'Spring Inspired'

As I am writing this, the rain continues to patter against my window and the walls of my bedroom, although painted a crisp mint green, have somehow adopted the gray somberness of the sky outside.

But it isn’t just the wall color that has become listless and uninspired. There are the winter white curtains with its tasseled valence, the festive arrangement of potpourri, and the fleece blanket underneath the dark, olive green and purple quilted comforter on the bed.

Now I can understand why my bedroom décor refuses to make the seasonal switch, which is overdue by almost a month now. It’s probably for the same reason my snow boots, wool coat and gloves are next to the front door in the hallway.

The answer is: Yes. For those living on the East Coast, what you saw yesterday were indeed snow flurries in the midst of April.

Well, if spring refuses to come to us, then we must go to it.

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Fresh floral and colorful motifs in this season’s bright shades of orange, pink, blues and greens lay the foundation for any living space badly in need of a spring revival.

Architectural Digest finds the latest in prints by some of the world’s most cutting-edge textile designers. Whether influenced by a paisley pattern of Kashmir or concentric rings, each print takes a bold approach to using color.

Clarence House, known for its modern production of tapestries, silks and prints, created ‘Primavera’ on cotton and linen.

Covering an end wall in a leafy fauna wallcovering, interior designer Scott Snyder brought the outside in to this Florida home.

Adding to its catalog of over 30,000 fabrics, Gaston y Daniela present ‘Acapulco Lino’ on union cloth.

While strapping wallpaper to a wall in a daring print is one option, there are other ways to add a touch of spring to your décor:

• Start with the pillows on your couch and eventually work your way to replacing that chunky comforter.
• Have an armchair upholstered or simply throw on a new slipcover.
• Throw in some brightly colored vases for added measure.

And before you know it, spring will have arrived. Finally.

- S. Gonzalez

* Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest online