I'll admit that I'm not one to decorate for holidays with plastic 
clings on the windows or lots of porcelain replicas of a 
season's icons.  So when it comes to decorating for Easter, 
bunnies are not quite my thing. I want a look that's a bit more 
upscale or natural.  If you're like minded and want to decorate 
for spring without turning your house into a bunny hutch, then 
try these four simple ideas.

1) Flowers. Nothing says spring like flowers. Buy them at the 
store or simply cut them from your own flowering shrubs and 
trees. Snip a few tulips and daffodils.  Use flowers as 
centerpieces, on the countertop in an old porcelain pitcher, 
in a vase in the bathroom or on an occasional table. Flowers 
are a simple way to bring the beauty of the outdoors in.

2) Eggs. If you want something evocative of the season without 
being too cutesy, try eggs. Porcelain. Ceramic. Wood. You can 
find decorated or embellished eggs in a variety of materials at 
craft and department stores.  If you're ambitious, buy some 
wooden ones to paint and decorate yourself.  Put them in a large 
bowl or snifter. Scatter across a mantle or table. Add to wreaths 
or flower sprays. Tuck into shelves, drapes, window sills and 
ledges, anywhere you want to add a bit of spring color.

3) Open the windows and drapes. Let the fresh smells and soft 
pastel colors of spring into your rooms for a touch of color and 
light.  Spring sun is still softer and less direct than harsh 
summer sunlight so it provides a warm glow.  Let Mother Nature 
add interest to your rooms. And besides ... it's free.

4) Change your accents to spring colors. Give your décor the 
feeling of spring by changing your accent pieces to light spring 
colors. Put out candles in shades of violet, yellow, pink, and 
green. Change bathroom towels to lighter coordinating shades. Use 
different throws and pillows to add a springtime feel to your 
furniture.  These items will lighten up your house without 
overwhelming it.

With a few simple ideas, you can chase the winter doldrums out 
of your house and replace it with spring freshness.
 

Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and 
building projects.  From working hands on and doing much of the 
work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, 
she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement.  She 
shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other 
various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com.  Sign up for her 
free email newsletter at: 
http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/2005/09/get_my_home_red_2.html

Copyright © 2006, Julie Lohmeier, http://www.myhomeredux.com