Spring Archives - Modern Pineapple

Despite spring taking an official leave of absence, I started the seasonal shift over the past few days: that exciting time when you can finally swap out heavy sweaters and boots for cardigans and ballet flats. {Seriously one of the best times of the year!} Just as we get ourselves ready to dress in season, I like to do the same thing for my home to mirror the fresh feeling of the outdoors.

1. Go bare. Remove the tablecloths and extra rugs to expose the surface underneath. Working with the elements instead of against is what makes this season so special. It’s no longer time to fight off the cold weather – instead embrace the cool wood under your feet or glass on your tabletop.

2. Light! It’s not necessary to have heavy curtains to keep the chilly winter air at bay anymore. Instead, consider swapping your window dressing for linen curtains. The room will feel breezier, and it’s amazing what a difference it will make with the actual light it will let into your home. A great source I’ve found for new curtains is the amazingly inexpensive Yorkshire Linens, along with scoping out Amazon.

3. White everyday. I like to switch up my china to more casual white plates for most any dining situation. It adds an effortless style to the table, and allows for other dynamic elements to take center stage: flowers, pastel-colored napkins, and of course the wonderful people around you.

4. Exchange pillows. I love our perfectly color-matched velvet and silk cushions on our living room sofa. But for now, they will be put away to make room for lighter cotton and linen ones. I buy pillows that are the same size to just swap off the covers {mostly at West Elm and John Lewis}, not the inserts themselves. It makes for easier storage and of course it’s easier on the wallet.

5. Decorate with nature. Utilize fresh branches {love cherry blossoms with their gorgeous height} and accent with bright colors from favorite flowers that are finally in bloom like tulips and peonies. I love the white pottery vases from Jonathan Adler that really make the blooms pop.

I’ve spent the better part of the last three months wrapped in the coziest knits and doing my best to escape the freezing temps {but it’s been absolutely nothing like the East Coast — Boston, I am in awe}.

Slowly, though, we know the days are starting to get a little longer, the nights slightly shorter, and the air a little warmer. I’m giddy with excitement at the thought of spring coming around the corner.

I’m eager to start moving outdoors — picnics in the park, long walks after dinner — and moving the spring blooms into our dining room to grace the table. I want to feel the freshness of the new season after being cooped up all winter and energized for al fresco entertaining. Here’s a little bit of what I’m dreaming of in the months to come.

Those beautiful cherry blossoms! So elegant and one of my favorite symbols of spring. Our street blooms with them in April and it reminds me of Washington DC every year.