Opens in a new tab
Browsing Tag

home decor

Community, Crafts, Ideas & Trends April 10, 2024

Spring Planting and Gardening Ideas

Adding plants to your home is an excellent way to liven up your space for spring. Creating a beautiful spring garden or decorating with indoor plants can initially seem intimidating. You might be wondering what plants to get and how to incorporate them.

Keep reading to discover everything you need for decorating with spring plants.

The Best Plants for Spring

Selecting plants that bloom during this season is a must for decorating with spring plants. A thriving garden will be easier to care for while making your home feel lush and verdant.

Below are some plants that do well in spring and beyond.

Azalea

Azaleas are ideal for adding a pop of color to any outdoor space. They produce highly saturated flowers that will look full all spring long. You can find azaleas in various colors, from pink and purple to yellow and orange. These shrubs also vary in size. Some can get as tall as 20 feet, while smaller azaleas grow between 2 and 6 feet.

Tulips

These elegant flowers bloom between March and May. Ultimately, their bloom season and life span depend on the temperature. Tulips can last one to two weeks in cooler weather and bloom in late spring.

Rose Bushes

This timeless shrub typically blooms in the later part of spring. For that reason, rose bushes are wonderful transition plants when summer arrives. However, if you’re looking for a low-key garden, roses may not be for you. These plants require more upkeep than your average plant to remain healthy during the cold seasons.

Pansies

If you’re looking for an unstoppable color for your spring garden, pansies are a must. Although they require a lot of sunlight, they can still thrive in cold weather, so a little snow in the spring won’t hurt them.

Dogwood

The dogwood shrub features stunning, large white flowers that blossom in April and May. Plant them in your front or backyard to add a clean, contemporary look to your home for the spring. Help dogwood plants thrive by keeping them in shady areas and moist, well-draining soil.

Magnolia

Magnolia blossoms have become a symbol of spring. Their soft pink petals and teacup-shaped structure will grab anyone’s attention. The time they bloom depends on the variety you get, with some popping as early as March. Add this tree to your garden for beautiful flowers year after year.

Indoor and Outdoor Spring Plants

There is no right or wrong way to enhance your home with plants. But that can make choosing the right ones hard. The best place to start is by deciding if you want indoor or outdoor plants.

Outdoor Plants

Give your curb appeal an instant upgrade by adding spring plants. Even a small spring garden will add sophistication, style, and warmth to outside spaces. Still trying to decide what to plant? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Plant Flowering Shrubs

There are many springtime options when it comes to shrubs. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangea are some seasonal favorites.

Add a Seasonal Flower Garden

Tailoring your garden to match the season is a fun way to switch things. Install a range of annual spring flowers to enjoy heady scents and vibrant colors. Pansies, gladiolas, and tulips are all good options since they handle cold weather well.

Plant a Vegetable Garden

Early spring is the best time to start growing vegetables. Here are a few that are in full bloom:

  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Peas

Plant Fruits

Don’t limit yourself to vegetables. Spring is the ideal season for fruits too. Here are some that are perfect during this time:

  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Plums
  • Blueberries
  • Apricots

Indoor Plants

Plants aren’t strictly for outdoor areas. They can uplift your indoor spaces as well. Add them to any room in your house for a calm and chic atmosphere. Even though you can’t have all the same plants that you would have outside, there are still a lot of great options like:

  • Orchids: These sophisticated flowers add minimal elegance to any space.
  • Lilies: Peace lilies and Calla lilies are both ideal for springtime décor.
  • Gardenia: Fill your home with the sweet smell of spring with gardenias.
  • Snake Plant: The snake plant is easy to care for and has a striking appearance.
  • Aloe Vera Plant: A low-maintenance plant with a sculptural structure.

Don’t feel like you must commit to one or the other. Having some greenery inside and outside will give your home an inviting appeal, inside and out.

How to Decorate With Plants in Spring

Decorating with plants is a great opportunity to be creative. Think beyond the basic planter pot or outdoor garden. Here are some unique ideas that will set your home apart this spring.

Ideas for Decorating With Indoor Plants

Get a Plant Shelf

Make your indoor garden the focal point with a plant shelf. A cascading one will add a waterfall effect to leafy hanging plants. Or you can use a tall shelf to display various flowers and succulents.

Get a Hanging Plant

Hanging plants are wonderful for small spaces. Not only do they save room, but they also give the illusion of a taller ceiling.

Create a Terrarium

Terrariums are a clever way to add style, and they’re ideal for plants that require little upkeep. Air plants, succulents, and cacti are all good options for terrariums. Custom design your own with pebbles, soil, moss, and rocks.

Ideas for Decorating With Outdoor Plants

Lined Walkways

Make your home more inviting by lining your walkway with flowers or shrubs. Depending on where you live, desert plants like lavender, yucca, and agave also work well.

Container Gardens

Container gardens have become increasingly popular over the last few years. By choosing outdoor planters over traditional gardens, homeowners are saving time on maintenance while adding a contemporary look to their yards.

Hanging Garden

Vertical gardens are the latest outdoor trend making its way into everyone’s backyard. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also a great space-saving hack.

Door Wreaths

Spring flowers and wreaths will make your home shout spring. Add one outside or indoors to create a welcoming environment.

Should I Use Fake Plants?

Fake plants are a good option for low-light indoor areas like bathrooms and foyers. Many high-quality imitation plants look as good as real ones and will last much longer.

What Do I Need to Decorate With Plants?

Whether planting inside or outside, you’ll need some gardening essentials before starting. These items include:

  • Gloves
  • Pruning shears
  • Garden fork
  • Hand trowel
  • Gardening spade
  • Watering can
All Posts, Home Decor & Furniture March 5, 2024

A Guide to Coastal Décor and Furnishings

Transforming your home into a haven is all about creating a space where you feel comfortable and at peace. Coastal homes exude an intrinsic charm, radiating a carefree, calm vibe. Whether you’re revamping your upstate beach house or bringing the coast’s soothing elements to your New York City loft, our guide to coastal décor and furnishings is everything you need to transform your space.

Difference Between Coastal Décor and Beach Décor

Beach and coastal décor are often used synonymously, but there are a few key differences. Picture the contrast between a tropical Aruban beach and the rocky seaside of Cape Cod. Both beach and coastal interior design draw inspiration from natural coastline elements but create a distinct aesthetic.

Coastal décor mirrors classic marine elements and the ruggedness of the shore. Think of a tailored, refined feel with darker colors and vintage elements. On the other hand, beach décor translates the feeling of seaside relaxation with flowy linens and lighter tones and textures.

Must-Have Coastal Décor for Your Home

Coastal decorating draws from the natural elements of the beach, like sun, wind, sand, sea, and sky. A tastefully designed coastal home encompasses a collection of rustic furniture and décor to create a tranquil atmosphere. Unlike beach décor, coastal décor leans more on the nautical side, emphasizing deeper neutral-toned colors, natural materials, and soft-touch experiences. You want to paint a picture of scenic landscapes, crashing waves, and sunshine through your décor.

That said, everything from wall art to decorative vases can help you turn your vision into a reality. Here are some of our top, must-have coastal and beach décor pieces from Ashley:

  • Chevron Pouf
  • Precia Rug
  • Dallson Floor Lamp
  • Monterey Wall Art Set
  • Colburn Wall Sconce
  • Jamon Table Lamp
  • Dorcey Planter Set
  • Jocelyne Tray Set
  • Irvetta Pillow
  • Coenbell Pendant Light
  • Leonita Throw
  • Belenburg Floor Mirror
  • Hannela Small Vase
  • Elian Basket Set

Best Colors for Coastal Decorating

Coastal decorating takes a simple, minimalistic approach. A coastal-style color scheme captures the serene beauty of seaside landscapes with different neutral shades. White or beige walls create a light, open ambiance. Deep greens and royal blues reflect the soothing tones of the sea and sky. Earth tones and natural materials like dark oaks, pines, and wicker create a feel reminiscent of the sand and shoreline. Grays and creams transcend you to a rocky beach. If you’re leaning more on the beach décor side, subtle pops of color like coral, seafoam, and turquoise can exude a graceful, tropical feel.

You can incorporate these coastal home décor colors in many ways and add your personal touch to make your space unique. It’s all about telling a cohesive story with interior design. For example, if you choose a white couch, add contrast with gray or royal blue throw pillows. Or display neutral-toned ceramic vases, vintage-style mirrors, and nautical motives throughout your home to compliment your furnishings.

Furnishing Your Living Room at Your Beach House

When furnishing your beach house living room, always keep things light and bright. Maximize the natural light in your living room with strategically placed wooden or vintage accent mirrors. A visually appealing coastal living room has a mix of dark and light tones and textures that blend harmoniously. Couches, sofas, and accent chairs should evoke the comfortable, calming feel of the seaside. Stick with whites and neutral tones for coastal living furniture, and add subtle pops of color as you see fit.

A natural wood or white coffee table will further complement your other furniture. If you prefer dark tones, create a balance of light features with your décor. Tasteful wall art, large plants, candle holders, and coastal motifs can all add to your seaside oasis. Use natural textures like wood and wicker to imitate the shoreline feel.

Coastal Living Decorating Ideas

Every space in your home can emanate an enchanting coastal vibe. Now that we’ve covered living room coastal furniture and décor, let us paint a picture to spark creativity with these coastal décor ideas.

Foyer

After a day at the beach, entering a coastal home should enhance that tranquil feeling. A deep oak entryway table adorned with plants, a lamp, and other seaside elements is the perfect start. Add a decorative mirror to open your space and a neutral-toned entryway rug to tie it all together.

Kitchen

Light, airy, and inviting should describe your coastal home kitchen. Keeping with the coastal home color scheme and elements, line your kitchen island with simple, chic wooden chairs or barstools and hang rattan pendant lights above. Add a natural decorative tray to hold your olive oil cruet and salt and pepper mills. Complete your island with a decorative vase filled with beautiful flowers.

Dining Room

Create an open feeling in your dining room with a standout table set in deep oak or pine. You can also create contrast with a lighter wood table and coastal-style white chairs. Get creative with centerpieces! Some of our faves are plants, glass vases filled with seashells, or vintage candle holders. Amp up your space with framed beachside wall art and decorative mirrors.

Bedrooms

Your bedrooms are the ideal space for coastal-inspired wall art, a cozy white duvet, and stylish throw pillows in deep blues or greens. White ceramic lamps are the perfect addition to your nightstands. A wooden accent chair near your window can add a cozy space for reflection. Adorn your bedroom with other earthy elements like hanging plants.

Bathrooms

Transform your bathrooms by integrating weathered wood and driftwood for a rustic coastal feel. Use light airy materials for your shower curtains. Blend nautical motifs like coral, forage, and seashells with woven baskets, rope accents, and framed coastal-themed artwork to create a visually appealing space.

Design Your Coastal Oasis With Ashley

Embrace the beauty and tranquility of coastal living by designing a home inspired by the timeless allure of the sea. We believe the best home décor lets your personality shine through. Ashley is the top spot to embark on this delightful journey, with hundreds of furniture and décor options to create your seaside haven.