Apr 21, 2013

Spring decor with natural elements and textures

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope your weekend has been good to you so far. It's been sunny here in Maine and finally starting to feel like spring -- I love it!

So, it's the perfect weekend to show you my spring decorating. I didn't go crazy this year and I mostly used things I already had on hand. My focus this year was on natural elements and textures, with glossy white accents as contrast. Take a look!


This is the dining room, which is back to being a dining room after we flirted with it becoming a sitting room. On the table is a simple centerpiece in my Pottery Barn lantern that I got for a steal a couple years ago. Inside, you might recognize the jute twine eggs I made over Easter weekend, and my DIY rope-wrapped pot.


The plant inside is an Arabica plant that I picked up a couple weeks ago. I wasn't sure how it'd like being inside the lantern, but it seems to be growing and thriving! The lantern is sitting on a charger from Target.

The white vase and white bird are Michaels finds from a couple years ago. I love the glossy white with the textures of the jute and the greenery. And the colorful bamboo placemats are from Bed Bath and Beyond. They make me happy :)


I spent a few minutes last weekend poking around our backyard to find some sticks and branches, then let them dry out for a few days in the garage. They're quick, fast and cheap fillers for vases. I'd love to have fresh flowers all the time, but they're more a splurge for me than a regular purchase. To add some soft spring textures, I made a little flower out of tissue paper by simply cutting two layers of paper into an irregular circle, poking some floral wire through the middle, and gently folding the tissue paper into a petal shape. I secured with a little hot glue and a little green ribbon around the base.


Recognize this console table? It used to hang out in the living room until I decided to put the media cabinet in its place. I like it in the dining room. It holds our cookbooks and makes a great spot for drinks or appetizers when we're entertaining. But right now it's a great spot for more spring decor!


Let's start at the bottom with the runner -- a past DIY project using some fabric from the remnants bin at Joann. I'm a total sucker for that remnants bin. The bottles are simply old beer bottles wrapped in jute twine. Since there's no art on this wall (yet), I wanted to create some height with this display, so I used more branches and tissue paper flowers. These are some tissue paper pomanders I made (and never used!) for our wedding (I used Martha Stewart's directions, but you can find how-tos everywhere). And yes, I've kept them! I've felt kind of silly hanging onto a box full of tissue paper pomanders, but let me tell you, they've come in quite handy over the years. They just need a little fluffing to look good as new.



My new terrarium is hanging out here too -- I'm happy to report it's still alive! The bird is big brother to the little one on the table.


This bird print, bought  for me by my mom from HomeGoods, adds some fun color to the whole display. This used to hang in our living room but it was a little small for the wall so now I'm trying to find a different home for it. For now, I like it here, especially as it echoes the birds-and-branches thing I've got going on.

This white bowl from Target has the rest of my jute eggs and the yarn ones I made too.

 
And if you like me on Facebook, you'll recognize this glass bottle, my latest flea market find for just 10 bucks. I'm addicted to glass bottles. I particularly like this one with some curvy branches and tissue paper flowers. It looks so romantic!



A couple more photos, because I can't resist...






In short, I bought nothing new for this spring setting -- just the way I like it! :)

Have you decorated for spring yet?

Before I sign off, I just have to take a minute to say my heart goes out to everyone affected by the tragedy in Boston. As I said on my Facebook page, this one hits close to home for me -- Boston is really the heart of New England, and I have so many happy memories of time spent there, from going to the Science Museum on school field trips, to Red Sox games with my husband, to visiting good friends who live there. I'm happy all my friends were safe, but my heart breaks for those whose loved ones were not as lucky. And while they may have apprehended the people responsible, the ordeal is not over for those who have to continue healing and grieving.

I can't do much to help, but I can donate blood, and I did last week. My proximity to Boston means my donation might actually be transported there if they have a shortage and need it. I'm a big advocate of blood donation, so wherever you are, I urge you to consider taking the time to donate blood. One pint of donated blood can save up to three lives! It feels so good to know you're making that kind of impact.


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's an awesome post in favor of all the web viewers; they will get advantage from it I am sure.

Here is my blog :: parts volvo 850

Anonymous said...

Thank you for another informative site. Where else
could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal
method? I have a mission that I am just now working on, and I have been at the
glance out for such information.

My site adjustable dumbbell sets

Anonymous said...

I visited multiple web sites except the audio feature for audio songs current at this
web page is truly fabulous.

Here is my webpage: psd party flyer templates

Anonymous said...

Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give
it a look. I'm definitely loving the information. I'm book-marking and will
be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and superb design and style.


Here is my web page: phen375 canada

Anonymous said...

We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

my homepage ... rat rod truck

Anonymous said...

What's up to every one, the contents existing at this website are genuinely amazing for people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.

Take a look at my homepage ... companion pet clinic beaverton

Anonymous said...

I have learn some excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how a lot effort you put to make the sort
of fantastic informative site.

Here is my web-site: armstrong flooring

Anonymous said...

It's appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it's time to be happy.
I've learn this publish and if I could I desire to recommend you few interesting issues or advice. Maybe you can write next articles relating to this article. I desire to learn more things about it!

Feel free to surf to my page :: paleo meals

Anonymous said...

What's Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help different users like its helped me. Good job.

my web page rat hot rods

Anonymous said...

Amazing blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
I'm planning to start my own blog soon but I'm a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
There are so many choices out there that I'm completely confused .. Any tips? Thanks a lot!

Here is my web-site: armstrong vinyl

Anonymous said...

For hottest information you have to visit web and
on world-wide-web I found this web page as a best web page for latest updates.


Feel free to surf to my website; phen375 canada