Some people spend a weekend on a deep spring clean, while others treat their wardrobe to a new eye-catching piece (right now, we’re loving a statement skirt). We all handle the changing seasons differently—for interior designers, April’s arrival means making a few small tweaks around the home to welcome warmer weather, brighter colors, and a more playful spirit overall.
The easiest place to start? The consensus is clear: your linen cabinet. “Just as you change your wardrobe with the seasons, I like to refresh my home by swapping out fabrics and soft furnishings—consider a subtle shift in color and tone, too,” says designer Christine Gachot. “As spring approaches, my own wardrobe staples become simpler, anchored in white tees and light denim, with a more relaxed feel. The same mindset applies to your home’s base layer: keep palettes fresh and effortlessly bright.”
Vogue’s Guide to Designer-Approved Spring Decor Swaps
The Crisp Bedding: Boll & Branch Signature Trielle duvet set, $429 at Nordstrom
The Fresh Candle: Loewe Dendrochilum Magnum Orchid candle, $180 at Net-a-Porter
The Lightweight Blanket: Parachute Vintage linen bed blanket, $329 at Parachute
The Pastel Tapers: Pottery Barn taper candles set, $17 at Pottery Barn
The Floral Plates: Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano dinner plate, $150 at Bloomingdale’s
The Printed Pillow: Lulu and Georgia Panetta velvet pillow, $128 at Lulu and Georgia
The Dried Branches: Fresh spiral eucalyptus branches, $30 at Williams Sonoma
The Minty Fresh Linen: Hawkins New York Simple linen flat sheet, $225 at Hawkins New York
With the basics covered, we asked the experts what other easy swaps they’re making this season. From lightweight lampshades to verdant Italian dinnerware, here are the spring decor changes interior designers rely on in their own spaces.
Christine Gachot
“Come April, I’m always eager to trade a heavyweight duvet for a lighter, fresher layer, or replace mohair throws with breezy cottons and lightweight cashmere. Start with texture. Replacing heavier layers with airy linens and soft cottons makes a room feel lighter, both visually and physically.
While I typically lean toward a more pared-back palette, the arrival of warmer weather feels like an open invitation to embrace pattern and color, especially when hosting. My collection of Lisa Corti napkins brings a playful pop to the table, while serveware from Porta and Ginori 1735 adds a sense of elevated whimsy. Lean into the mix, layer color, combine prints, and celebrate the palette of spring.
Finally, think of spring cleaning as a way to clear your mind and create space for a new start. Open all your windows and let the fresh air flood in. Take a moment to go through every closet, drawer, and cabinet, setting aside items for donation. Doing good feels as refreshing as a clean home. For a big refresh, a fresh coat of paint on walls or even targeted touch-ups can transform a room. Short on time? Tackle isolated spots with a Magic Eraser, my secret weapon. Every small task adds up to a home that feels renewed and ready for spring.”
* Coyuchi lightweight down duvet insert, $498 at Coyuchi
* Loro Piana Unito throw blanket, $2,100 at Bergdorf Goodman
* Lisa Corti cotton napkin, $30 at Lisa Corti
* Frette Classic sheet set, $650 at Bloomingdale’s
* Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano dinner plate, $150 at Bloomingdale’s
* Enza Fasano Nina small plate set, $164 at Porta
* Farrow and Ball Wimborne White paint, $55 at Farrow and Ball
* Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge, $10 at Amazon
Eny Lee Parker
“In spring, I like to remove anything that feels visually heavy: thick wool, dark woods, dense textures. You can replace them with more breathable materials like linen and ceramics. I also like to bring glass into the mix; something as simple as adding water to a glass vase…”It brings movement and looks clean. Another easy update is swapping a candle for one with a more mineral, herbal, or citrus scent. It subtly changes how you experience a space, not just how it looks.
Instead of buying new things, I often just rearrange. Moving books around to create more or less clutter, placing a lamp on the floor… I think disrupting the familiar makes a space feel refreshed without actually adding anything new.
Heavy linen bed cover
$320 | BED THREADS
Diptyque Baies room spray
$84 | NORDSTROM, BLOOMINGDALE’S
Zara Home x Colin King iridescent glass vessel
$80 | ZARA
Kenny Pieper optic twist carafe
$135 | NATALIE WEINBERGER
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Matilda Goad
“Spring is a time for me to take stock and reflect on what I’ve gathered over winter. With the longer, brighter days, I finally have the energy to tackle home projects I’ve been putting off. I’ve never liked having lots of art or photos on the walls, but as my young family grows, those captured moments feel more important to cherish. Rather than leaving stray photos lying around, I’ve started framing them—I love Mora’s photostrip frames.
Over the last few years, I’ve become more focused on purpose within the home. Spring is the perfect time to reassess areas and how they’re used—sometimes something as simple as adding more hooks, like our swing arm one, can have really pleasing results.”
Mora x Raven Mulberry single photobooth strip
$67 | MORA
MG&Co. fish swing arm hook
$74 | MG&CO.
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Alexandra Pappas and Tatyana Miron Ahlers
“The easiest spring fix in the bedroom is to change your bedding—not only to keep cool, but to add a little color. We use Hawkins a lot for linen. We grew up together in Connecticut, and Tatyana’s mother would ‘summerize’ their house every spring: antique carpets were rolled up and stored in the attic, replaced with sisal. Velvet sofas and tapestry chairs were slipcovered with cotton chintz. She even swapped the lamps for more colorful Italian ceramic ones and topped them with linen or raffia shades.
Also, candles! I have several candlesticks on my dining table and around my apartment. I love changing the candle colors with the seasons. Spring green or a mix of pastels are a fun change from classic ivory. My go-to is Creative Candles—they have a range of colors and sizes.”
Hawkins New York Simple linen flat sheet
$225 | HAWKINS NEW YORK
Just Shades Stick British Empire lampshade
$205 | JUST SHADES
Creative Candles 12″ taper candles
$19 | CREATIVE CANDLES
Pottery Barn taper candles set
$17 | POTTERY BARN
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Francesca Grace
“For spring, I always think less about ‘adding’ and more about refining what’s already there. One of my favorite swaps is trading anything heavy or overly structured for pieces that feel softer and more organic. I’ll replace bulky throws and dark textiles with lighter, breathable layers in washed linens and soft cottons. It instantly changes the energy of a space without a full redesign.
I also love swapping out statement decor: a heavy, ornate vase gets replaced with something more raw and tonal, styled with loose, imperfect florals or even just branches. It feels fresher and more aligned with the season without trying too hard. Another shift I always make is editing surfaces. Spring is when I clear visual clutter and bring in a few intentional pieces that feel special. That restraint is what makes a room feel elevated and calm.”
Rebecca Udall Alexandra scalloped bed linen
$160 | REBECCA UDALL
The Oblist Mira chair
$5,913 | THE OBLIST
Slow Roads Iris candelabra
$840 | SLOW ROADS
Somme Vivienne pillow
$100 | SOMME
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Susana SimonpietriSpring is the perfect time to bring flowering branches into your home. Arranging forsythia, Japanese quince, cherry blossoms, or redbuds in a vase is an easy way to add sculptural beauty. Our team has been experimenting with kenzans, or flower frogs, to create floral arrangements in vessels not typically used for flowers. We especially love heavy, Japanese-made metal kenzans.
Spring cleaning is also a great opportunity to refresh your entryway. Put away winter scarves and hats to create an airier feel. Adding trays to corral essentials and clearing space for a vase of spring flowers can make a big difference. Consider refreshing guest rooms for spring visits, too—swap out heavy winter bedding for lighter quilts.
Product Suggestions:
– Stance vase, $315 (Audo Copenhagen)
– Kenzan flower frogs, $22 (Niwaki via Bloomist)
– Handmade handkerchief wavy bowl, $140 (Etsy)
– North Star patchwork quilt, $220 (L.L. Bean)
– Parker console table, $4,200 (Faithful Roots)
– Placket tray, $225 (The 1818 Collective)
Allison Handler’s Tips:
“Fresh flowers are wonderful, but there are also great faux options. I love fresh eucalyptus, which dries beautifully and lasts for months. Swapping out pillows is an easy way to introduce new colors or textures. The same goes for bedding—switching to a lighter linen or cotton percale duvet feels refreshing. Finally, a spring-scented candle can set the mood. My favorites are Hotel Lobby’s Signature candle and Diptyque’s Baies.”
Allison’s Product Picks:
– Fresh spiral eucalyptus branches, $30 (Williams Sonoma)
– Panetta velvet pillow, $128 (Lulu and Georgia)
– Amber Lewis Aveline pillow, $64 (Lulu and Georgia)
– Castilla throw pillow, $120 (CB2)
– Signature candle, $58 (Hotel Lobby Candle)
– Baies scented candle, $78 (Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s)
– Linen duvet set, $529 (Boll & Branch)
– Signature Trielle duvet set, $429 (Nordstrom or Boll & Branch)
Jessica Alpert’s Tips:
“As it warms up, replace heavy blankets with lighter linen throws to refresh your living space. Linen has a breezy, natural feel perfect for spring. My favorites include a flax linen throw and Parachute’s vintage bed blanket. Placing large branches in vases adds life, height, and a seasonal touch—whether from your garden or store-bought. Candles also help set a seasonal mood. For spring, choose clean, airy scents like Loewe’s Dendrochilum Magnum Orchid candle, which adds a subtle freshness.”
Jessica’s Product Picks:
– Vintage linen bed blanket, $329 (Parachute)
– Flax linen throw, $395 (Jenna Cooper Los Angeles)
– Dendrochilum Magnum Orchid candle, $180 (Net-a-Porter)
– Seasonal pink blossom branches, $78 (Terrain)
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the simple spring updates interior designers use in their own homes designed to sound natural and provide clear actionable answers
FAQs Simple Spring Updates Designers Use at Home
Beginner Definition Questions
1 What exactly do you mean by a simple spring update
Its a small lowcost change that makes a room feel fresh lighter and more connected to the seasonwithout a full renovation Think swapping textiles editing clutter and bringing in natural elements
2 Why do designers focus on simple updates instead of big projects for spring
Big projects are exhausting Simple updates provide an instant mood boost and sense of renewal with minimal time budget and effort which is what everyone needs after winter
3 Whats the very first thing I should do
The universal first step is a deep declutter and thorough cleaning Clear surfaces organize shelves and wash windows A clean airy space is the essential canvas for any other update
Benefits Goals
4 Whats the main benefit of doing these updates
They significantly improve your daily mood and mental space A lighter fresher home can reduce stress and make you feel more energized and optimistic
5 Can these updates really make my home look more expensive
Absolutely Thoughtful editslike removing visual clutter styling a few beautiful objects together and using higherquality linenscreate a curated intentional look that feels luxurious
Common Problems Solutions
6 Im on a tight budget Whats the most impactful free update
Rearrange your furniture Pull seating away from walls angle a chair or switch artwork between rooms A new layout changes the entire flow and feel of a space for zero dollars
7 My home feels dark and heavy How can I lighten it up without painting
Swap out dark throw pillows blankets and area rugs for lighter colors and natural textures like linen cotton or jute Replace heavy curtains with sheer or lighter fabrics to let in more light
8 I love color but am afraid to commit Whats a safe way to add it
Use color in temporary movable ways Add a vibrant throw pillow a colorful ceramic vase a stack of art books or a fresh bouquet of tulips or daffodils