So here we are in February and even though winter doesn’t seem to want to loosen its icy grip, Team Bliss is setting its sights on spring! Last month we talked all about home renovations but maybe something major isn’t in the cards for you at the moment. Does that mean you need to spend the foreseeable future staring at the same space day after day? Absolutely not! Restyling some of the surfaces in your home is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to change things up with very little commitment.
Coffee or entryway tables, mantels, kitchen islands, ottomans…these are all prime spaces on which you can focus your efforts! Because any change you make won’t be permanent, this is most definitely the time to experiment and have fun with trends or colors you’ve been wanting to try.
If you’re styling a larger surface, you’ll need to decide if you prefer a symmetrical appearance or a less structured effect. After putting away her holiday decorations this year, Katie wanted a fresh look for her mantel and we decided to go for an eclectic style tied together with gold accents
We selected pieces with varying heights to create interest and made sure to incorporate diverse textures. Soft feathered plume reed, a vase with intricate carvings, and a beaded gold frame come together to create a richly layered appearance. If we’ve got you motivated to update some of your own surfaces, read on for our pro tips!
Pro Tip #1: First and foremost, keep in mind that a green is always a good idea! Any space can quickly be upgraded with a splash of green—real OR faux! If you’re not confident in your ability to keep real plants alive (no judgment!), you could invest in a high-quality silk option or keep it budget-friendly with beautiful dried bunches (We love the selection at Afloral!) An important thing to keep in mind when styling surfaces: always measure your space and note the dimensions of anything purchased online! It is easy to overlook but if you aren’t careful you’ll end up with a vessel that hangs over the edge of a mantel or a tray that’s too large for your tiny end table!
Pro Tip #2: Your surfaces are the perfect place to take a chance and let your personality shine! Why not incorporate a favorite accent color that might be a bit much for for, say, a wall color or furniture upholstery? Bring on the bold fuchsias, vibrant yellows, and brilliant blues!
Pro Tip #3: Surfaces are also a wonderful place to incorporate meaningful objects like family heirlooms or pieces collected during travels. Don’t have anything that fits the bill? Go shopping for cute, quirky items that catch your eye. (We simply couldn’t resist the adorable sulky bird that reminds us perhaps a bit too much of our own moody toddlers!) These pieces don’t have to be expensive to make an impact….World Market, Target, and At Home have plenty of fun options!
Pro Tip #4: Don’t forget to add in art that makes you smile! Team Bliss has been enchanted by the adorable miniature oil paintings all over Etsy, and it is there that we stumbled upon a wonderful local artist, Tisha Marks. Katie selected one of Tisha’s pieces for her mantel, and we used another—a seascape of a beach in Cape Cod—for the living area of a client whose family often vacations there. With so many artists and styles to browse, you’re certain to find something that speaks to you.
We hope these tips inspire you to restyle some of your own surfaces and give your home a fresh look for the coming season! Don’t forget that we absolutely love hearing from you and seeing how you use our tips to bring a little bliss into your own homes. Hang in there, everyone—spring is surely on its way!
~Team Bliss