Decorating & Design
March 18, 2022
80+ Rooms That Will Inspire You To Get Decorating This Spring
Spring is in the air… and in our homes! This season is all about a return to relaxed decorating, with breezy materials and soothing palettes filling our spaces.
Click through for 80+ spring decorating ideas from the H&H archives to help your home blossom.
Highlight a fun collection. The pretty passel of pastel plates enlivens a corner in stylist Nicola Marc’s kitchen.
Update your bedding. In designer Nyla Free’s principal bedroom, she creates a serene effect with blowsy blooms that are fresh and romantic.
Get adventurous with sofas. Many homeowners opt for a neutral sofa, but designer Rosie Daykin chose lighthearted upholstered sofas in her bungalow and the result is a peony-pretty effect that’s perfect for spring.
Add a scenic wallpaper. This B.C. bungalow bedroom looks like a trip to the meadow thanks to a sophisticated tonal wallpaper that depicts tree boughs.
Elevate your outdoor furniture. Sarah Keenleyside took a sophisticated approach to her backyard by choosing furniture that could easily segue to the deck with dining chairs that were housed indoors for years but are a comfortable addition to the deck.
Rethink accessories. Don’t just go for default, waterproof offerings when it comes to outdoor pillows. Stylish, touchable accessories make all the difference. Upgrade your furnishings with some boho beauties like these toss pillows — you can always bring them inside when it pours.
Embrace the stormy weather. April showers bring May flowers, and that’s true in this living room where windswept cloudy wallpaper is accented by a vase of spring lilacs.
Give pale pastels a whirl. A tonal scheme of minty green pastel looks fresh in this girl’s bedroom. The ethereal assortment of floating butterflies and dragonflies provides a dreamy backdrop.
Try woven pendants. This Muskoka kitchen looks even more laid back with the addition of large-scale pendants with woven lampshades. Woven textures inject a resort-like vibe that we crave all year long.
Match your lampshades to your headboard. This exuberant fiddle leaf fig print makes this room super memorable. The extra tall headboard ups the impact too.
Think 3D. This installation of daisies never fades. The custom installation of plaster daisies turns a boring hallway into a permanent bouquet while the curvy bench mimics the petal shape.
Try a tile niche. This English-inspired kitchen becomes a graphic focal point with artisanal tiles that shake up the plain white subway backsplash. The abstract floral tiles and green cabinetry make this kitchen the visual equivalent of cooking in a garden.
Wallpaper the inside of a hutch. Liven up an antique with a shot of green. A lush botanical wallpaper (Exotic Fruit wallpaper from Mindthegap) gives a vintage oak hutch a cool, current vibe and makes white dishware pop.
Bump up a banquette. These Pop Art-style pillows introduce a tropical palette to freshen up this Toronto sunroom.
Add texture. This kitchen cabinetry gets a beachy vibe via the woven texture of grasscloth panels inset into the cabinet doors.
Grow some verdant green velvet. Green velvet upholstery has been a hot topic in decorating for years: the fact that it resembles new spring grass makes it a perfect addition to give a well loved piece of furniture a facelift.
Go bold with pattern. This pomegranate wallpaper has fresh-picked charm and injects some perennial cheer, no matter the season.
Layer blue and white. Inspired by the sea and sky, blue and white patterns looks eternally fresh. Stripes, gingham checks and florals all live happily together on this Scandi style daybed in a Connecticut guest room.
Add a floral blind. A vintage-look chintz roman blind softens a fondant pink bathroom, and we love the way it’s casually gathered, like a pleated sundress skirt.
Inject nautical elements. A gallery wall of maritime art brings a bracing nautical vibe to a stairway. The color of the water in the paintings is a pretty accent for a blue door.
Add a colorful quilt. In Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal’s pool house, a sweet quilt that the couple found at an antique show in Knowlton, Quebec, ties all of the hues in the bedroom together.
Layer in the prints. The sitting room is equally as eye-catching with a slew of playful patterns, from the ikat fabric on the ottoman to the eclectic array of pillows. As long as they have a similar color scheme, you can’t go wrong!
Color code your books. Looking for an easy weekend update with maximum impact? Organize your book spines by their hue. It’s not only visually pleasing, but it makes finding your next read that much easier.
Give your laundry room some love. This hardworking area hadn’t been touched since the ’80s, so it needed a facelift. Moody blue cabinets, heated floors and savvy storage makes this laundry room functional and fashionable.
Decorate with leafy prints. Powder rooms are the perfect place to take a design risk (or two). Palm-patterned wallpaper feels more on-trend than theme-y when grounded with black tile and brass fixtures.
Give your staircase a makeover. Ali Budd is not one to shy away from bold design moves, and we can understand why! This candy-pink runner proves that a pop of electric color goes a long way.
Mix and match your dining chairs. To keep the custom 14-foot-long table from feeling flat, Ali chose the same style of seating but in different shades of pink, blue and periwinkle. How innovative!
Bring in an oversize arrangement. Put those spring branches on full display in busy areas of the home where there can be enjoyed daily. Find a vase with scale to balance this kind of voluminous arrangement.
Create a memorable first impression. This bold entryway may only be three by three feet, but that didn’t stop designer Cynthia Ferguson from taking the plunge with color. A front door is a great place to pull off saturated hues and striking wallpaper.
Try your hand at maximalism. “To be a true maximalist, you’re not trying to match patterns or colors,” says Cynthia. “You’re setting out with no rules other than more is more.” This zesty green family room is the perfect example!
Think outside of the box (and your own home). We can’t get enough of this cheerful 1970s camper named Poppy! Designer Reena Sotropa renovated this yellow family rig for just under $20,000. Think of all the scenic road trips and photo-ops!
Declutter your closet. If you’re lucky enough to have a shoe collection this covetable, why not show it off? Group pairs of similar styles and colors for a cohesive look that is easy on the eyes. Discover more closet organization ideas here.
Swathe your kitchen cabinets with sage. This sweet shade is a huge trend for spring, not only in our closets but in our homes, too. It’s a must-have in the kitchen when paired with rustic accents.
Coordinate your pillow and drapery color. “I used the same drapery fabric in my first-ever published project in 2012 and [the homeowner] Adam had the same drapery made after seeing it,” says designer Joel Bray. Ochre enlivens the greyscale guest bedroom.
Give a blank wall architectural interest. Designer Allison Willson added molding and textured wallpaper to the foyer, giving the space a fresh look without a full-scale renovation.
Make a practical, stylish entrance. A hardworking bench in the foyer is a functional spot to keep backpacks, coats and boots organized and off the floor. Spice it up by swathing it in a color that speaks to you and your home — denim blue, anyone?
Declutter your home library. Group your books by color for a design moment that is artful yet organized. Not only is it visually pleasing, but it gives your bookshelf a more refined look.
Dust off the outdoor furniture. As it starts to warm up, why not take the relaxing outside? A sitting area on the porch is the perfect spot for morning coffee with a good book. A warm blanket is always handy for cooler weather.
Display fun finds. Tokens from past travels and adventures make for a unique way to stylize a coffee table. An array of materials and textures will bring visual interest to the tabletop.
Dress up your walls. Nothing screams spring more than florals. Pair a bolder wallpaper like this one with more subtle accessories — like a timeless dresser in a neutral hue — to really give it the attention it deserves.
Enjoy the view. Make the most of an expansive window and natural light by making it the hot spot for Sunday brunch.
Add fun accents. Give your living room a refreshed look by bringing in notice-me pieces, like vibrant throw pillows, statement lighting, soft drapery and a dreamy rug. Easy updates you can do in a weekend!
Light the fire pit. Muskoka style chairs are an essential for any outdoor lounge area. In the evenings, light up the fire bowl to create a cozy ambiance all season long.
Add contrast to a space. Rustic wood accessories, like this raw entryway table and woven basket, adds a beachy vibe to a more modern space. Even the family dog approves!
Dress up your powder room. A California-cool wallpaper adds a bold statement to a petite powder room, while keeping a serene, surfer feel.
Mix in outdoor motifs. A flock of wall-mounted birds and garden clippings on the coffee table add a dash of outdoor inspiration indoors. Warm up the room with soft wooden details.
Add hooks. Storage tip: hanging straw hats on simple hooks are a creative way to stay organized, while also doubling as wall art!
Create a cozy corner. Window seating is an ideal reading nook with its abundance of natural light. Strategically-placed shelving is both a backrest and extra storage space for knick knacks and pottery.
Jazz up your entryway with wallpaper. Set the tone for the whole house by adding a whimsical spotted wallpaper that feels equally cool and casual.
Showcase foraged finds. Set in a shadowbox, a piece of driftwood, sprig of lavender and mossy bird’s nest make for a seasonal tabletop display.
Frame a piece of floral fabric. Set against a clean white backdrop, this painterly print invigorates homeowner Tamara Taggart’s dining room.
Embrace Old School chintz. Plain white walls keep chintz-covered sofas from feeling outdated or overwhelming. A bouquet of roses on the coffee table nod to their pattern.
Display flowers in a cool, kitschy vase. A bouquet of flowers set in a woodland pottery piece makes for an unexpected — yet undeniably sweet — decorating moment.
Let nature inspire your decor. A sculptural wooden branch lamp gives this masculine sitting area storied appeal.
Showcase color in unexpected places. An ombré effect on stair risers are eye-catching and fun. White walls allow for a quiet transition from deep teal to light blue.
DIY a herb garden. A hanging herb garden is an easy way to add life to a bland patio or small balcony. Learn how to make this DIY: Vertical Garden Planter.
Give windows a whimsical treatment. Beautify a standard roller blind by covering it with a patterned fabric, then echo the pattern on the drapes for a fresh feel. Learn how to do this project.
Make an ombré floral centerpiece. Arrange flowers of various shades in a long, rectangular vase (or multiple small vases) and set them off with a tablecloth in a contrasting color for a simple and stunning display.
Set out a fruit bowl. Fill a bowl with fresh fruit and place it on a countertop or table for easy snacking and a burst of juicy color.
Bring life to minimalist spaces with a leafy centerpiece. A single clipped branch stands out against this dining room’s neutral palette.
Create a woodsy scene. The meandering branches of this hand-painted mural bring the magical feeling of a forest indoors.
Add interest underfoot with a colorful rug. A saturated orange rug was a bold choice for this pattern-filled living room, but one with huge payoff. “Blue and orange… is a luxe, sophisticated combination,” says designer Jennifer Worts.
Cultivate an indoor garden. These good-looking lanterns double as a mini nursery: plants start indoors, then are carried outside to grow.
Pair white and blue. This classic color combo will bring a breezy feel to your space.
Bring in juicy color and pattern. Homeowner and designer Laurence Martocq energized her cottage living room with layers of bright pink and orange accents.
Welcome wicker. Wicker furniture’s relaxed look makes it a seasonal favorite. In this outdoor dining area, antique wicker chairs are the perfect accompaniment for a laid-back meal.
Refresh a kitchen with colorful cabinets. Designer and homeowner Michael Penney embraced his kitchen’s kitschy bones by painting the cabinets a pale blue hue. Carrera countertops give the look integrity.
Choose lighting with an airy feel. A set of rice paper pendants float like clouds in this breezy cottage entryway.
Use stripes to make a serious space feel more playful. A striped runner injects color and life into this all-white kitchen.
DIY a drawer garden. Watching flowers bud is one of the greatest joys of spring. To see how designer Joel Bray transformed an unused drawer into a mini garden table perfect for holding houseplants, click here.
Use bench seating to maximize garden views. Low-slung bench seating sets the stage for casual get togethers and won’t block budding garden vistas.
Play up artwork with flowers. A vase of forsythia is a cheeky nod to the standout art piece in designer Bobbie Burgers’ kitchen, amplifying the work’s sunny hue.
Layer quiet pattern. To ensure that this principal bedroom felt serene, the homeowners opted for wallpaper in a muted color and print.
Let kids create their own spring-inspired art. Designer Bobbie Burgers’ daughter, Annaka, crafted colorful origami butterflies and affixed them to the wall above her desk as a dynamic art piece.
Store seasonal sports gear in style. Sports equipment often comes in odd shapes and sizes; keep gear like tennis racquets neatly corralled and accessible in bright canvas bins, like these easy-to-make units.
Display mason jars in unconventional ways. Homeowner Kelly Anderson’s New Brunswick home celebrates a return to simplicity, and her unique light fixture is no exception. Suspended above the dining table, a quintet of mason jars shine beautifully when lit.
Lighten up your linens. Trade your heavy duvet for layers of lighter blankets and throws, like in this principal bedroom.
Welcome birds back after a long winter. Birdcage pendants by Mathieu Challières introduce an element of wit and whimsy into this hardworking kitchen.
Think inside the box. In outdoor spaces with a small footprint or no grass, introduce nature by planting a tree within a steel container.
Customize a plain chair. H&H design editor Sally Armstrong transformed a mundane seat into a personalized memento of a family vacation in Maine with a photo decal technique. Discover how she did it here.
Display potted kitchen herbs in pretty tea tins. Tins brimming with plant life welcome color and aroma to a windowsill or kitchen shelf.
Display decorative ceramics. In a kitchen with open shelving, serveware kept on display are often a highlight. Against a white backsplash, small bowls with flowery motifs add color and pattern.