SPRING TURNOVER

After surviving the doom and gloom the economic world has endured, it may be time for a bright lift at home. Optimism is back in the air and that little kick is back in our steps. With the stock markets rebounding and real estate markets starting to move again, I think we can start to feel a little better. Thank goodness, because you know I have that small addiction to real estate and can't resist a home with great bones in need a little TLC (tools, labour and cash), so for me it's important that we enjoy a solid real estate market. So with the turn around, I'm in a great mood and am looking forward to bringing spring home.

Spring is about lightening up at home. Start by taking down heavy drapery panels and opening up the blinds. How about some fabulous bamboo shades, sheer shades or even cotton drapery panels that will billow in a light spring breeze? Yes, letting the light in and brightening up those windows is step number one.

On the floor, roll up heavy area carpets (the cow hides, the sheep skins and wool) and dress the floor in spring textures such as sisal, hemp, braided organic cotton or try the New York trend of a moss carpet (honest, try a Google search on moss floors or even check them out on YouTube). Another spring texture one can include around the house is sheer gauzes, or, spruce up the spring feeling by using hot spring shades such as geranium, pink pansy, sunflower yellow or new bud green. Patterns in your drapery, area carpets and accessories can also summon spring - try wide summer stripes, oversized geometrics and organics such as coral and flowers.

I prefer to use glass, white mother of pearl and silver containers and vases in spring and summer. Remember to group items together for greater impact. Try filling glass containers with sand or coarse salt, top with an air plant for a refreshing look.

You should also replace fall and winter toss cushion and throws with lighter and brighter spring pieces. I often change my lamps or my lampshades - black alligator lampshades in the family room are changed to cream linen shades, and in the master bedroom you can change the gilded gold bases to coral or tree stump bases.

The change of season gives us a great opportunity to alter our rooms without spending a lot of time or money. Just as we are oh so tired of wearing our winter clothes and can't wait to put them away for a few months, our rooms are equally as anxious to put away their winter attire and turn over a new spring look.