Well folks, it’s almost here. We made it through the bleak winter, the cold days and nights, and the continuously grey snow on the side of the roads that matches the skyline. We are now days away from spring. The grass has started to green, the wild flowers have started to bloom and the birds are back singing their melodies for all to hear. And we at Ciao couldn’t be happier. While we love the winter sports and the holiday season, we prefer the spring and summer weather. We thrive off the relaxation of the golf course, the beauty of the lake, and the vibrancy and action of the towns around our showroom in the warmer days. It’s also the time of year when people start to again think about home improvements and outdoor landscaping. Why not follow suit and bring the spring indoors and rid your house of the winter blues? As the popular saying goes – “Out with the old, in with the new.”
Fresh Fabrics – For the season, tie in pops of blues, greens, pinks, and yellows to your furniture pieces. Exchange your winter reds and greens for pastel or paisley inspired throw pillows and blankets. Reupholster your dining room chairs, or your treasured family high-back in over sized floral or lattice patterns. Or, replace the bedspreads with duvets woven in damask or scroll designs.
In particular, we love the fresh new designs by Robert Allen. The Company’s Botanical Color Fabric Collection is one bursting with energy and bright colors while the new, Into the Garden by Madcap Cottage Collection pays tribute to dramatic foliage design and greens inspired by the English country side and the rocky coasts of Maine. Both designs capture the essence and vibrancy of the coast, the serenity of lush gardens and the fresh beauty of the growing season.
Blooming Accents – While the botanicals bloom outside, bring some inside. Start small, with flowering lilies in simple glass vases, or go big with ferns behind your sofas like that of the Palecek design below. Pick the wild flowers from the neighboring hills or run to the local market for fresh cut blooms in spring pastels. Whatever you decide, greenery in your home this time of year will cheer you up and rejuvenate your spirits after a long winter.
Patterned Rugs – Rid the house of scuffed and muddy carpets for a spring inspired uplift. Replace the entry and hall rugs in vibrant hues and patterns for an instant pick-me-up when you walk in the door. Love pastel colors, tie in your living room rug to pastel vases and throw pillows for a more relaxed and calming look. Draw upon the colors from the iris and lilac bushes starting to bud outside. If you have neutral colored furniture, you can tie in the cool spring blues, greens, and yellows more effortlessly into your overall room scheme with the replacement of simple accent pieces and floor designs.
However you aim to introduce spring into your home, we hope this season is a time of fun and outdoor adventures for you and those you love. We hope you take from the growth and colors around you this season and are just as optimistic and lively. We sure will be here at Ciao.