Lighten up your decor this spring

Some go for spring cleaning this time of year, while others pursue a more permanent endeavor — such as getting the house freshened up with a new look. If you are of the latter persuasion, read on.

Spring always begs lightheartedness, and the new decorating themes back that up. Light backgrounds on walls, floors and furniture set the stage while pops of color with accessories and fabrics bring out the owner’s personality. The light background colors include cream or beige, white and soft gray. The pops of color are all up to you. Whatever colors make you happy will make the room pop just fine.

That light color on furniture is particularly visible in woods. Dark wood was popular before, but the trend is definitely moving toward light wood or mid-toned natural-wood finishes.

Furniture arrangement has shifted from the wide-open spacious look to a more intimate plan. Think of how you can arrange your furniture in a more familiar, cozy way with conversation areas well-defined.

What about fabrics? Is there is more to the fabric selection than simply beige? Well, there is. To the simple neutral colors, you will find metallic threads added. This is in keeping with the light look as the metallic threads lift the visual feel of the fabric. Oh, and there is a comeback some might be happy about but others not. Faux fur and textured knobby fabrics. Go figure. But the choices are more than that. The current trend in fabrics also includes plaids, stripes and modern florals, mostly in bold colors.

As mentioned above, your favorite colors are the ones you should use, but I will tell you the popular ones for this year. Jewel tones, such as emerald green, golden yellow, sapphire blue and ruby red. As seen in the metallics woven into the fabrics, gold, silver and other metallics in accessories and accents are in.

Since it seems everything old is new again, mirrored furniture and accessories are back.

As far as style, any one you prefer is fine, whether contemporary, country, traditional or eclectic.

Many of us are strapped for money these days, so redecorating might seem out of the question, but it still is possible if you are willing to search for items. Refurbished secondhand furniture from thrift stores or consignment shops is one option. The entire house doesn’t have to be a hand-me-down place, but a few reclaimed pieces actually add charm and personality to any room.

Ÿ Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of “Mystery of Color,” available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Amazon.com.