4 Simple Ideas for Spring and Easter Decorating
by Julie Lohmeier

Description: Update your home decor for spring with a little touch of Easter.

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