So, welcome to the inaugural edition of our design journal! What is it about the coming of spring that invites us to do something new? Maybe it’s the welcome of warmer temperatures…the promise of sunnier days and new blossoms that delicately emerge after the chill of winter has passed. 

As we watch the outside world unfold with color and new life, it inspires us to make changes….changes within ourselves, in our lives, and even in our homes. 

As homeowners, we often choose this time of year to refresh our exteriors or landscaping. Spring also invites changes to the interiors of our homes, as well. The well-known concept of “spring cleaning” urges us to declutter and pay attention to some areas of the house we sometimes…well, neglect. But with windows open to let the cool spring breeze waft through, this season also is the perfect time to freshen rooms with a new coat of paint or make a statement with eye-catching wallpaper. And to bring the beautiful spring elements indoors, as well.

One of our clients recently asked this question:

How can I tastefully make simple, seasonal changes inside my home? 

There are several simple, yet sophisticated ways to liven your home with a nod to the different seasons:

• Use seasonal bouquets and plants to add living color throughout your home.

• Change out the throws on your sofas and chairs. Warm faux fur or cashmere provides a cozy cover for fall and winter, and lighter-weight fabrics, like cotton or linen, give you finer coverage for spring and summer.

• Consider swapping out small area rugs with brighter tones in the warmer months to lighten the look of your floors.

As for throw pillows, changing them out seasonally can complicate things (where do you store all those extra pillows?). The one time of year we like to swap them out–or even add them–is during the holidays. The right pillows, perhaps in a tasteful plaid or winter texture, bring an elegant, yet festive aesthetic to enhance your holiday decor.

No matter what the season, this general design rule always applies: subtle touches sometimes can make a worthwhile difference. 

FIVE FAVES! from our design team

In each edition of DesignNotes, a member of our design team will name five favorite things pertaining to the design realm. 

We are starting with principal & owner Maria Viola-Kuttruff, who lists Five Fave Places for Inspiration

1. Visiting European cities. They ignite something in my brain and creativity. It’s the beautiful balance of seeing nature and architecture that you often don’t see in the U.S. If I had to pick just one city that does this incredibly well, it would be Paris.

2. Hiking in Colorado with my brother. Relying on my strength to hike up the rocky terrain feels powerful, and I’m rewarded with an incredible view from above. I also notice colors I don’t find on the East Coast, such as those of red rocks and various succulents. The sky even takes on different tones, because the light of the sun and sky interact differently there.

3. Watching professional dance troupes perform. Some costumes are elaborate and colorful, and others are simple but elegant, but they are all beautiful. How they move gracefully against a dancer’s body translates to how a skirt might fall on a chair or window dressing accents a space.

4. Main Line architecture. Some of the grandest homes on the Main Line date back to the 1800s, when they were built for railroad executives. The stately and classic designs of these homes stand the test of time.

5. Museums. I can spend hours at museums, reading all the placards and studying the pieces. Unique colors often come through the textiles.

I sometimes even bring a sketchbook, because there are details I want to capture, and the best way to fully understand them is using your hands to sketch.

Do you have a question for our design team or a suggestion for Five Faves? Email DesignNotes@violainteriordesign.com and we will answer it in a future edition of DesignNotes.

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Happy spring! May you be inspired by the beauty of the new season.