How can you shake off the winter blues and welcome the first blush of spring? The changing of seasons is even more highly anticipated this year than normal as people are especially excited to put last year where it belongs, in the past. And, many are seeking more than just a simple spring cleaning. We reached out to interior designer Keith Baltimore, to give us the scoop on how to take spring up a notch.
As founder of the Baltimore Design Group, Keith Baltimore, has been an interior designer for over twenty-five years, worked on many important design projects as well as being featured in everything from The New York Times to Showtime House. So, he knows a thing or two about how to reinvent a home. Admittedly, a renovation may not be in the cards this year, so he shared his thoughts about our changing lifestyles and his best easy, breezy springtime design tips that everybody can do.
TIP NUMBER ONE: LET IN THE LIGHT
” Let in a new light.”
More and more people have found themselves at home, en mass, doing everything from meeting that twelve o’clock deadline, making pasta for lunch and reacquainting themselves with high school algebra, all within one hour of the day and a 1,500 square foot of living space. To all the home warriors, Bravo! Life has been a juggle and our homes have felt more like a jungle of colliding lives. So, it’s time shake off the dust and let in the light! Take down all the drapes and get them cleaned. You will be amazed at how uplifting it is to let the sun in. We often don’t realize how much dust and debris can collect on our curtains. While you’re at it give the windows a good cleaning, too. You will be thrilled at the difference it makes to you and your home.
TIP NUMBER TWO: BECOME AN EDITOR
” We spend the first half of our lives collecting and the second half getting rid of it.”
Don’t be shy to get rid of anything in your home that doesn’t bring you joy. Even if something has sentimental value and you don’t want to throw it out doesn’t mean you need to see it every day. You can pack it up and store it for another time. It’s super important, especially now, that you surround yourself and your family with things that uplift and support you. When you edit out and purge all of the stuff, you will have given yourself so much space back and you can see your home with a new perspective.
TIP NUMBER THREE: BE A SUPERHERO
“Be someone’s superhero.”
You don’t have to wear a cape when you’re editing, but you can if you want to. We won’t tell. Just remember that even if it doesn’t bring you joy, it doesn’t fit anymore, you haven’t worn it in five years, or you never figured out how to turn it on, doesn’t mean that it can’t bring someone else joy. Always remember to give away or donate as much as possible. Be benevolent. Be someone’s superhero.
TIP NUMBER FOUR: GET MOVING
“Reinvent the traditional home to fit your lifestyle today.”
Now that you’ve cleaned it up and edited it out, it’s time to shift it all about. Well, not everything, but you can certainly reinvent a space by questioning the positioning of armoires, sideboards, tv’s and rugs. Just ask yourself, ‘What if that____wasn’t there?’ Would you feel better? Does it lighten up the space? Make more sense? If you’re unhappy with a space just remember there are no rules to furniture. Your dining room can become a much needed home office. Take a risk!
TIP NUMBER FIVE: HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE
“Rethink what is in the coffee table.”
You know that low-lying table that anchors the center of your room? Yeah, that one. It’s not a miniature storage container. Or a unique art form made of leftover Chinese take-out boxes. Even fifty tiny collectible figurines and family photos can start to feel overwhelming. So think about refreshing that precious square footage and put something that lifts your spirit and leaves enough room for you to enjoy a cappuccino.
“Fresh flowers makes everybody happy.”
– Keith Baltimore
TIP NUMBER SIX: GIVE GOOD ZOOM
“We all want to give good Zoom. It’s just polite.”
Zoom. Contrary to the what the name suggest it’s something you do mostly while sitting down. Something just a couple of short years ago was unheard of now has become a dominate factor in many peoples lives. And, let’s face it, some people Zoom better than others. That plant dying behind you, the unfolded laundry, the train wreck of a shelving unit, yes, everyone can see it and it doesn’t look good for you professionally in anyway. So, since we are forced to become our own miniature recording studios why don’t we treat our space just like that. Even if you can only carve out a tiny amount of space whatever is in frame behind you make it the best that it can be. Maybe even paint the wall behind you to a more flattering shade. Place a beautiful art piece in front of an ugly electrical outlet. Go wild and let your inner interior designer out and dream up the most beautiful backdrop for your business meetings. Your Zoom partners will thank you.
TIP NUMBER SEVEN: BREATHE DEEP
“It’s all about the air.”
Never before have people been so aware of the joy of breathing in the fresh open air. This year design is all about the air, playing with it, giving more room to it and really celebrating that all important breath of life, creating a space that is airy and breathable, light and free. Open your newly cleaned windows and welcome spring. Clean out your air filters. Beautiful home fragrances are a fun way to decorate your air and add a soothing ambience to your space. Everyone needs more air and you will be surprised what a mood booster it is for everyone in your home.
TIP NUMBER EIGHT: BE A KING, BE A QUEEN
“Your home is your castle.”
Life is too short. Your home is your castle and you its wise and noble ruler. Should you decide to knock down a wall, it will be knocked down. Paint all the bathrooms your favorite shade of bubblegum pink, pink it is. All those who are summoned to dine with thee must drink out of Baccarat, so it shall be. There is nothing like drinking orange juice out of Baccarat, because, well, if not now, then when? People are reimagining and re-evaluating what is important in life. And, if there is something that makes you feel soft, yummy, cozy & lux; something that makes you feel like a king or queen of your own home, buy it. Sometimes a stunning piece of art is an important purchase for the sheer joy and beauty it gives to you. Maybe a ridiculously lux throw blanket is a good buy because it feeds your soul and makes you feel safe and comfortable. Finding joy in chaos is not an easy task so when you find something that sparks your smile bring it home. And may you plant that seed of happiness, and may it flourish in the light of the spring sun.
HÉMÉRA