Designers' Favorite Low-Cost Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

“For a bit of a fun, off-the-wall idea, wallpaper under countertops and inside cabinets," says Marlaina Teich of New York-based Marlaina Teich Designs. "For a kitchen in the Hamptons, we wallpapered underneath the kitchen island with a chevron pattern, then continued the motif through the cabinets with glass fronts for a playful poppy accent.”

“I love incorporating motorization into window shades as it gives you the ability to use them often and adjust them based on the many changes of springtime light in your space," says James Brewer, a design consultant for Stoneside Blinds & Shades. "I recommend motorizing your transitional shades — they are very versatile and look beautiful when the sun is shining through, ultimately creating a wonderful pattern of light in any space.”

“Books, books, and more books. They add such a wonderful romance and poetry to a room. No pun intended," says Lance Thomas of Louisiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors.

“With the first signs of spring I like to refresh my bedroom, starting with the bedding. The winter quilt folded at the foot of my bed is replaced with a light and soft throw and decadent decorative pillows are replaced with soft linen and airy textures,” says Mel Bean of Tulsa-based Mel Bean Interiors.

“Spring cleaning is a thing," says Mary Patton of Houston-based Mary Patton Design. "I highly recommend cleaning out and organizing your pantry, fridge and cabinets. Once that’s done, invest in a vintage wooden dough bowl (options available on Mary Patton Design) to display apples, or limes (which can be used for cocktails!) and a glass vase to display blooming branches that can be swapped out weekly.”

“Investing in a pretty vase and making a commitment to fresh flowers is a great way to refresh your space for spring. Even if you are Insta-carting, you can have inexpensive flowers delivered from the store and it can add a whole new vibe to your interiors for the change of season. It’s affordable, too,” says Mary Patton.

“With spring approaching, I like to swap out my accessories for lighter, colorful options," says Mel Bean. "Neutral and moody coffee table books are swapped with vibrant art books, dark textured bowls are replaced with chunks of amethyst, selenite and translucent resin pieces."

“Somewhat surprisingly, my favorite spring upgrade that makes the most impact on the way I experience a room is scent," says designer Mel Bean. "I do like to change it up throughout spring for a continual sense of renewal. Some of my favorites on my rotation are Capri Blue’s Volcano diffuser, Votivo's Saint Germain Lavender candle, or a fresh eucalyptus diffuser.”

“Focus on an exterior upgrade for curb appeal," says Marlaina Teich. "A few quick tips to modernize your home's exterior include: a fresh coat of paint and hardware on windows and doors. The popular exterior color palettes we're seeing are leaning into the modern farmhouse trend. They're clean, crisp, and cool: lots of black and white. For homes closer to the ocean, you can't go wrong with a seafoam green or light blue trim. A coat of bright white paint works well to highlight a home's architectural features like brick walkways or fences and railings. It's also a great choice to stay lighter and brighter when painting a home for resale value.”

“Outdoor-rated decorative lighting is a great way to make those outdoor patio areas feel more like interior living spaces," says designer Lance Thomas.

“Changing up accessories is a simple and accessible way to upgrade your bedroom for spring," says designer Mel Bean. "Some years ago, I added accessories in a neutral color palette of various textures: think antiqued mirror picture frames with black and white photography, mixed metal accessories and grasscloth boxes. Other years I will choose accessories with a muted rainbow of colors to transform the space entirely. Books in soft greens, blues, oranges, painterly vases and color photographs reflect this color scheme.”

“Color and texture are key," says Kate Hart, Philadelphia-area interior designer of Kate Hart Home. "I like to add a bright new area rug or pattered runner to anchor a space, and I look to create a focal point with a framed mirror. I especially love the affordable MirrorMate DIY frame kits to transform a room.”

“For bathrooms, purchase a new candle and bath salts in a beautiful glass vessel. A single flower displayed in a regular glass or Mason jar can also brighten your bathroom,” says Mary Patton.