20 Spring Apartment Decorating Ideas

The thaw of winter breathes a collective sigh of renewal, a stirring that prompts us to refresh not just our routines, but the very spaces we inhabit. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Beaverton or a home in Boston, your domain deserves this seasonal awakening. 

Eschew predictable pastels for a more nuanced interpretation of spring, one that honors a discerning taste while celebrating the season’s inherent vitality. This ApartmentGuide article unveils 20 spring decorating ideas, with a gentle nudge towards supporting local artisans and imbuing your apartment with distinctive touches that speak to a contemporary sensibility.

Cultivating community: Sourcing your spring style locally

Embracing spring decor offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with and support your local community. Sarah Frost with Making Local, which offers resources, education, and events for micro handmade businesses says, “Heads to your local farmers market or maker market and find pieces from local vendors and artisans.” Independent shops and artisans often provide unique, high-quality pieces with a story, adding character and soul to your apartment that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate. Sarah adds, “Snag that gorgeous vase you’ve been eyeing from the local potter, grab your favorite bouquet from the local flower farmer, and accent them with a hand-poured candle in a refreshing garden-y scent.” 

By choosing local, you not only enhance your living space but also contribute to the vibrancy of your own backyard. This mindful approach to decorating fosters a deeper connection to your surroundings and ensures your spring refresh is imbued with authentic charm.

1. Unveil spring through aroma

Elevate your apartment’s ambiance with locally sourced candles boasting invigorating spring-inspired scents. Think beyond floral clichés and explore notes of fresh-cut grass, rain-soaked earth, or blossoming herbs. Supporting local chandlers often means discovering unique blends and higher-quality ingredients that subtly transform your space. Consider a hand-poured soy candle with hints of bergamot or a beeswax candle infused with rosemary for a sophisticated sensory experience.

CEO and founder of Ashy Aromas, Ashton Toefield, says, “Incorporate spring-inspired candles, which feature fresh floral and citrus notes paired with richer and more saturated pastel vessel colors to create a welcoming atmosphere.”

Don’t stop there. Leah McKeehan, store manager for The Brick Art and Gifts in Brooklyn, says, “For ambiance, mix and match colorful taper candles with flower-shaped candle holders, and fill your space with floral-scented candles like lavender or wildflowers.”

2. The language of vases and blooms

Instead of mass-produced bouquets, seek out unique vases from local potters or vintage shops. Pair them with seasonal blooms from a nearby farmers market or consider foraged branches with budding leaves for a more organic feel. Explore dried floral arrangements crafted by local artisans for a lasting touch of spring’s beauty. A minimalist ceramic vase showcasing a single branch of cherry blossoms can be far more impactful than an overflowing generic bouquet.

For those in drier climates during spring, don’t fret, you can still decorate for the season with beautiful blooms. Rachel Freifelder with Handmade Gardens PDX shares, “Grace your patio, balcony, or stoop with drought tolerant native wildflowers and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Pots dry out faster than plants in the ground, so invest in the biggest pots or planters you have room for.”

Indoor floral arrangements are near limitless and Mariane with C&M Fleuri Floral Arrangements shares, “Bringing seasonal beauty indoors can be as simple as incorporating arrangements of fragrant spring flowers such as tulips, lilies, peonies, garden rose, or hyacinths in a glass vase.”

To design a minimalist look, Thomas Arakawa with Arakawa Pottery in San Jose says, “A single flower in a unique homemade vase can create a peaceful focal point, especially when paired with soft morning light and lighter textiles.”

For those interested in ceramic vases, Natalya Parfenova with Natural Home Accents shares, “I’m really into creamy and off-white ceramics this spring, they feel so soft and calming. I’ve been pairing them with fresh greenery or simple branches, instantly making the space feel more alive.”

3. Trays and coasters with character

Entertaining in spring calls for thoughtful details. Invest in handcrafted serving trays from local woodworkers or artisans working with unique materials like slate or resin. Similarly, support local ceramicists or designers for a set of distinctive coasters that add a touch of personality to your coffee table. A live-edge wooden tray or a set of hand-painted ceramic coasters can elevate even casual gatherings.

4. Orchestrate a sophisticated spring palette

Move beyond predictable pastels by exploring a more grounded spring palette. Think muted sages, dusty blues, and warm terracotta accented with pops of vibrant greens and soft yellows found in nature. Source locally made textiles or artwork that incorporate these sophisticated hues to create a cohesive and calming atmosphere. While curating your spring decorating palette, consider a locally dyed throw pillow in a deep teal or an abstract painting featuring earthy tones.

5. Embrace the warmth of wood

Bring the outdoors in with locally crafted wooden planter boxes. Jeffrey Inskeep with Hand Made Home suggests “refreshing your living space this spring with a few simple woodworking projects. He adds, “You can build small planter boxes for your windowsill, balcony, or patio to showcase fresh flowers and herbs.” If you’re not a DIY fanatic, supporting local carpenters ensures unique designs and sustainable practices.

Beyond wood planter boxes, Dustin Grinstead with Grinstead Millwork shares how you can “bring spring into your space by adding a natural wood element with some character.” He states, “Whether that’s a live edge floating shelf, a small side table, or even a handmade cutting board left out on display, salvaged wood has a warmth and organic shape that pairs perfectly with fresh flowers, or soft textiles.”

Sirie Keefrider with Keefrider Custom Furniture shares how the warmth of wood in your spring decor can also be embraced through natural hardwood furnishings. Sirie says, “With the right ergonomics, wood pieces can be surpassingly comfortable and stylish. Throw in some pillows and a fire pit and you’ve got your go-to spot for warm weather relaxation.”

6. Elevate the mundane with refined dispensers

Even utilitarian items can contribute to your spring aesthetic. Opt for locally made ceramic or glass soap dispensers in subtle spring colors or with unique textures. This small detail elevates the look of your kitchen and bathroom while supporting local craftsmanship. A hand-thrown stoneware soap dispenser in a soft grey or a recycled glass dispenser in a pale green can add a touch of understated elegance.

Amanda, owner and artist of Bread and Badger shares how she likes “to add personal elements to every nook and cranny of my home, like fun, etched glass soap dispensers in the kitchen and bath.” She adds how “upgrading to recycled glass from ugly plastic pump bottles has made a huge difference in how I feel about these spaces.”

7. Explore the artistry of engraved pottery

Seek out locally made pottery and ceramics with subtle engravings or unique glazes that reflect the textures and patterns of spring. A hand-engraved ceramic bowl or a set of uniquely glazed mugs can add an artistic touch to your shelves or dining table. Look for pieces that tell a story through their craftsmanship.

8. Weave spring patterns into your space

Introduce subtle spring patterns through locally sourced pillows and throws. Think botanical prints with a modern edge or textured fabrics in refreshing colors. Supporting local textile artists or designers ensures unique and high-quality pieces that add depth to your living spaces. A linen throw with a delicate leaf pattern or a set of textured pillows in complementary spring hues can instantly refresh your sofa or bed.

Leigh Young with Pandemonium Hats says, “Accent throws are a simple yet impactful way to refresh a space for spring. Opting for bright, cheerful colors or playful patterns instantly breathes new life into a room and adds warmth, personality, and seasonal charm without a complete overhaul.”

9. Style your entryway with a curated rack

Spring decorating goes beyond the appeal of new vases and flowers. Bryce Poulin with Cold Stream Design says, “With spring’s arrival, it’s time to pack away those heavy winter coats and bring out lighter layers for the warmer days ahead. A well-placed coat rack not only keeps your entryway organized but also adds a stylish, functional touch to your home.” 

Whether crafted from wood or metal, a unique design can serve as a functional piece of decor in your entryway, reflecting a thoughtful approach to even the most practical elements. A minimalist wooden coat rack or a sculptural metal one can add a touch of contemporary style.

10. Keep a chic shield at hand

Spring showers are inevitable. Instead of a basic, mass-produced umbrella, invest in a stylish and durable one from a local boutique or designer. A unique pattern or a high-quality material can elevate this everyday essential. A sleek, locally designed umbrella with a subtle botanical print can be both practical and stylish.

11. Keep handy eco-friendly napkins for mindful gatherings

Amidst your search for spring decorating ideas, think eco-conscious, too. Inga Pettner, owner of Conscious Living Shop in Colorado Springs says, “Stop using paper towels, unpaper towels are the next eco-friendly option. These cloth unpaper towels can be used over and over and add fun color and design to liven up your kitchen.” 

Choose natural fabrics and subtle spring-inspired patterns that align with your aesthetic. This sustainable choice adds a touch of mindful elegance to your table setting. Linen napkins in soft spring colors or organic cotton napkins with delicate embroidery can elevate your dining experience.

12. Ignite outdoor spring evenings

Extend your living space outdoors by installing a locally sourced fire pit on your patio or balcony (where permitted). This creates a cozy ambiance for cool spring evenings and provides a focal point for outdoor gatherings. Consider a handcrafted stone fire pit or a modern metal design from a local artisan.

13. Display the quiet beauty of moss centerpieces

Not all spring decorating ideas need to be intricate or difficult. Jennifer James with TerraSphere in Brooklyn says, “Refresh your home for spring with a preserved moss centerpiece that brings a touch of nature indoors. These no-maintenance arrangements add vibrant greenery to your table, mantle, or shelves without the hassle of watering.” 

14. Catch spring’s rays with prismatic charm

What would the welcoming of spring be without a dreamy suncatcher? Laurena Smith with Made in Burlington says, “Crystal suncatchers capture the sunlight, casting colorful rainbows across the room.” Choose designs crafted from unique glass or crystals that cast beautiful rainbows throughout your space, adding a touch of whimsy and light. Support local glass artists for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Laurena adds how you can pair a suncatcher with “a vibrant spring wreath or welcome sign on the door to brighten up your entrance and create an inviting atmosphere.”

15. Refresh your personal textiles

While seeking to find spring decorating ideas, enter your linen closet. Swap out heavy winter linens for lighter, locally sourced options in breathable fabrics like linen or organic cotton. Choose subtle spring colors or delicate patterns to create a fresh and inviting sleep space. Consider locally dyed sheets in a soft lavender or a lightweight quilt with a subtle floral motif.

For decorating with new textiles, Shane Breen, CEO and co-founder of stupidDOPE, a digital media powerhouse covering and narrating culture recommends, “Swap out heavy winter vibes for patterned pillows with bold, geometric prints, burn clean citrus or bergamot candle to reset the mood, and layer in organic textures like stone trays or raw ceramics to keep it grounded.”

16. Curate a seasonal gallery

Showcase local artists by creating a gallery wall with spring-inspired prints, photographs, or small sculptural pieces. Focus on artwork that evokes the season’s mood and colors, adding a personal and dynamic element to your walls.

17. Layer with natural fiber rugs

Replace heavy winter rugs with lighter options made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, sourced from local home goods stores or artisan cooperatives. These textures add warmth and a touch of organic spring style to your floors.

18. Introduce tactile art forms

Incorporate locally crafted sculptural objects that reflect the organic forms and textures of spring. Think smooth stones, hand-carved wooden pieces, or unique ceramic forms that add visual interest to shelves and tables.

19. Update your apartment’s glow

Consider replacing heavy, dark lighting fixtures with lighter, more airy designs sourced from local lighting studios. Opt for materials like natural wood, woven fibers, or brushed metals to brighten your space.

20. Cultivate a vertical herb haven

Maximize small apartment spaces by installing a vertical herb garden sourced from a local nursery or maker. This brings fresh greenery and fragrant herbs into your kitchen, perfect for spring cooking.

Now your space is ready to blossom with these spring decorating ideas:

Whatever spring-inspired decor you’re bringing into your home, Kristin, owner of KLAY NYC says that each item should be “custom-made with special attention to color and seasonal vibes,” and adds, “I believe your home should feel like a sanctuary, and handmade pieces are a beautiful way to celebrate the shift in seasons.” 

These spring decorating ideas serve as an invitation to infuse your space with the season’s vibrant energy while championing your local community and creating a home that truly blossoms.