With spring well and truly sprung, and the sun finally making a welcome return to our skies in SW19, it’s time to channel that feeling of new life and bring fresh ideas into our homes. Interior Designer Gemma Fordham rounds up the five best ways to update your home this season.
Spring has arrived! As I look outside from my lounge, I’m struck by the difference a little sunshine makes on our mood, and it’s got me thinking: how can I capture that feeling to lighten the inevitable days when clouds loom large on the horizon? It’s time to freshen up our interiors and add some cheery colour. There’s no shortage of inspiration in Wimbledon’s shops: florals are a massive style story, making a colourful splash and topping the list of interiors trends to tap this season. For all of you who are thinking the same thing, fear not – I’ve done the research for you! Here are my five favourite ways to bring spring into your home…
1. Say it with flowers
Who doesn’t love flowers? They’re uplifting, colourful, and best of all, they don’t have to be expensive. Whether you source yours from wonderful Wimbledon florist Brian Kirkby, scoop up a bargain at your local supermarket or pluck them straight from the garden, they’ll provide a gorgeous eyeful of fresh life. But for those of us (me included!) who do not have the greenest of fingers, these artificial beauties I found in Neptune are great for instant impact.
Pictured: artificial hops spray, £38; artificial hydrangea stems, £19 each, all at Neptune
2. Vases = a quick style fix
A few new vases to up your display game is a guilt-free way to refresh your interiors – after all, your flowers need to go somewhere, right? A fantastic way to introduce a splash of colour into any room, vases are my go-to home decoration accessory and, with such a variety available right now, the only question is how big and what colour. Here are my top picks:
Pictured: Thursfield Vase, Flax Blue, £35 at Neptune; Parlane White & Blue Dye Vase, £12.99 at TK Maxx; Emma Bridgewater Pink Pansy Mustard Vase, White/Pink, £14.95 at John Lewis
3. And so to bed…
There is literally nothing better than lazy Sunday mornings in bed, coffee in one hand and the newspaper in the other. Better still? Enjoying all of that in a set of beautiful crisp new bedding. Ted Baker has a super-pretty range that I am obsessed with right now: I think it perfectly encapsulates spring with its original, feminine and funky prints. I’ve showcased my favourites here, but you can find the whole range at Elys in Wimbledon.
Pictured: Carlyy Cotton Candy double duvet cover, £90; Elviraa Elegant king duvet cover, £105; Piperr Pistachio double duvet cover, £90, all Ted Baker at Elys
4. Cosy up with some new cushions
Much to my husband’s dismay, scatter cushions are something that keep creeping into our home at regular and consistent intervals. With such a variety available to meet all budgets, these little ‘pockets of goodness’ are the perfect way to update your room with each coming season. Here are a few that caught my eye that would be perfect for spring – let’s see if I can get away with smuggling them into my home unseen!
Pictured: Wild Flower Embroidered Cushion, £25 at M&S; Celestial Blue Rose Cushion, £14.99, Paoletti at TK Maxx; V&A linen and cotton ‘Fleuri’ cushion, £24 at Debenhams
5. Adjust your table settings
Another great aspect of spring, with its warm sunny days and light evenings, is that your friends come out of hibernation! I love nothing more than opening up my home to my friends and family. In fact, I am in my element when the house is invaded: the silence disturbed with laughter, corks popping and glasses chinking. And one my favourite things to do when I have friends round is to set the table for the feast ahead. It’s always nice to treat yourself to some new crockery and I have found some beautiful spring-themed settings perfect for those springtime supper parties.
Pictured: Emma Bridgewater ‘Daffodils’ and ‘Polka Dot’ crockery, from £17.95 at John Lewis; Wedgwood Paeonia Blush Plates, £84 (set of four) at John Lewis; Denby white ‘Monsoon Fleur’ 16-piece dinnerware set, £182 at Debenhams
Written by Gemma Fordham
Gemma is an interior designer and the founder of Fordham-Bryant Interiors. For more home decor ideas, inspiration or guidance from Gemma, head to www.fordhambryantinteriors.com
Instagram: @fordhambryantinteriors
Twitter: @BryantFordham
Facebook: @Fordhambryant
About The Author
Gemma Fordham
Interior designer Gemma is a home-style magpie with an eye for detail, bringing you inspiring interiors trends and classic decor tips. Watch this space...