Hopping Into Spring Decorating

Hopping Into Spring Decorating
At this table, ginger jars, statement bunnies and greenery fill the center of the table, with bunny dishes nestled among them. (Handout/TNS)
Tribune News Service
3/18/2023
Updated:
3/18/2023

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service

With the arrival of spring comes a renewed sense of energy and joy, and what better way to celebrate the season than by incorporating playful and charming seasonal touches into your home decor? For me, spring decor brings the arrival of fresh florals and of course, bushels of bunnies. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit after all, according to the Chinese zodiac, making it an especially auspicious time to add the adorable creatures to your interior design.

Sprucing up your space with bunnies and florals is a whimsical way to create a fun and fresh springtime atmosphere in any room. Endless possibilities exist for incorporating them into your decor, from figurines and wall art to textiles and dinnerware. Here are some creative and stylish ways to bring a touch of springtime charm to your home.

Sprucing up your space with bunnies and florals is a whimsical way to create a fun and fresh springtime atmosphere in any room. (Handout/TNS)
Sprucing up your space with bunnies and florals is a whimsical way to create a fun and fresh springtime atmosphere in any room. (Handout/TNS)

There’s a Bunny for Every Style

Although the origins of the Easter bunny are somewhat shrouded in mystery, one theory is the symbol of the rabbit stems from the festival of Eostre, a pagan tradition celebrating a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny (please forgive this religious studies minor as she geeks out just a “hare”).

Wherever they come from originally, bunnies as decor are available in all forms. In varying sizes, they range from elegant white ceramic, to detailed and delicate bronze, to whimsical and wooden. No matter your personal style, I truly believe there is a bunny to match—which leads me to my next point.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking anything will do for spring decor. Take your time and find pieces that truly resonate with you and that you will love to use year after year. Those bunnies and eggs that you display will look a lot more natural and “at home” in your space if they stick with the style to which you ordinarily gravitate.

Once you find a bunny (or two) you love, it’s time to display it! If you are looking to create a sweet Easter or spring vignette with your bunny as the shining star, start by placing a large bunny in the center and add smaller items around it, such as candles, vases of flowers or even decorative eggs. You can also use bunny-shaped objects, such as ceramic bowls or candle holders, to add a playful touch to your display.

Once you find a bunny (or two) you love, it’s time to display it! If you are looking to create a sweet Easter or spring vignette with your bunny as the shining star, start by placing a large bunny in the center and add smaller items around it, such as candles, vases of flowers or even decorative eggs. (Handout/TNS)
Once you find a bunny (or two) you love, it’s time to display it! If you are looking to create a sweet Easter or spring vignette with your bunny as the shining star, start by placing a large bunny in the center and add smaller items around it, such as candles, vases of flowers or even decorative eggs. (Handout/TNS)

Make Bunnies the Center of Your Table

Spring can bring a dizzying array of get-togethers, and the table is a fun place to set the scene for all the festivities during the upcoming months. For an effortless springtime table, I like to keep a main centerpiece and rotate decor and each place setting around it. The centerpiece can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and you can add different elements to it as the season progresses.

Spring can bring a dizzying array of get-togethers, and the table is a fun place to set the scene for all the festivities during the upcoming months. (Handout/TNS)
Spring can bring a dizzying array of get-togethers, and the table is a fun place to set the scene for all the festivities during the upcoming months. (Handout/TNS)

At this table, ginger jars, statement bunnies and greenery fill the center of the table, with bunny dishes nestled among them. For now, little brass bunnies rest in nests of greenery at each place setting atop a stack of sweet dishes. After Easter, they might be replaced with little birds or other natural elements to round out the season.

At this table, ginger jars, statement bunnies and greenery fill the center of the table, with bunny dishes nestled among them. (Handout/TNS)
At this table, ginger jars, statement bunnies and greenery fill the center of the table, with bunny dishes nestled among them. (Handout/TNS)

This next tabletop proves springtime doesn’t have to be all about pastels. This tablescape takes a less expected approach with pops of citrus tones that pair perfectly with our beloved blue and white. White ceramic rabbits are the perfect addition; they look absolutely at home among the fine floral dishes and blooms, and their monochromatic color keeps the arrangement from looking too busy.

This tablescape takes a less expected approach with pops of citrus tones that pair perfectly with blue and white. (Handout/TNS)
This tablescape takes a less expected approach with pops of citrus tones that pair perfectly with blue and white. (Handout/TNS)

On Decorating for Easter and Spring

One thing to keep in mind when decorating for Easter and spring in general is you don’t have to go overboard with decor — a few new stems and a bunny or two can go a long way.

But I know some that take this time of year as an opportunity to start fresh with their decor — literally. If you’re looking to incorporate more springtime touches around the house, consider swapping out darker, heavier textiles like throws and throw pillows for lighter and brighter options, or exchanging a few pieces of art on the wall with something botanical and full of life.

Don’t leave out the outdoors when it comes to refreshing for spring. Adding seasonal touches to your patio or outdoor living space is a great way to encourage use of the space as the days get longer and warmer. New outdoor furniture might be in order, or maybe a few new outdoor pillows will do.

Make an Impact With Tropical Florals

Tulips are one of the most beloved flowers of spring, with their vibrant colors and delicate petals. These versatile flowers can be used in a variety of ways, from centerpieces and bouquets to wreaths and garlands. With their simple beauty and versatility, tulips are a must-have for any spring decor.

With their simple beauty and versatility, tulips are a must-have for any spring decor. (Handout/TNS)
With their simple beauty and versatility, tulips are a must-have for any spring decor. (Handout/TNS)

Incorporating bold tropical stems with delicate traditional florals is a great way to add dimension and interest to your arrangements. In this display, tulips, hydrangeas and drooping floral stems are the monochromatic base from which tropical greenery bursts. Monstera leaves and spiky palm fronds are mixed throughout, providing visual interest on all sides of the piece. The end result? Stunning bouquets that retain their refined New Traditional feel while still feeling fresh.

In this display, tulips, hydrangeas and drooping floral stems are the monochromatic base from which tropical greenery bursts. Monstera leaves and spiky palm fronds are mixed throughout, providing visual interest on all sides of the piece. (Handout/TNS)
In this display, tulips, hydrangeas and drooping floral stems are the monochromatic base from which tropical greenery bursts. Monstera leaves and spiky palm fronds are mixed throughout, providing visual interest on all sides of the piece. (Handout/TNS)

Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at [email protected]. Copyright 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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