Decorating Concepts That You Can Utilize For Various Seasons
Among the challenges in home decorating is finding a theme which will work well for all seasons. Unfortunately, experts have not yet found that kind of design—almost every design theme in the market has a couple of flaws. Zen design, for example, works well during the summer, but has a tendency to go bland in the winter. Cabin-style country homes are preferred by winter lovers, but they do not work well to the heat of summer.
So how to put up a theme that’ll work great all year round? You do not have to redesign your house each year to keep up with the seasons—all it takes is a few simple adjustments. Here’s a quick guide that will help you begin.
Summer: Summer is all about staying cool and taking advantage of the natural, rich light. The first thing you must do is open your windows. This will let large amounts of sunlight spill into your room as well as keep the hot air flowing out, so your house is always ventilated and well-lit. If you live in a humid, hot area, you may consider investing in an air conditioner for those really hot days.
When it comes to design, it is great to utilize cool colors which will provide some contrast against the hot weather. Delicate, flowy fabrics serve as a good design element—use them as sofa drapes, curtains, even tablecloths and doorknob wraps.
Spring: For the spring, you must have something that is light and airy, which is quite like a summer house but with more open space. The goal is to bring in as much of the outdoors as possible inside your house, or at least enjoy the beautiful views the season offers. If you possess a porch, deck, or balcony, this is the right time to liven them up and change them into a great afternoon hangout.
Lots of design themes will work during spring, because this is the most balanced of all the seasons. You can try accenting your windows using decorative curtains or leaving them bare to maximize the view.
Autumn: Decorating for the fall involves two things: basking in the majestic autumn landscapes, and making preparations for the coming of winter. You can start by making preparations for your fireplace—you’ll have to get it in great condition when the first snow falls. You will probably be using it more and more often as the season goes on and the weather gets colder.
Autumn hues are naturally suitable for this season. Oranges, yellows, and reds work well to complement the infamous autumn leaves, and their warm shades provide a nice contrast to the cool weather. You don’t need to make them the theme of your house; just make use of them as accents such as rugs, curtains, and colored pillows.
Winter: “Winterizing” your home is all about wrapping up and staying warm. There are a couple of ways to go about this without sacrificing your house's sense of style. For instance, it is the right time to accentuate your fireplace and make it your room’s focal point. Design it with a big area rug and you’ve got a nice decorative touch, along with a comfy sitting area.
Most colors will work well in winter, although it’s best to stay away from dull colors such as black, brown, and gray. Add some vibrancy to the cold season by putting a few splashes of color in—a vibrant red curtain, a patterned rug, a pastel drape over your couch.
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Martha Coleman is a wife, mother, decorator, writer and head decorating columnist for redeco.org, and a joy to every party she attends! Let Martha's decorating suggestions show you how to excite and inspire with seasonal decor, create a friendly and warm house for you and your family, and design your abode with just the perfect design.
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