HOUSE BEAUTIFUL: Swap cabin fever for spring fever

February 29, 2008

By Anne Calos The Niagara Gazette Fri Feb 29, 2008, 03:48 PM EST

By Anne Calos

calosa@gnnewspaper.com

If cabin fever is getting the best of you, try bringing a little bit of spring into your home.

You don’t have spend a fortune or be able to decorate like Martha Stewart, in fact, the solution may be as close as your local grocery store.

Lockport decorator Tracy Cain, owner of Interiors by Decorating Den, said even small touches can bring the feeling of spring into your home.

“Anything that engages your senses can change your mood and make you feel like spring is in the air,” Cain said.

Her first suggestion — fresh flowers.

“Local grocery stores have collections of ‘forced’ bulbs at this time of year. You can get paperwhites, tulips and hyacinths, which are my favorites because they smell so nice,” Cain said.

In fact, Cain said you should always have fresh flowers in your home, no matter what the season.

“Flowers are great because they bring a feeling of life into your home because they’re alive. We’re blessed to have so many wonderful grocery stores around here that sell great flowers at reasonable prices. Fresh flowers can make such a difference,” Cain said.

Although Cain makes her living going into people’s homes and overseeing much bigger decorating jobs, she stressed that everyone, even on a tight budget, can make small changes in their decor to fit the season.

Cain’s other suggestions include:

n Throw Pillows: These are a fantastic way to change your decor to fit the season. Available in discount or craft stores in various colors, patterns and textures, pillows are an inexpensive and simple way to change the look and feel of a room.

n Artwork: Try changing some artwork in your home. You don’t have to replace the giant painting over the sofa, but rotating small prints of flowers, greenery or landscapes can transport you into another season. Cain also suggests hanging personal photography in matted frames, which can be purchased at discount and craft stores at reasonable prices. These can make a room uniquely yours.

n Area rugs: Laid over existing carpets, hardwood floors or even tiles, area rugs in various spring colors or patterns can brighten almost any room.

n Placemats, tablecloths or runners: Instantly change the look of your kitchen or dining room with this simple move.

nFruit bowls: Bowls of fresh or even high quality “fake” fruit can have the same effect as flowers.

n Cleaning up and clearing out: Although few of us get into the old-fashioned heavy-duty spring cleaning anymore, it’s still important to clear out clutter regularly.

n Rearranging: Whether its furniture or accessories, moving items from room to room or arranging furniture within a room can make a big difference.

Whatever the season, Cain stresses the old adage “your home is your castle.”

“Take advantage of every season. Your home should create a beautiful environment you can enjoy any time of the year,” Cain said.

Contact reporter Anne Calosat 439-2922.

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