Elevate Your Spring or Celebrations with tips from Interior Designer Mary Tobias Miller.
Spring is a time for renewal, joy, and gathering with loved ones. As the season of spring unfolds, it also presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your home decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Store owner and Interior Designer Mary Tobias Miller has some stylish recommendations to help you transform your space into a Spring wonderland. From color palettes to decorative elements, let’s explore her expert tips for creating a beautiful ambiance.
1. Always embrace color
Mary believes in taking traditional holiday colors and changing them up. For example she likes hot pink and spring green for a Christmas twist. Play around with the intensity and the hue - getting away from the traditional and predictable soft pastels of spring and incorporate soft to brighter colors and everything in between.
Consider pairing gentle hues of lavender, blush pink, pale yellow, and mint green with brighter options of the same colors. Then put a super bright color with a greyed out version of another color so they complement each other without competing. While putting complimentary colors together is energetic - pairing one vibrant one with one greyed out version becomes so interesting. Bring out pillows that are more seasonal instead of your wintry velvet counterparts.
Invest in seasonal pillows for a quick change. Think of it like changing out your winter andsummer wardrobes. Consider incorporating this seasonal change out through table linens, throw pillows, and lamps.
The new battery operated lights are a great way to take lighting outdoors for cocktail or dinner parties. Pair as many candles as you can to take it up a notch. The dimmer the lighting the more flattering and elegant the evening. I put dimmers on all of my indoor and outdoor lighting.
2. Natural Elements
Bringing the outdoors in is a hallmark of spring decor, and Mary advocates for incorporating natural elements into your table arrangements.
Think fresh flowers, branches, and greenery. A bouquet of tulips or daffodils can serve as a stunning centerpiece on your kitchen table or dining table. Potted herbs or small plants add life to your spaces. Put them in your kitchen by the sink or on an island.
Using natural materials also creates a more organic, unpretentious feel that complements any celebrations of growth and renewal.
3. Elegant Table Settings
The gathering around the dining table is central to family and friend celebrations. Mary suggests making it special with elegant table settings. Layering is key: use beautifully patterned tablecloths or runners and mix and match dinnerware and glassware. The less matchy matchy the more interesting. Try to have a consistent group of colors in the mix to make it work; Incorporate seasonal flowers, colorful napkins and place cards. Consider unique place cards such as a green magnolia leaf with names painted on them, fruit or decorative objects with names attached. Place a small gift package on everyone's plate with their name on it and that can be the place card. For centerpieces, Mary often recommends using vintage finds or heirloom pieces to add a personal touch and spark conversation among guests.
4. Whimsical Accents
Incorporating playful and whimsical decor elements can bring joy and cheer to your celebration. For a dinner party, consider adding birds, bugs or butterflies into your centerpieces; for graduations stack mortar board hats; and papers tied in scrolls with ribbon simulating diplomas. Sprinkle in flowers and candles with all of this. Add balloons for a birthday - just use your imagination. Think about the occasion and go through your closets for props. Sometimes the more contrived the better unless its a super formal occasion.
5. Subtle Fragrance
Scents play a significant role in setting the mood for any occasion. Mary recommends incorporating subtle fragrance in your entrance hall and kitchen or powder room. We don’t want to overwhelm everyone and some people are sensitive to fragrance.
However, Scent is the strongest sense that we have and it can create memories. Choose subtle fragrances such as Mary’s favorite Trudon Abd El Kader which smells a little like rosemary. Their fragrances have been around since the 1600’s so they’re the real deal. Be careful to stay away from some newer synthetic mass produced options. Some successful scents Mary likes are citrus, lavender, vetiver and bergamot based options. More subtle fragrance can always be achieved through fresh flowers.
6. Layered Textures
Texture adds depth and interest to any decor scheme, and Mary suggests incorporating various textures to create a cozy atmosphere. Combine soft textiles like linen or cotton throws, knits, and wicker elements for a harmonious look. Layer rugs, cushions, or even decorative baskets to infuse warmth and comfort into your space. This tactile approach invites guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company. If you don’t plant flowering plants in a container - please don’t leave them in the plastic containers. You can get inexpensive ceramic options at Lowe’s, Home Depot and Amazon. Just plunk them down in one of these for a more finished look.
7. Outdoor Spaces
If weather permits, don’t forget to extend your celebration to outdoor spaces. Mary encourages decorating patios or porches with seasonal elements. Use outdoor-friendly decor such as colorful cushions, lanterns, and potted flowers. Then dim your outdoor lighting or just use candles and battery operated lights to keep it more intimate. Setting up a beautiful outdoor dining area allows you to enjoy the mild spring weather while celebrating the season with loved ones.
With Mary Tobias Miller’s expert recommendations, you can create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere for your all of your spring and summer celebrations. Remember that the most important thing of all is just gathering and being together with the ones you love or are celebrating. It does not have to be perfect. Don’t get too caught up in the details, just pick a theme and some props and colors - rinse and repeat.
