house& home | May 2015 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net26

P R O J E C T

As old man winter bids his final goodbyes throughout the

country, we all enjoy welcoming in springtime.

The season means new beginnings, new activities, the bud-

ding of flowers, and for many of us, the motivation to also

lighten up our homes.

So to pay homage to one of our favorite seasons, here are

five easy ways to lighten up our homes for our beloved

springtime renewal.

1. ADD LIGHTING. Dark rooms, regardless of

the season, actually are emotional downers. The antidote is

easy: add more light!

And one of the easiest ways is by adding additional lamps,

but not just any ole lamp.

Many say that lamps are the jewelry of the room, and I

totally agree. Buy good lamps. And why buy only metal

lamps that only give lighting when lamps with color,

shape, and different textures will add both visual interest

and uniqueness?

2. ADD LIGHTER COLORS with fresh new

pillows or area rugs, or wall art. These items offer such an

easy way to breathe new life into our spaces. And buying

what is meaningful now can be enjoyed for years to come,

especially if you take the time to make personal, meaning-

ful selections.

Left: Add pops of color to brighten up neutral spaces. (Photo by Sherwin Williams) Right: Hue inspiration from Katie Rosenfeld Design.

SPRINGTIME RENEWALFive Easy Ways to Lighten Up Your Home for Spring

BY MITZI BEACH

27

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• Etchings • Transoms • Stained Glass • Entry Doors • Sidelights • Domes • Shower

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house& home | May 2015 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net28

3. PAINT A SMALL SPACE with a fun color,

such as in an entry. A snazzy or unexpected hue will definite-

ly add more impact than most realize. And paint is most defi-

nitely a homeowner’s most inexpensive option (I can’t pro-

fessionally say cheap), but is the BFF for the effect versus

cost.

4. SHOP FOR KITCHEN PLACE-MANTS AND RUNNERS for guess who? Yes,

you! Use them for everyday occasions and not only for for-

mal dining rooms or special days. Such purchases bring won-

derful returns on a small investment that can be enjoyed for

many future springs.

5. BUY FRESH FLOWERING POTTEDPLANTS for the in-doors. Nothing says spring like fresh

flowers, and today they are so affordable, whether at a

favorite nursery or grocery store.

Life is busy. Life goes by so very quickly. But as we all

know, it is the little things that often matter the most.

These five little but easy ideas for your homes can indeed

matter to those who mean the most to you.Indoor houseplants bring color and fragrence to your home. (Photo by imgbuddy.com)

Couleur Nature’s “bougainvillea” runner in red and grey is sure to brighten any tabletop.

Natural light lamps help brigten up your space.(Photos courtesy The Lighting Gallery)

Mitzi Beach, ASID, principal of Mitzi Beach BoomerSmarts, Wichita, KS, often comes to Houston to provide continuing education seminars to her colleaguesinterested in functional design that offers aesthetic appeal. She is a Certified Aging in Place design specialist as well. Her Web site is www.mitzibeach.com

29

Norm Hilburn • www.airmartoftx.com

The high performance, flexible mini-ducts of the fit easily behind walls and ceilings, eliminating the need for unsightly andcumbersome metal ducts and allowing you to maintain the architecturalintegrity of your home. is also draft-free and removesmore moisture from the air.Call this certified contractor for more information on the

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