Many of us spent the fall and winter staring at a house filled with lovely, albeit crowding, holiday decorations. With spring on everyone’s minds these days it’s only natural to want to punch up your living spaces with a new fresh look. Setting a new tone doesn’t have to be hard or expensive, here are a few easy trends to try to freshen up your home with help from some of the best retailers in the area.

1. Natural Materials

Layering natural, textured materials in your space can evoke a sense of calmness and serenity – and who doesn’t need more of that? Natural oak finishes on furniture coupled with stone and marble accents will give your space an elevated and clean feel. Lambertville favorite Zinc has plenty of elevated neutrals to choose from, including larger pieces of furniture and home decor accents to pop in any room in your home.

2. Vintage Florals

I know what you’re thinking, florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. But vintage floral patterns are certainly making a comeback this season and jumping on this trend couldn’t be easier with all the great thrift and vintage shops in the area. Romantic designs on vintage china will add a touch of pattern and hominess to your kitchen.  Floral vases and lamps can be a great way to add a unique look to bookshelves, entryway tables, and desks. Make a day out of it and check out 2022 Happenings List thrift store winner PossAbilities Thrift Boutiques, or Yesterday’s Treasures from Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation to go treasure hunting for these beauties.

3. Unique Greenery

It seems as though over the last few years everyone has been bringing more and more houseplants into their homes. And while houseplants aren’t going anywhere this season, their shape is taking a trendy turn. This spring look to incorporate more sculptural, irregular greenery into your home to add more depth and interest. ByeWay Gardens is a Happening List winner from last year and with its great selection and knowledgeable staff, they will definitely be able to help you nail this trend.

4. Bold Colors

Magenta is this year’s Pantone Color of the Year and this vibrant hue is leading the charge for bold colors everywhere. Saturated tones and striking colors can be a little scary to work into a space, so try starting off small with couch pillows, throw blankets, area rugs, and even picture frames. If you’re feeling right at home with this trend try incorporating a strong accent wall into one of your spaces to add a punch of intensity. Blue Raccoon in Lambertville has a lot of great bright accents that will help you dip your toe into this bold trend.

5. Antique Accents

The ultra-modern, sleek home design we saw over the last few years seems to be slipping away in favor of curated rooms with character pieces. Mixing in antique accents in the form of dressers, tables, and bookshelves among more contemporary touches will not give a more professional look to a room, but also let the vintage pieces really shine. And as any Hunterdon resident knows, there is no shortage of great antique shops in the area. You can find terrific pieces at The People’s Store Antique Center or A Touch of the Past both in Lambertville just to name a few. Whether you have an affinity for mid-century, colonial, or art deco pieces, this trend will work with any aesthetic.

For more places to find home inspiration check out the full list of 2022 Happenings List winners and be sure to vote for the 2023 Happening List here!