There are so many ideas and beautiful, inspiring styles of decorating this time of year. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. And expensive! I love knowing what my options are when it comes to seasonal decorating. But, I also like to understand how to prioritize and budget well.
With that in mind, I am including “Frugal Variations” with each of my recommended priorities for the decorator who loves a vintage flair. Each of these “must haves” are really quite simple and attainable.
Note: I have hidden three little birds throughout my house for fun. See if you can find them all by the end of the post. Also, stayed tuned for a list of some other blogs that are posting along the same theme. I am honored to be part of a Spring Home Refresh blog hop today!
So, in order of importance, here are what I feel are the top three must haves for the spring farmhouse:
1) A Good Spring Cleaning
This one is self explanatory!
It could mean carpet cleaning, interior painting and purging the entire house.
Or it could mean you finally prioritize basic house cleaning that you have been wanting to get to and maybe do some things like wash the slipcovers.
Frugal Variations:
Open your windows, declutter and clean the surfaces in your house.
2) Bring Nature Indoors
Flowers are the first thing that comes to mind, fresh or faux, it doesn’t so much matter.
My four favorites this time of year are tulips, ranunculus, hydrangeas and lilacs.
Also, consider tucking some birds nests into vignettes and perching a few bird figurines around the house.
Changing out a few pictures with the seasons is always fun.
Fortunately, there are gorgeous printables online designed for personal use.
Frugal Variations:
Pick a bouquet of wild flowers if you have access to them or “force” flowering branches. I have not done this before, but this year, I cut some lilac branches and brought them inside. I just put them in a vase with water like I normally would do with flowers. After a couple days, the blossoms opened. Early lilacs!!
Some years I have planted grass seed in several clays pots, it took about two weeks to become a nice height, but they made great decorations.
Here are some free spring printables, including the one above.
3) Lighten and Brighten
Last month, I made white slipcovers for these dark green recliners and the room feels so much lighter.
I added white pillows to the couch and window seat. And even painted the trunk/ coffee table. This living room is a work in progress and there will be more lightening and brightening of this space.
Frugal Variations:
Spray paint some things a lighter color.
Add in some lighter textiles to a room; blankets, pillows, scarves, table cloths and even dust ruffles can be used as slipcovers and throws.
Take down some curtains and let the sunlight in for a few months.
Ok, did you find all the birds?
Hidden bird answer: 3 birds, one on the cabinet over the fridge, one on the t.v. armoire and one on the piano.
Before you do, don’t forget to grab your FREE Decluttering Printable by clicking on the image below!
Sharing at these parties, as well!
Just beautiful! I really like your approach to this series Sarah. I love how you didn’t just share your refreshed space but you broke it down into tips for us to follow. Perfect, user-friendly guide–especially with those frugal variations! So nice. Thanks for sharing your home with us, it’s always a treat for me to stop by She Holds Dearly.
Author
Thank you, sweet friend! You are always say the nicest things. xoxo
Sarah, this space is seriously so lovely!! I loved looking for the birds! lol So many great tips in this single post, love all of the frugal variations you included and the slip covers turned out beautifully! Have enjoyed getting to know you better! xoxo
Author
Haha, you are so sweet to look for the birds, I’m so glad you stopped by! I loved working with you and getting to know you better.
Such a beautiful space, Sarah! I love your frugal variations! One thing I never thought of doing was replacing pictures but it makes perfect sense! Your new covers are amazing really freshen up the space! Thanks for sharing, hon!
Author
Keila, Oh good, I hope you find some fun printables, and thank you for your kind words!
Love each image & idea. That silver tray is a treasure! Love nests too!! And so many of the bloggers on the hop are my IG pals…off to visit!
Author
I love that you noticed the tray, gotta love some patina!
I can look at your pictures over and over. You have such a pure style, one that inspires! Thank you for the time you spend putting it all together for your readers. Your home could pass for a beautiful Bed And Breakfast! I am ready to make a reservation!
Author
OH my, what a wonderful compliment! That is what I want my house to look like, a Bed and Breakfast! haha!
All You pictures are so down to earth and everything in your place looks so fresh and clean! You are ready for spring at your place 🙂
Author
Thank you, Kendra! It was so nice to make some progress. xoxo
These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing at Creative Ways Link Party.
Author
You bet! Thank you for hosting! xoxo
I love this space! I loved all of your tips too! That is such a great idea. I loved looking for the birds too. Your home and your blog are so beautiful. Your photography is so bright and pretty…always…This blog hop was so much fun to do with you!
Author
I loved with you, Kellie, as always! You are a treasure! xoxo
Ohhh I love this post so much Sarah! Such a clever and useful idea to add the “frugal variations”…i always appreciate that;) Your style is so effortlessly beautiful and welcoming. And I need that lilac print!
What a beautiful home!Thanks for sharing at The Creative Circle. I enjoyed visiting.
Author
Oh, you are so sweet! Thank you for hosting such a fun link party!
I have been lost in your blog for sometime now, Sarah. It is captivating, beautiful, charming, and has been a treasure to read. you are so gifted sweet girl.
Author
Wow, that is such a compliment, I’m so glad you stopped by! You made my day.
Such beautiful pictures of your home, Sarah. I appreciate your helpful tips to get a home ready for Spring. I’ve been trying to have a few frames to switch pictures out easily for different seasons or holidays. I could scroll through your blog and get lost for hours if I let myself! Thank you for sharing your home and tips! Love you, Friend!
Author
Tanya, you are always a bright spot in my day, thank for everything!
Such a fun and awesome post Sarah! Your home is beautiful! I loved all the tips and fun spring touches – well done! xo, B
Author
Beth, It was so fun to work with you! Thank you for all your encouragement!
What a beautiful home you have! That blue chair is breathtaking! Adding touches of spring adds to your already beautiful space! I hope you have an amazing day!
Smiles!
Terry
The Curator’s Collection & Making Broken Beautiful (Thursdays)
Author
Thank you, Terry, that blue chair is so photogenic, thank you for noticing!
Your home is so beautiful! I love your color palette and your tips were great!
Author
Dara, you are so sweet! Thank you for stopping by, that means so much coming from someone as talented as you.xoxo
Hi! Amazing picture! I blog about living with passion and I would love love love for you to check it out!!
Author
Thank you for stopping by, I would love to visit your blog!
I enjoyed your blog. I will keep visiting you, please keep me on your email list.
Hi Sarah! This space is so lovely! I adore the collage in the right corner behind the chair and your mix of golds a browns – so pretty! The little details are just perfect – oh, and I want your sofa 🙂
So many pretty vignettes and some great tips!
Thanks for sharing this on Dream Create and Inspire, spring farmhouse, it is gorgeous, if you have a few stop by and visit, love to hear from you
Maria
Loving the way you are brightening your space up. I admit I found 1 bird, so now it is like a vendetta. Scrolling back up to see if I can find the other two!
Thanks so much for joining the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party.
Sarah- not only is everything you have shown us beautiful, but your addition of Frugal Variations is brilliant.
I hope you will share this at Thoughts of Home on Thursday this week.
We would love to have you.
Just stop by my blog to join in.
Enjoyed visiting,
Laura
White Spray Paint
You have such a fantastic eye for things! I’m already sold just from your use of hydrangeas, they were the only flower allowed at my wedding! And, amazingly, they all survived it so I was able to dry them and have them all over our old house now 🙂
By the way, I nominated you for the Liebster Award!
http://www.grandmashousediy.com/liebster-award/
Have a wonderful day!
Love this! We live on an old farmhouse and this is such an inspiring post. I love the colors in your home!
xoxo
Alicia
So pretty! I really love that teal chair and all of your vintage silver! Thank you for linking up with Dream. Create. Inspire. Link! Pinning! Cat
I love the vintage vibe I am getting from your blog, its so pretty and true to you! that blue chair is to swoon over. I am a fan
Hugs
Maria
These were such fantastic tips. Your pictures are so stunning, I stop and stare at each one. I loved doing this with you. How was that already a month ago?
I notice in your beautiful photos that you have what appears to be a large entertainment center in the living room. We also have one almost identical……have been thinking about painting in order to lighten up our room. We have two slender bookcases on either side so it would be an enormous job. Wonder if it is worth it….. Also have 2 wonderful wing back chairs that we hope to slipcover in washable white duck. Am hoping that would be enough to lighten the room. Any thoughts? Thank you……
I notice in your beautiful photos that you have what appears to be a large entertainment center in the living room. We also have one almost identical……have been thinking about painting in order to lighten up our room. We have two slender bookcases on either side so it would be an enormous job. Wonder if it is worth it….. Any thoughts? Thank you……
Author
Mary Lou,
I am thinking of painting the t.v. armoire, as well. Maybe a cream with a gray inside. We will see. I know I want to repaint the piano to a cream. It will definitely lighten the room!
As for the recliners, I just slipcovered them and wrote a detailed post on how to do it on the blog. I hope that will help you! Your home sounds so beautiful!
Great tips! And your home is beautiful! I’d love for you to share this at our weekly link party! http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2016/05/fun-birthday-party-ideas-little-bird.html Hope to see you there!
Love this, We are so brutally cold here and just had another thirty inches of Snow, ( Bomb Cyclone ), the drifts, ice dams.
I wish for us Spring Cleaning, could start now, interior and exterior
These looooooooooong winters, ya just go into a deep hibernation
enough to maintain Snow maintenance, Wood for Stoves, Grrrrr
Supplies………
The never ending list of ta da’s/accomplishments for this year
is good intentions, probably to much overload for us.
Love ya blog/posts
Thank you
Author
I so understand about wanting spring and finished projects! So sorry about the cold weather right now. xoxo