Not everyone can be expected to buy a new house every time you want to change up your decor like I do.  I understand entirely.  Trust me when I tell you…you need not be jealous.  As I write this I sit in a state of what could only be referred to as … total disaster.  Stacks of broken down boxes block the front door.

Erin Gates for Wayfair . Starburst $38.

I wish they were the only boxes lying in wait.  There are half opened boxes, their contents awaiting their final home on the wall or cabinet or wherever they are intended to go.  Sadly, some haven’t even been opened yet, so I’m not sure what’s in them.  I’ll find out, but it’s going to take more time than this weekend allots to me.

Pillows provide an answer for the sane home owner looking to breath a little fresh air into their design, without upending the living room, and blocking the television from the view of avid March Madness watchers.  Much safer, and in my opinion, more fun than preparing to paint.  I love the way a new coat of paint can transform a space, but it’s not as easy as some of the DIY shows, or sites claim.  A good paint job is 90% preparation, cleaning, and filling, and protecting, and taping.  You get the drill, when you actually arrive at the painting part most folks have had it, and rush through to completion, splattering paint on sills and radiators, and leaving unseemly drips on the wall.  That simply won’t do.

Erin Gates for Wayfair:  Left Greek Key – $48.  Right:  Palm Print Knife Edge $30.

Pillows are the answer.  Many designers create lines for the spring and fall.  Darker hues, seasonal references to nature, and heavier fabrics are common for winter.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a Santa or Snowman pillow in the mix, but as I have no children, you won’t find them in my house, no matter the season.  No judgement if you choose to accent a chair, sofa, or bed with one.  I think it’s important to celebrate the child in all of us.

Left:  Arianna Belle Blush Pink Velvet with light gold piping $142.  Left:  Etsy . Schumacher Lotus Garden Lilac $75.oo

The spring pillow punt got me kicking into gear to see what some of my favorite designers had been up to during the cold winter months.  Erin Gates has created a new line for Wayfair, that is worthy of a look, and in my case, action.  Her love of animal prints is expressed in a spring Zebra pattern.  She remains true to her traditional Greek Key standard with a lovely array of pastel, and kicky coral shades in two styles.  I think my favorite of the bunch is the Starburst.  It reminds me of a Dandelion gone to seed.  Whimsical and pretty.

Left:  Arianna Belle . Pale Pink Linen with Greek Key $178.  Right:  Etsy . Color Style . Kelley Wearstler . Bengal Bazzar $75.00

I love wild tropical flowers, and chinoiserie.  I like birds, and bold pops of color that draw the eye and surprise.  Not too many.  I like my home to be calming, but every room must have some element that is a bit unexpected.  Etsy is a great place to shop affordable pillows.  Arianna Belle at arriannabelle.com has a beautiful selection, some are a little on the pricey side but worth it in my opinion.

Arianna Belle . Lotus Garden Parchment $104.

I’m ready to spring to action.  Are you?