”It's where we get to spend most of our days, so creating a good feeling within our houses and apartments has never been more important.” Stylist Kasia Rutkowiak from the My Full House blog shares with us her tips for refreshing the home for spring.
“IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN when everything feels easier, lighter, and better. At least that’s how I feel, each time spring starts arriving. Days are getting longer, the light gets brighter and everything just seems more positive.
As we have recently had the first lockdown anniversary, our homes seem even more important than ever before. It's where we get to spend most of our days, so creating a good feeling within our houses and apartments has never been more important.
Personally, I am a huge enthusiast of using small items to create a big impact. We don't have to make a massive makeover in order to change the mood of the room, as it's mostly the accessories that create the final look and feel of any space. Changing posters, textiles, adding green accents and small decorative items can do wonders.
Spring feel in the living room
This year, as I was planning to refresh our living room for springtime, I chose several items in muted or classic colors, to achieve a clean, bright look. Together with delicate flowers and a blooming azalea plant they instantly created spring vibes and added a dash of freshness, that we all need so much after dark winter months.
“I am absolutely enchanted by the stunning alpaca throws and pillows by the Danish brand Form & Refine.”
The sofa corner is my favorite spot in our apartment and I spend time there when I need some relaxation after a busy day. I often use a blanket and some pillows to make myself comfortable and warm as I read, make notes or listen to music. I am absolutely enchanted by the stunning alpaca throws and pillows by the Danish brand Form & Refine. Their softness is second to none and they are so beautifully made. I also like the fact that the throw is big enough to wrap it around the kids on a Friday TV night.
As I am relaxing on the sofa, I always have either tea or coffee to enjoy. The Helix teapot from Georg Jensen is one of the favorites in my collection. I was lucky to witness its premiere at Georg Jensen's headquarter back in 2019 and talk to one of the designers behind the Helix collection from the Bernadotte & Kylberg duo, Oscar Kylberg. I love everything about this pot: it’s not only pretty but also very comfortable to use and it cuts drops like a knife. Its smooth and shiny surface makes it blend nicely with other steel collections, such as Bernadotte, as well as all kinds of ceramics or porcelain. What more can you wish for?
In order to add a natural, warm touch, I often use wooden trays and the Bon tray from Ferm Living is great both for carrying and serving. It can fit many items and also makes a great object for the simple Plinth marble table by Menu.
Regardless of the time of the year, we always burn candles and often change candle and tealight holders. The Kastehelmi votive by Iittala adds both color and structure, which I love, and these simple yet decorative tealight holders look great alone or in groups.
Waiting for the summer
As summer gets closer, it's also time to think about the outdoor activities. We don't have a garden, but we're blessed with a balcony that will soon need some fresh plants. I was happy to discover the newest addition to the Kinfolk book series – The Kinfolk Garden – and I have already found inspiration for our upcoming urban gardening season. Definitely a great book for anyone who enjoys growing plants and spending time outside.
“The Kinfolk Garden is a great book for anyone who enjoys growing plants and spending time outside.”
And how nice that I can now read in the afternoon without having to turn on the light. Not that I mind, especially with the Sax lamp by Le Klint, but a day when it's no longer necessary to use electric light to read after 4 pm, marks the end of a winter era for me. And I couldn't be happier!
Apparently, so are the monkeys. The one on the Kubus flowerpot (great for potted plants, as well as ikebana-style flower compositions!) is my oldest one, although you cannot tell. These classic figurines designed by Kay Bojesen are some of the most complimented decorations in My Full House, and I can see why. The next monkey on my list is the medium one, and I cannot wait to welcome it in our home. Hopefully, it will happen before this year's spring will turn into summer. Fingers crossed!”
Get inspired
Wooden Monkey
Sax wall lamp
Helix teapot
Plinth marble table
The Kinfolk Garden
Shell pot
Aymara cushion
J81 chair
Kasia Rutkowiak is a Polish-born freelance interior stylist, photographer and writer of the Scandinavian interior and lifestyle blog My Full House, which has followers and readers from all around the world. She is a mother to three Danish-born children and has lived over twelve years on the island of Bornholm in Denmark. Currently, she resides in Warsaw, Poland.
See also:
• More products for home decoration at Finnish Design Shop >
Text and images: Kasia Rutkowiak