or, tell us which parts of nature inspire you most!
Wishing you all a happy and colorful spring,
Tammy
Looking for Color? Let Dallas Roberts Design bring your dreams to life with our color consultation! Contact us here.