Photography: Alana Landsberry / Styling: Kate Lincoln & Lucy Gough
The best spring decorating ideas don’t require an entirely new room. A beautiful arrangement of flowers, a lighter window treatment or a clever cushion swap can change the mood of a space in an instant. Rather than tackling a full seasonal reset, think of spring as an opportunity to have a little fun with the way your home looks.
Sydney property stylist and interior designer Justine Wilson, founder of and principal stylist of Vault Interiors, says you don’t need a huge budget to make an impact. “Be savvy, to update your home, you really don’t need a big budget,” says Justine. “Stores like Kmart, Spotlight and Ikea have really upped their game when it comes to styling your home. I recommend doing your research online before going in-store, so you have a good idea of the colour scheme and what pieces and sizes of things you really need. Otherwise it can be quite overwhelming.”
From styling flowers like a pro to introducing lighter layers, here are five spring decorating ideas that will give your interiors and instant lift.
1. Try spring decorating ideas with fresh flowers
Flowers may be an obvious choice for spring, but how you display them can completely change their impact. Rather than placing one bunch in the nearest vase, Justine suggests turning your flowers into a styling moment. An entry console or dining table is the perfect spot for a statement arrangement, while grouping several vessels together can make even inexpensive blooms look considered.
For a more relaxed look, skip the perfectly arranged bouquet altogether. A few long branches in an oversized vessel, single stems in mismatched bud vases or flowers snipped from the garden can be just as beautiful.
When it comes to spring decorating ideas, this is one of the easiest change as the season progresses – simply switch the flowers, colours and vessels whenever the mood strikes.
2. Style sheer curtains for a softer look
There’s a reason designers return to sheer curtains again and again. As well as filtering natural light, their soft movement can bring an ethereal quality to a room. For spring, Justine recommends lighter window treatments in linen, white and beige tones. Floor-to-ceiling sheers can make windows appear larger and ceilings taller, while the fabric adds softness without visually weighing down a room.
(Credit: Photographer: Mindi Cooke / Styling: Kylie Jackes)
3. Use cushions to introduce colour and pattern
Cushions are the decorating equivalent of a wardrobe accessory: relatively easy to change, but capable of transforming a whole look. Instead of replacing every cushion on your sofa, choose one or two that introduce a new colour, pattern or texture. Florals can feel quintessentially spring, but stripes, checks and playful prints can be equally effective.
4. Make an indoor plant the statement
Rather than scattering lots of little plants around a room, consider going big. Justine suggests using an indoor tree in a beautiful pot to create a strong visual statement. Olive trees and fiddle-leaf figs are popular choices, while rubber plants, bird of paradise and parlour palms can also bring impressive height and shape to a room.
Treat the pot as part of the decorating decision, too. A beautiful ceramic, textured or sculptural planter can elevate a plant from greenery to a genuine design feature.
(Credit: Photography: Louise Roche / Styling: Kylie Jackes)
5. Restyle your bed for spring
Some of the most effective spring decorating ideas are also the simplest, and your bed offers a huge canvas for experimenting with colour, pattern and texture.
For a serene look, Justine recommends white or cream linen paired with simple cushions for a dreamy, hotel-inspired finish. If minimalism isn’t your style, take the opposite approach and introduce colourful or clashing prints for a more playful bedroom. You don’t need to buy an entirely new bed linen set, either. Try changing the pillowcases, adding a patterned cushion or folding a lightweight linen throw across the end of the bed.
The best spring decorating ideas should make your home feel fresh without making it feel like somebody else’s. A few considered changes are often all it takes to see a familiar room in a completely new light.
