There are few things that feel as rejuvenating as taking down your decor post-holiday season. The same rings true when it comes to sprucing up your space in the new year. However, once your Christmas tree and cheerful lights are gone, your home might feel a bit bland. Long and cold winter days don’t exactly help the cause.
The phase between the holidays and spring can feel a bit awkward — especially for those of us who are home decor obsessed. Do you put out winter accents? Do you go full force with spring decor?
We tapped a few designers to get some hot tips on spring-inspired colors you can add to your space now — no need to wait for warmer days. The takeaway? Pinks and greens are having a moment. These peppy hues can be incorporated in a variety of ways and at budget-friendly price points. A warm and welcoming atmosphere is more attainable than you think.
Bold magentas
We couldn’t write a spring-inspired color story without mentioning the it color of the spring — Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta. Viva Magenta is a bold color, so it’s important to use it wisely to avoid overwhelming the rest of the room.
“Using it strategically and as a flourish, rather than a base, will keep things from becoming too visually intense,” says Carrie Schulz, head of design at Block Renovation (opens in new tab). “Avoid using Viva Magenta in large quantities or pairing it with other equally bold colors, like yellow or red, as this can create a chaotic and overwhelming look.”
If magenta is too busy for you, earthy pinks are another great option within the same wheelhouse.
Mint greens
There’s something about green hues that instantly freshen up a space, whether it’s through the use of florals or textured throw pillows. Transition from the deep, pine greens of winter to mint green for the warmer seasons ahead.
“This light, refreshing green is a perfect choice for spring and pairs well with many other colors," says Schulz. "Mint green is a great option for those who want to add a touch of nature to their space. It's calming and soothing, making it a great choice for a bedroom or living room."
Warm whites
One thing that’s for certain? White will never go out of style. It’s also a practical and multifunctional hue to bring into a small apartment or home. “Including whites is a great way to bring a sense of warmth to a space while creating a light and airy feel,” says Ashley Danielle Hunte, an interior designer and founder of Style Meets Strategy (opens in new tab).
If you leaned into the winter white trend last season, simply repurpose those picks for the spring and try pairing them with another color from this list to really set the mood. Otherwise, add tiny touches throughout your space, like cozy white blankets or tall ivory candlesticks — no need to spend your life's savings.
Cheerful corals
If you’re drawn to colors that are a bit more unexpected, opt for lively and bright corals during this time of year. “This warm, peachy pink is a popular color for spring and adds a pop of cheer to any room,” Schulz explains. “Coral is a great choice for those who want to add a bold, energetic touch to their space. It pairs well with whites, creams, and other light, neutral colors.”
Clever ways to incorporate these colors
If you're a renter, you may be limited in terms of upgrades you can make to your space. However, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate these spring-inspired colors without making any permanent changes.
First and foremost, if you’re someone who likes to switch up your decor throughout the year, Chris Jovanelly, lead interior designer at Est Est, Inc. (opens in new tab), recommends investing in large upholstery pieces in neutral colors (like black, white, gray, and tan). This way you can easily interchange your home accents without having things clash.
When blending new colors into your home’s design, remember that little touches can go a long way. Here are more ideas and buys for bringing these hues into your space, regardless of your budget.
One of Jovanelly’s go-to ideas? Peel and stick wall coverings, which are inexpensive, renter-friendly, and easy to add to an accent wall.
Whether you're into horoscopes or not, a faux fresh wall covering will brighten up a home without making it feel cold or interfere with getting your deposit back.
Colorful artwork and removable wallpaper are two fool-proof ways to introduce more dynamic visuals, patterns, and textures to your space. “You can never go wrong with a good piece of art,” Hunte says. She often recommends that her clients switch out their art from time to time to give their environment a fresh feel. “Swapping an old piece of art for something different can instantly make your home feel refreshed and new.” This Cola Art Print by Flow Line brings in those coral and warm white/neutral tones.
If you have a bar cart or designated area where your glassware is displayed, make use of it from season to season (your guests will surely notice.) “Have fun with your barware, this is the best time to mix it up and add some color,” Hunte says. We're into this pair, as inspired by Florence Pugh's martini glass choice.
Use colorful vases, plants, or other decorative accessories to bring in springtime vibes. “After all, everything is in bloom, and there’s no better way to celebrate the incoming season,” Schulz notes. “Consider introducing forced indoor bulbs, for example, into your space. Daffodils would look super happy against the magenta complement, or crocuses against the mint green.” Bringing in organic textures that reflect spring will help you create a lively essence throughout your home. Even simply swapping out the planters of your favorite houseplants for a cleaner "warm white" can give your home the perfect reset.
Throw pillows are a no-brainer when it comes to seasonal home accents. Add them to your bedroom, an accent chair, your patio furniture, or a couch. They instantly create a cozier, more lived-in environment and can make a surprisingly big impact on the overall feel of your space. Hunte points out that another perk to throw pillows is that you don’t have to commit to them long-term. If you find you’ve outgrown them in a few months, no biggie.
If you’re up for a larger investment to transition your decor from winter to spring, Hunte recommends swapping out your window treatments. “I love going for heavier and deeper toned window treatments in the wintertime and swapping them for lighter and airy sheers in the spring,” she explains. If you have moodier curtains up right now, try replacing them with a warm white or light mint green.
These colors are here to stay
You just revamped your space with these spring-inspired colors and now you’re wondering how long they can be left out. Good news: your time was well used and your money was well spent. “Every color in the color wheel is meant to be used in a permanent way in an interior, so these pinks and greens are timeless, especially if they are well planned and well executed,” Jovanelly explains.
Rather than thinking that colors communicate certain seasons, he challenges people to focus more on the way they translate your mood. “Your decor communicates your vibe and how you live,” he adds.
Schulz also notes that because these colors are generally lighter pastel tones, they’re very much in line with contemporary design trends. You can easily update your space by adding new accents or changing up your decor to reflect the changing seasons while keeping these colors as background tones.
