The weather is warming, the days are longer, and the flora is bursting into peak bloom. In other words, spring has arrived in our little corner of the world. Second perhaps only to the New Year, spring seems to be the time of year that brings about the most inspiration for a big change—whether that’s in your daily habits or your décor. As you begin to tackle spring cleaning tasks and finally get around to a closet reorganization and the dreaded chore of cleaning out gutters and power washing moss off of your driveway, consider sprinkling in some fun changes to your home. With the new season comes new design trends, and we’re breaking down a few of our favorites. Read on for ways to revitalize your home this season and some of our favorite Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty listings that epitomize these fresh trends.
Statement Lighting
As they say, lighting is a room’s jewelry—it’s what adds that extra bit of sparkle, catches the eye, and makes a design feel fully realized. Switching out your dated light fixtures for something that suits the rest of a room’s style can make a world of difference. For rooms like kitchens and bathrooms in particular, lights do the heavy lifting as there are fewer décor pieces in these functional spaces to focus on than in spaces like the living room or bedrooms where there’s more freedom to add interesting pieces.
2708 65th Place SE, Mercer Island
Represented by Mary Norris and Paige Norris
This Mercer Island property boasts a Hollywood Hills aesthetic, evoking a sense of glamour and elegance. From the entryway’s unique chandelier, adorned with quaint lampshades—striking a playful balance between industrial and cozy—to the dining room’s statement globe chandelier, this home’s interior is perfectly accessorized.
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Embracing the Past
If you currently reside in an older home, consider yourself lucky. This spring is all about embracing both the old and the new, and a vintage home presents opportunities to play with retro characteristics that newer homes don’t offer. Before you tear off that dated wallpaper, consider keeping a section of it and bringing it into the modern age by pairing it with a trendy accent color—perhaps Pantone’s Color of the Year Peach Fuzz? If your home is a newer build, you can add the antique charm by sourcing vintage furniture, artwork, and décor like ceramics, candlesticks, and flower pots.
1608 & 1610 4th Avenue W, Seattle, WA
Represented by Lino Guidero
Travel 120 years back in time with these historic Queen Anne Hill listings, previously stewarded by the Queen Anne Masonic Freemasons for 100 years. What could provide better inspiration for vintage interior style than a home designated by the Seattle Landmarks Board?
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Built-Ins
Sometimes it’s just as much about where you style your décor as it is about what décor you’re styling. Installing shelves and adding bookshelves will never go out of style, but there’s something about a built-in shelf or alcove that makes a home’s architecture feel intentional and thoughtful, like they were always meant to be there. Take advantage of your built-ins as you arrange your books, vases of flowers, or collectibles. If you’re worried that your built-ins look dated, add a fresh coat of paint and keep the décor to a tasteful minimum for a look that’s modern and uncluttered. Remember, when it comes to styling, especially during spring, typically less is more. Go maximalist during the holiday season when peak coziness is desired.
9031 NE 19th Street, Clyde Hill
Represented by Ambili Sukesan and Mary Nelson
This luxury estate in Clyde Hill is a prime example of how to create an elegant, understated design with your shelves. They border a fireplace, perfectly framing it and designating it as the center of attention, while adding to the warm, simple aesthetic. The classic mantle is the cherry on top of this thoughtful layout.
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