Home Improvement Blog: October 2011

Fall is in full swing and winter is on its way. We here in California are more fortunate than other parts of the country when it comes to climate this time of year. While most don’t think of winter design themes other than holiday décor, there are ways to bring the nicer parts of winter into you interiors and get that refreshed look that complements the season. 

Adding splashes of white to your decorating is the obvious and easy way to give your home a neutral base you can work with.  However, bringing the outdoors in will really make an impact and cheer you up during the blah cloudy days of winter. Make the inside of your retreats more like a snowy day with clear bright skies. This can be done with accessories, good lighting and the addition of indoor plants that can thrive in your home if cared for properly. Here are a few suggestions.

Potted Gardenias make great house plants and bloom year after year. They bring that splash of dazzling white to your interiors and the bonus of great fresh smells. Place them where they will get full sun during the day and water them regularly two to three times a week.  Put them in decorative containers that fit your décor in colors like darker greens and steely blues and grays that say winter…but in a good way!

Potted Lavender is another great choice.  Its silvery grey leaves and dark blue or pink blooms bring color and a pleasant scent to any room.  It also has the added bonus of being an herb that has many uses.  Keep it in bright sunny spots all day or in well lit bright rooms like a kitchen or sunroom. They don’t need much water so keep them mostly dry and water when the top inch of dirt feels dry.

Begonias come in many colors.  Their foliage is rich looking and beautiful when the plant is not blooming, which is not often.  They adjust to the lower light levels of winter very well and will bloom throughout the winter.

Topiaries, not often thought of as indoor displays, can make great house plants that infuse winter color and scents to your living spaces. You can prune them into interesting shapes if you are the artistic type!  They are also a great way to bring height and interest to a room. Some bloom and they blend well with most color pallets.

As with any house plant, make sure all your containers drain well so you don’t end up with unwanted bugs or rotted roots. Pick off dead leaves or blooms to keep them all growing healthy and looking fresh. 

Winter doesn’t need to be dull and gray. Fresh white and greens can be cheery and cozy too!  For more tips and information visit our blog at www.accentingspaces.com or visit us on face book/AccentPositives.

AccentPositives provides effective and economical Home Staging and Redesign consultations on site and on-line. We are located in Corona and serve the Inland Empire of Southern California and the Palm Springs area.  Call 951 833 8529 or email staging@accentpositives.com.  Visit www.accentpositives.com or www.accentingspaces.com.