How to brighten up your home for spring

Step 1: Feel serene with green

Green is taking over the interior design world. It’s an important color, especially in springtime, as it provides a calming yet eye-catching atmosphere. Emerald is taking the spotlight in accent pieces such as throw pillows, lamps, vases and glassware. Sherwin-Williams declared “aloe” 2013’s color of the year. This paint color will work on your walls because of its fresh and youthful glow, which can make any room in your home feel breezy and sophisticated.

Step 2: Go on safari

African prints are this year’s floral. African-inspired colors and textures can be as dynamic as the continent itself, capturing the deep richness of a rainforest, the soft hues of the savannah and vibrant sunrises. Quality accessories including paintings, sculpture, curtains, pillows, and throw blankets can make every room a cultural experience. These pillows are designs from Origins Style by Nasozi, blending Ugandan textiles with American fashion.

Step 3: Have geometric fun

Interior design’s 2012 love affair with geometric patterns has continued, and we love it! We’ve always enjoyed design textiles with a retro flair, and this year it’s time to take it further with high-contrast colors. Whether it be throw pillows, curtains, rugs, lampshades or other small accent pieces, fun patterns can bring excitement to a stale space. If you’re feeling bold, wallpaper is the way to go to create an accent wall that completes a room.

(Ferm Living Shop, $82)

Step 4: Try metallic magic

The perfect way to add a special shine to any space is with metallic pieces in your home decor. Good Housekeeping says gold and brass are stealing silver’s spotlight in 2013, and this spring calls for a warm, golden tone. Gold and brass metallic accent pieces give any room a fresh, on-trend look, adding sparkle and warmth, to foreshadow the summer ahead!

(Pier 1 Imports, $22.95)