Give your Home a Spring Refresh

After the excesses of Christmas there's nothing like giving your home a Spring refresh. Debbie Leigh, Design Manager at fabric house, ILIV, gives us her tips on how to get it right.

"Infusing a room with the vibrant hues of spring doesn't always require a paintbrush. Soft furnishings have a huge impact on the look and feel of a space and using the subtle artistry of fabrics will allow you to update any room with the simple addition of scatter cushions, throws and window dressings. In the springtime opt for lively patterns, pastel tones or floral motifs to breathe new life into your décor," advises Debbie.

Debbie continues, "Layer plains and patterns carefully; when using bold patterns on upholstery it is best to keep the cushions plain or go for a plain fabric for the upholstery and experiment with a mixture of colours and patterns on scatter cushions. When combining coordinating fabrics, it is best to work with three fabrics and the key is to vary the scale of the patterns. For example, if you pick a large-scale pattern as your main one, the second should be half the scale or size of the first, such as a large floral paired with a plaid or geometric pattern. The third can then be similar to the first two but using matching colours. When mixing two or three patterns it’s a good idea to also break them up with the clever use of plains either as plain cushions, trims or borders."

"To infuse your living room with the vibrant energy of spring, consider refreshing your space with light and airy fabrics that evoke a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. Opt for breezy curtains or sheer drapes in soft pastel hues like pale blues, greens or blush pinks to allow ample natural light to filter through. Introduce floral-printed cushions in cheerful patterns to add pops of colour and whimsy to your seating area and layer lightweight throws in textured fabrics such as linen or cotton for added warmth on cooler evenings", advises Debbie.

She concludes, "The botanical look is perfect for giving the home a fresh Spring feel. Embrace the beauty of the outdoors and bring this popular scheme into your home by simply decorating with botanical prints. Soft furnishings are the perfect way to do this and can instantly transform a room. Green is a key colour to nail this look, but it can also be teamed with bold shades such as pinks, oranges and turquoises to create a tropical haven. Throws and scatter cushions are ideal as they can be used in different rooms of the house, such as the bedroom or living room, and can be easily removed if you fancy a change."