Spring is finally here, and what better way to ring in the season than by reviving your interior and exterior spaces? After holing up for the winter, we Mainers certainly know how to appreciate a warm spring day, and interior designer Robin Davis of South Portland’s Robin Davis Interiors is here to show us how to bring that sunny feeling into our homes. By using whimsy tile patterns in the bathroom and kitchen, adding a splash of color outside, and incorporating textural elements in the bedroom, you can elevate your home from drab to fab.
Brighten Up Your Backsplash
When you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen without undergoing a complete renovation, consider a simple backsplash update. “This is something that anyone can do to change the look and feel of their kitchen,” says Davis. “If you don’t have the time or funds for a remodel, changing out the backsplash can refresh your space.” Davis loves to play up Maine’s coastal vibes with three-dimensional tiles from Capozza Floor Covering Center. Make a modern statement with a soft blue color and add some acrylic floating shelves to create a special moment. After you’ve given your backsplash a stylish boost, “try switching out your planters or adding a small, clear glass vase on the windowsill with a single bloom. It adds a happy touch to any space,” Davis notes.
Make a Statement
Bathroom tiles offer the perfect opportunity to incorporate your favorite colors and play with a small room layout. For a recent Portland project, Davis used tiles from Capozza Floor Covering Center to create a star pattern that inadvertently included white circles, a fun surprise that ended up visually enlarging the small space. Pairing playful wallpaper with colorful tiles can make a coastal Maine home feel more modern, explains Davis. “Rather than paint the walls, I wanted to add a whimsical take on ferns or wildflower stems blowing in the wind, and the cornflower blue added a unique contrast,” she says. Don’t be afraid to bring in a statement color, but make sure to balance it out so it’s not overwhelming. “We added a natural wood cabinet with a modern, fluted door front for extra storage and brought in a natural wood-toned mirror for the vanity to carry the grounding effect elsewhere,” adds Davis.
Bedroom Bliss
Another easy way to rejuvenate your home is by making minor changes to the bedroom. Davis, who prefers installing hardwood floors in the bedroom instead of traditional carpet, encourages homeowners to add textural elements like an area rug to soften the floors. “Adding your own area rugs in the bedroom is simple and can be inexpensive,” she says. When it comes to the walls, consider textured wallpaper rather than paint. “I like to add a woven wallpaper in a durable and cost-effective vinyl, which is meant to mimic more expensive grass-cloth,” notes Davis. “It adds a lot of dimension and envelopes the space with coziness and warmth.”
Embrace the Outdoors
It’s time to clear off your deck or patio space and gear up for al fresco entertaining! Get rid of any cheap outdoor furniture and opt for heavy-duty teak, which can withstand the wild weather we’re all too familiar with this time of year. Davis suggests creating various zones for different use, like a lounge chair or sectional seating for enjoying your morning coffee (or mid-afternoon cocktail) separate from your outdoor dining and entertaining space. For throw pillows and outdoor rugs, keep the colors simple, Davis says. “We aren’t in a tropical beach location, so nix the palm tree pillows, but add some pops of color where you can to make a truly one-of-a-kind spot in which to enjoy spring and summer in Maine.”