Spring has arrived!
And as always, the Easter season is hopping into sight with a bounty of brightly colored eggs, bunnies galore, and pastel bouquets aplenty. And hey, there’s lots to love about these traditions.
But while we adore the classic decor, we are oh, so tired of the seasonal clichés.
So if you’re looking for some spring renewal in your holiday flair, we’ve got you covered. Indeed, it’s entirely possible to decorate for the spring season in a new, surprising, and utterly chic way.
Want your home to stand out from the ones that look like a loud, big-box decor aisle? Then check out the top five outdated spring looks and what you can decorate with instead this Easter season, according to a few of our favorite pros.
1. Swap too-sweet pastels for earthy neutrals
The No. 1 thing we’re not planning on bringing back this spring season? Those candy-colored pastels are in every corner of the house.
Instead, designer Amy Konarzycki, of Studio AK, recommends focusing on earthy neutrals like browns, beiges, whites, and greens.
“This is a classic palette that will not get old and [will] continue to feel springlike and timeless,” says Konarzycki. “Think white tulips, hyacinths, budding branches, burlap, and light-colored gingham or stripes.”
Design tip: Pair your favorite florals with a set of these Chartreuse Gingham Napkins. Or you can make your own Burlap Table Runner.
2. Ditch your decorative door sign for a DIY wreath
Let’s make this the year that premade, plastic, decorative door signs get put out to the bunny pasture. Instead, try adorning your entryway with a DIY seasonal wreath.
“You can make a beautiful wreath by using natural materials such as grapevine, eucalyptus, or other greenery, with some soft-hued flowers like white, blush, or lavender,” says designer Lisa Jane, of Ruling Homes.
Top it all off with a textured white or blush ribbon for a chic yet understated springtime design that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.
Design tip: Follow this wreath-making tutorial or shop this Spring Sunrise Wreath.
3. Opt for muted stoneware ceramics
Another Easter decor swap we’re seeing this season: Skipping traditional, floral dinnerware in favor of softer-toned stoneware ceramics.
“Loud and vivid patterned dishware has taken a backseat and been replaced with a more sophisticated look,” says designer Amanda Oninski, of FLOOR360. “Stoneware in muted tones and patterns offers a more natural design—something we’re seeing much more of, in general.”
Oninski recommends finding a stoneware ceramic set that adds a bit of festivity while still being neutral enough for the entire spring season—something along the lines of these Speckled White Dinner plates.
4. Forget the egg centerpiece, and make a flower bowl instead
For some, an Easter dining room might not feel complete without the egg-centric centerpiece. But we’re proposing something a little more elegant this spring season: An overflowing flower bowl.
To make one, use transparent floral tape to create a grid across the bowl, suggests designer Evelina Juzėnaitė, of Planner 5D.
“For example, I did seven vertical lines and two horizontal ones over the opening,” says Juzėnaitė. “The idea is to leave a large enough space in each section to slide your flowers into.”
Design tip: Check out this DIY to make an attention-grabbing flower bowl of your own.
5. Skip the bunny statue, go for the basket arrangement
Cute baby animals are indeed irresistible and a sign of spring. But this year, we’re leaning more toward “vignettes,” a decorative way to ring in every season.
“I’m a mom, and animal figurines are always going to be fun for children,” says designer Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “But when you go beyond the kids’ table, it’s nice to find a less obvious way to give a nod to the holiday.”
So what can you use instead of rabbits this year? A basket vignette, of course.
“Basket vignettes feel fresh and organic to me,” Kuo adds. “And they have a visual throughline with Easter basket imagery.”
Design tip: To make an Easter basket vignette, start with a fancy basket. Then add in your favorite spring blooms, moss, and decorative ribbon, and top it all off with a few painted wooden eggs.