New Construction Upgrades That Add Value: A Guide to Personalizing Your New Home
Posted by Dan O'Malley in Home Design
Ah, spring is in the air! The trees are blooming, the grass is turning greener, and the sounds of children laughing and playing outside are flowing through your open windows. These are not only the tell-tale signs of spring, but also of the new season of interior décor!
Here are some of my go-to tips for transitioning your home from appearing like the inside of a snow globe to, instead, looking like the inside of HGTV’s spring magazine!
Spring Décor Accent Pieces
You know those HomeGoods aisles that you get lost in for a few minutes (or hours) at a time? Those little accent pieces—which are very hard to search for online, by the way—are one of the simple ways to keep your home fresh throughout the seasons!
One of my favorite Christmas pieces in my house is an eight-inch white dog sculpture with gold antlers. No matter how much I love it, it’s time to put that puppy away (no pun intended) and replace it with a more relevant sculpture. Bunnies are always great for spring, and bird sculptures are a beautiful mainstay.
Spring Mantel Décor
Many mantel decorations consist of a few standalone decorative pieces and photos. Photo frames are another accent piece that can be changed out seasonally. During the winter season, blue-and-white or green-and-red photo frames tend to overcrowd the house. Rotate those frames seasonally. Keep them light-and-bright in the spring and summer months.
Pro Tip: if your family has seasonal family photos, consider changing those out, too!
Don’t forget about candles! While I’m one of the biggest advocates for hoarding Yankee Candle’s Balsam & Cedar candles, there’s a time and a place for them. Remember that your home shouldn’t only look fresh, but also smell fresh.
Freshly Cut (or Faux) Flowers
Speaking of smells, strongly consider keeping some fresh flowers in vases around the house. One of my favorite vases was once owned by my grandmother, so putting flowers in it not only will brighten the room, but also provide unmeasurable sentimental value.
If you’re not known for having a green thumb, you can always opt for fake flowers. Nearly every retailer has some fake flowers in adorable pots, so there’s no shortage of inventory. Consider finding tulip, hydrangea, and/or peony arrangements for the spring.
Speaking of fake florals, remember that you can always change up your vase filler!
Comfy and Colorful Spring Bedding and Pillows
Ahh, one of my favorite things to talk about! As you’re transitioning your home from season to season, some of the easiest and most noticeable items to change out are also the comfiest.
For instance: bedding. Not only should you change out your bedding seasonally for warmth, but also consider switching up patterns. Keep the flannel sheets for winter, and bring out the fun patterns during the warmer months.
Greyscales also work better in the spring and summer months compared to the winter, as the natural sunlight we see in these seasons will brighten the greys up compared to the already grey skies we experience in winter.
Other comfy items to consider switching out between seasons are throw pillows and decorative blankets. While purchasing several throw pillows easily adds up, there’s always the option to purchase throw pillow fillers and then change out the covers seasonally. Stores from Amazon to Wayfair have covers for cheaper than a meal at your local take-out chain!
Outdoor Spring Decorations
Saving the best for last, some of my favorite seasonal décor is that which stays outside. A couple simple outdoor spring pieces around the front porch and door boost the curb appeal of your home.
Spring Door Decorations
Wreaths are probably one of easiest items to find in stores or online, and they make a big impression. I personally have two wreaths on my front door: one outside, and one inside. A door is double-sided, so why not enjoy double the floral wreaths!
Spring Porch Décor
Welcome mats are also a cute and affordable way to freshen up your exterior décor. I’m a big fan of layered mats—a colorful or color-block rug under a traditional welcome mat—and this is a great way to change up a main area in your home. Change out the rug or the mat, or even both.
Fresh air coming in through your windows, pastels and florals adorning your home...the opportunities are endless for great spring décor!
Author
Dan O'Malley
Author
Dan O’Malley is the Vice President of Product Development for M/I Homes.With over 30 years of expertise in residential architecture and design, Dan has been overseeing the product needs of the company's 16 divisions located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville and Texas for the past 12 years. Before joining M/I Homes, he was a partner in the Chicago office of BSB Design, a national residential architectural firm, for 14 years. Dan is an expert in all aspects of single-family and multifamily design and has received several awards for his successful projects. He is also a popular speaker at various industry events, including the International Builder’s Show, Midwest Builder’s Show, and Multi-Housing World.
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Author
Dan O'Malley
Author
Dan O’Malley is the Vice President of Product Development for M/I Homes.With over 30 years of expertise in residential architecture and design, Dan has been overseeing the product needs of the company's 16 divisions located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville and Texas for the past 12 years. Before joining M/I Homes, he was a partner in the Chicago office of BSB Design, a national residential architectural firm, for 14 years. Dan is an expert in all aspects of single-family and multifamily design and has received several awards for his successful projects. He is also a popular speaker at various industry events, including the International Builder’s Show, Midwest Builder’s Show, and Multi-Housing World.