SPRING SPRUCE UP: Guest Contributor, Dasha Hervey, Sea and Pine Interior Design

By now you’ve adjusted to your home being more than just a “shelter.” Chances are your rooms have become offices, classrooms, or the occasional date night hub. You’ve probably also cleaned out spaces to make way for this new existence and maybe even felt a spark of joy in the process.   

Yay for you because there are easy, inexpensive ways to make your home feel fresh, curated and pulled together this spring.

1. Declutter.

Approach each room and ask yourself if you love every item in the space? If not, remove it (you can do this!) Less really is more. Did you know that your eyes want to rest on a clear space? In Design 101, we learn a clear space brings calm and can even help reduce anxiety.

2. Re-imagine the space.

Rearrange furniture to create a different focal point or sitting view. It might be as simple as relocating a rug from one room into another. A small chair containing books and a table lamp can make for a fun, new look. A simple change can create a fresh living experience which is something we all need right now.

3. Accessorize.

Objects look best when displayed or grouped together, preferably in odd numbers for balance and rhythm. Have art? Create a collage on a single wall for visual impact. Need art? Etsy has great printable art, perfect to print and place in repurposed frames for a child’s room, office, or entryway.

4. Paint is your friend.

If you have an extra gallon sitting on a shelf, now is the perfect time to touch up any wall nicks or imperfections. Feeling bold? Add color to inject visual interest to the space.

My go-to is Chalk Paint. Easy to use, little prep, forgiving and provides impressive results. I recently painted my bedroom furniture charcoal grey, removed the heavy bedspread, and opted for crisp white linens and a luxurious European duvet, perfect for spring. You can use paint to re-purpose nearly anything.

5. Greenery.

Easily found in your yard, neighborhood, or local nursery. Fresh is best, but if you’re not a green thumb, fake it with faux. Add simple beauty with an oversized leaf in an interesting vase.

Bringing nature into your home is an easy way to brighten your soul. My favorite faux-go-to is the fig plant. It looks real, has enormous leaves and, when tucked into a textured basket, adds a pop of color and flair to any room.

6. Lighting.

The mood of a room can easily be changed with light. Swap out your luminaries from one room to another or splurge on a new chandelier. Consider placing your fixtures on dimmer switches where you can create a soothing space. Perhaps opt for a grouping of same-colored candles on an eye-catching tray.

7. Embrace the Outdoors.

Our enviable weather is about to warm up and for many, this means BBQ’s, lounging, reading or even social distancing with a friend six feet away. Take all this goodness from the inside and bring these same concepts outdoors to create a place to relax by adding graphic pillows and cozy blankets. Flickering candles add ambiance, as do solar string lights or how about a portable/odorless petite fireplace that runs on biofuel.

Now you know the little design secrets that can be used in your home. Borrow some or all of them to create your happy place. Kick back, relax, breathe in the new season, and enjoy your good life.

About Dasha Hervey

Award winning Principal Designer Dasha Hervey is Kitchen & Bath + Universal Design certified. She has served as Director with the American Society of Interior Designers and is an active member with the National Kitchen + Bath Association. 

Awarded First place from the American Society of Interior Design in the Design for Excellence Awards, 2020  

-Best of Houzz 2016 to 2021

-Published: San Diego Tribune, Ranch and Coast Magazine, Momstown

Contact:
www.seaandpine.com
619.823.8858
Service Area: From the Sea to the Sierras