Shed the Winter Layers in Favor of Lighter Colors and Bedding

Say hello to lightweight summer bedding and decor season now that we can finally feel the last vestiges of frosty weather slipping away. It's time to look forward to a brighter day and where better to start shedding those winter blues than in the personal sanctuary that is your bedroom?

Brightening your bedroom and transforming it into a space that's as easy on your eyes as it is comfortable can be achieved in a few simple steps. Here are five ideas, from summer throws to seasonal scents, to get you started on a quick revamp of what's going to be your new favorite room in your home.

1. Do a Seasonal Swap

Shift your palette from the deeper shades that helped you feel cocooned throughout fall and winter and give your bedroom a lighter, airier feel with bright colors that give it that "pop." Since your bed is the center of attention (and comfort), put yourself in a warm-weather frame of mind with bedding in a profusion of colors and patterns, such as riotous bursts of spring flowers, or mix and match vivid solids.

 

2. Lighten Up

Take those heavy flannel or knit throws and weighty comforters off your bed and store them away — it's time to break out the lightweight summer bedding and decor pieces. Think moisture-wicking, breathable cottons and linens for everything from sheet sets to duvets. Instead of those winter layers, switch to a comfy throw in a lighter fabric that you can drape artistically at the bottom of your bed to counter any lingering cooler nights.

3. Add Accessories

Those textured throw pillows in fur and knits were great to snuggle into all winter but as it warms up outdoors, you'll want to relax on fabrics that help keep you cool indoors. So, pull your oversized and decorative cotton throw pillows out of storage, roll up the shaggy rugs, and replace them with lightweight blends such as jute and bamboo — and for a finishing touch, frame the room with airy, gauzy curtains that let the summer sunshine flood in.

 

4. Go Green

As always, flowering plants, whether live or artificial, will add beautiful color to their surroundings. Try window boxes filled with beguiling begonias or petunias in riotous reds, pinks or yellows to add a blast of cheer to your bedroom. For an extra boost, add plants like lush palms or soothing lavender that not only look lovely but also purify the air, which will make for a healthier rest in your sunny space.

5. Use Your Favorite Scents

Fragrant candles, reed diffusers or essential oils will subtly evoke the new season outdoors. Opt for lilies and gardenias or even jasmine and rose; or try fresh citrus aromas, such as wild orange, lemon and lime blends. If you love to immerse yourself in the outdoors, bringing such scents as rain, freshly-cut grass and salty sea aromas can have a positive effect on your mood.

So, go ahead and slide those cool sheets and light throws onto your bed, fill the room with your favorite fragrance and let the sun shine in through those airy curtains. With these tweaks, you've now created an irresistible space, and you have the whole season and beyond to enjoy the work you've put in.