Celebrating Spring
Colorful beds of flowers at Mitsuike Koen.
Spring is here! For some of us, myself included, spring is the pollen allergy season, bringing constant sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes, itchy skin…But even then, all around the trees turn green and flowers bloom everywhere. The air is crisp and cool, and the sunshine bright and friendly. Who cannot love this beautiful season?
We went to a nearby park to enjoy the beauty of the flowers on the ground and the blossoms up on the cherry trees. The park, Mitsuike Koen in Yokohama City, Japan, was ablaze with color. From the cherry blossoms’ many subtle shades of pink to the brilliant colors of the tulips, everything was singing “Spring is here! Time to redecorate!” At least, the latter was heard by moi.
I modeled a small dining area just to show how big a difference redecoration can do to the mood of a room and, I’m quite sure, to the owner’s mood as well! The room has an expanse of black wall that is unfortunately structural. Aside from the patterned lamp shade, a black-and-white photo in 2A0 poster size is the only decoration.
Many kinds of cherry trees mean many shades of pink.
The monochromatic room below needs a seasonal lift. How better to celebrate the new season by surrounding oneself with the colors of spring? Outside the weather is great and the views are awash with every hue of the rainbow–let’s get inspired by the outdoors! Without wallpapering or giving a new veneer to the black wall but instead relying on fabrics and photo-posters of spring, here’s spring redecorating on a budget.
The Before Look
It’s bright and lovely outside but inside it’s somewhat bleak. Monochromatic schemes, however, are flexible and lend themselves easily to all sorts of enhancements with bright flashes of color. Lime green or hot pink accessories can immediately bring life to this room.
A monotone--and rather bleak--dining area.
The After Takes
Instead of relying only on cut flowers and accessories, we go a step further and change the black-and-white photography and make slipcovers for the chairs.
In the redecorating example below, a large cherry-blossoms-against-clear-blue-sky poster is the focal point of the room. The chairs are slipcovered in dotted blue fabric by Cath Kidston, mulberry rug with a bold design of lotus flowers from John Lewis, and floral print lamp shade by Laura Ashley. A basket of pretty azaleas complete the look. Poster photo by yours truly.
Example 1: Celebrating spring with cherry blossoms.
The next example also uses the poster wall as the focal point of the room; the furnishings use more color but in soft, gentle tones. Chairs are slipcovered in citrine striped fabric from John Lewis, Laura Jade rug from FrithRugs, and Hortense orange floral print shade by Laura Ashley. Poster photo by yours truly. Add a bowl of fresh tulips and voila, spring has arrived indoors as well!
Example 2: Celebrating spring with tulips.
Presentation Board
Here’s a look at the presentation board.
Presentation Board: Celebrating Spring
I Would Love to Hear Your Thoughts
So, what do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments area below. I would love to hear from you!
Sources
Laura Ashley Lighting – lighting accessories perfect for the spring look.
FrithRugs – a wide range of rugs at reasonable prices.
Cath Kidston Fabrics – this brand has been a hit in Japan recently with its floral-themed accessories.
John Lewis Rugs and Upholstery Fabric – the ever reliable John Lewis probably has what you’re looking for!
3 Responses to “Celebrating Spring”
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beverlyclaire 
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I just read this article about a crazy person who deliberately infected himself with hookworms for allergy/asthma relief. Check it out here.
Hmm, I wouldn’t go that far for pollen allergy. But I might consider swallowing a tapeworm if it will help me lose lots of weight (like that famous soprano?)…
Love all that floral color!
It’s graduation day today and the sunflowers haven’t bloomed yet. I don’t know why they were planted too late.