Pat Elliott: ‘Replace winter accessories with light textures’

Published on 26/03/2012 00:00

SPRING has officially arrived and it’s a great time to update interiors. The best seasonal décor is often using what we have in new and imaginative ways.

Have a clear-out, revamping anything worn and past its best, and recycling anything you no longer need, use or like. Rearrange furniture for a new take on your interiors. Replace winter accessories with light colours and textures.

Fresh flowers and plants are fundamental to inducing a feeling of spring. A pot of daffodils beside green houseplants or a bowl of hyacinths on a side table not only provide scent, but can also be the inspiration for changing a room’s accent colour. Look for unusual containers for flowers and plants. Try grouping tiny spring posies in old-fashioned teacups or arrange a delicate spray of forsythia in an attractive bottle. Make your own flower containers, painting the outside of plastic tubs or bottles in co-ordinating spring colours.

Revitalise existing soft furnishings with inexpensive trims. Make your own cushion and seat covers from fabric remnants. Taking your cue from nature, find a bright colour to lift an existing scheme. Pale primrose or violet will lighten aubergine, grey or brown and tulip red will make a good counterpoint to neutral schemes.

Swap heavy winter drapes for lighter summer ones. A bonus of modern living is better insulation, doing away with the need for thick curtains in all but the coldest of months. Spring and summer curtains need not be expensive; sheers, voiles, muslins and cottons all make delightful window dressings and don’t call for elaborate treatments. Simply gathered or hung by clips, these fabrics will freshen any scheme.

• Pat Elliott, The Borders Design House. Visit our website for design services, courses and workshops. Start a new career as a Homestyle Advisor or learn to ‘Be Your Own Designer’ with our popular distance-learning interior design course (07765 057409, www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk)