Skip to content

9 ways to update your home for spring

The colours, materials, and patterns you need to hit refresh on your interiors this season

Bookmark article to read later

By House & Garden South Africa | September 12, 2021 | Interiors

Now that the days are getting longer and the rays of morning light brighter, we can feel a perceptible shift in the air. While there may be the odd winter day left to endure, spring/summer is undoubtedly here and with that comes the impetus to update our homes for the warmer weather. While some changes are obvious (like lighter bed linen and open windows and doors), it’s aways nice to welcome the change in season by making some styling changes to your home. Below, Temple & Webster’s head of styling Jessica Bellef shares her spring makeover tips.

COLOUR PALETTES

Australian landscape

Inspired by the colours of our sun kissed land, from the ocean to the outback, this natural palette feels earthy and breezy, conveying a casual, easygoing vibe. Eucalyptus sage, sandy whites, the deep russet of outback soil and glassy sea green combine to create a soothing colour story that works well for a decorating scheme or a subtle artwork that celebrates the natural environment. Grainy timbers, tactile woven elements, bronze highlights and raw linens complete this look.

Summer spice

The rich, spice-infused colour palette of autumn/winter has evolved for the warmer months, moving toward the shades of a desert sunset or refreshing fruity cocktail. Terracotta, berry, nude pinks and grounding clay are pepped up with marigold yellow, peach and cheeky splices of candy pink. We will see this colour palette play out across cushions, throwsand bedding in particular.

Gelato

Soft rose, lavender, mint, fresh icy blue and pistachio green come together to form a sweet palette that is grounded by dove grey and creamy whites. The clean lines of mid-century inspired furniture keeps the sugary palette from becoming too sickly, as do frame details in sleek metallics. Look out for a statement armchair in a gelato-hued velvet or décor pieces in dainty, feminine forms.

Island resort

The striking combination of black and white is given a fresh summer update, with the addition of lush jungle leaf green. The palette transports us to a tropical island resort and hints at plantation style, with black and white stripe as a key print (especially in beach towels and beach umbrellas), paired with the natural tones of cane and raffia.

MATERIALS

Marble and velvet

Luxe finishes like marble and velvet have dominated trend talk for the past few seasons and they will continue to shine through spring/summer 2021. Wintery jewel-toned velvets take a sidestep and soft gelato velvet pieces will be the focus for the warmer months, with some mustard and deep green colourways sneaking into the mix. Look out for velvet armchairs in petite proportions or add a velvet cushion to your bed or sofa for an affordable injection of the trend. Marble adds cool elegance to a space, in either crisp white or a dramatic, veiny black or deep green. If the luxe look isn’t your thing, marble is a versatile material that can be played down when used in simple forms and styled up with organic elements.

Weaves

Spring/summer 2011 will see lots of tactility in furniture (indoor and outdoor) and interior decorator items, with rattan, sisal, jute and raffia at the forefront of this trend. Taking it back to traditional crafting techniques, the natural texture and neutral colour palettes of these materials lend themselves to casual spaces, but the materials will also appear in sleeker settings, featured as neat inserts on case goods or paired with warm metallic finishes. Play with this trend by adding baskets, a sisal rug or a woven pendant light to your space.

Artisan

Organic, imperfect surfaces and handmade finishes continue to trend, as we are drawn to ceramics that retain the essence of the hands that made them and loose abstract art works, where the marks of the maker are evident. The addition of this type of piece adds a feeling of warmth and authenticity to a space.

Fine frame detail

When it comes to furniture, the clean line of Scandinavian design is elevated with sharp detailing in contrasting materials such as brass, iron and powder-coated steel. Bulkier shapes are passed over for leaner, lightweight forms, and attention to the smallest detail is key with expert timber craftsmanship and joinery on show.

PATTERNS AND PRINTS

Botanical

The ubiquitous jungle palm print splashed across wallpaper and soft furnishings continues to trend, but the love of the leaf pattern extends to all types of botanical, such as oversized monstera leaves and dainty florals with a slight nod to vintage style, and will be included on cushions, art and wallpaper. The update to the look takes a moodier turn, with lots of black included in the pattern’s colour scheme.

Text by Yeong Sassall, Vogue Living

Gallery image 0Gallery image 1Gallery image 2Gallery image 3Gallery image 4Gallery image 5Gallery image 6Gallery image 7Gallery image 8Gallery image 9Gallery image 10