Instant Spring

When the flowers start blooming and the birds start singing, you know spring fever is catching. Greet this season at the front door by swapping out that snowman doormat for a cheerful one covered in cherry blossoms. Then place a bouquet of tulips to the side, and open your door to spring.

Turn spring cleaning into spring playing with whimsical containers in a rainbow of colors. Lemon yellow, tangerine, and watermelon spray paint give plain wicker baskets a kick. With bins this fun, your kids will be happy to put away their toys!

Introduce a dash of color into every room with vibrant picture frames. It's easy to find ones to suit any space, and decorating with them is a breeze. Group three flowery frames on a bathroom counter, four citrusy ones in the breakfast nook, and two big turquoise frames on the mantel.

Spring isn't all about florals—it's also about verdant greens! Think of a grassy meadow or new leaves sprouting from winter's dormant trees. Bring this lush look inside with modern leaf motifs and flourishes in every shade of green you can find.

Whether on your toes or on your pillows, bright colors bespeak spring! To get the latest shades, check out department-store displays—and make-up counters too. Cosmetic companies come out with a new palette each season. (We love Revlon's Pretty in Papaya nail polish!)

Tender shoots of grass and pink buds on the bushes are sure signs of spring. Reflect that fresh feeling indoors with small accents, like peony salt-and-pepper shakers or a pretty petal plate. Then scatter floral touches here and there. Before you know it, your whole house will be in bloom!

Take a tip from the fashion runway and rev up your bath with black and white plus a pop of color. The normally neutral black and white get a charge out of aqua, fuchsia, or lime towels and soaps!

Make a switch in the kitchen from cold-weather navy and burgundy to Spring's happy hues. Try dishtowels in Kelly green, mixing bowls in primary colors, or red-and-white-cherry measuring cups to cast out the winter blahs.

Pack up those fireside plaids—paisleys are all the rage! Look for these Bollywood prints on pillows and chair cushions. Beads add sparkle and shine, but you can keep it casual by mixing them with solids and stripes.

If your mood says it's springtime but the weather isn't there yet, turn your plans around and have happy hour indoors. Turn up the thermostat and serve a refreshing pitcher of lemonitos picnic-style. A bright floral rug is always in bloom!