Spring is the perfect time to reset and refresh your home. With longer days and a change in season, many homeowners look for ways to update their space – whether it’s shifting away from outdated trends, choosing the right rug sizes, or creating a more cohesive design. But making updates doesn’t have to mean a full renovation or a major expense. With a few smart choices, you can give your home a fresh, updated feel while working with what you already have. Here’s how to make the most of your spring refresh.

Q: Gray has been on trend for so long, and I’m tired of it! But most of my home – countertops, tile, carpet – is gray. How can I update my space without replacing everything?

A: You’re not alone. Gray has dominated home design for over a decade – an impressive run – but many homeowners are ready for a change. The easiest and most effective way to refresh your space is with paint. Chances are, your walls are gray as well, and updating them will instantly transform the overall look of your home. The good news? Current color trends complement both warm and cool grays, so you don’t need to abandon your existing features to bring in something fresh. Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year, Quietude, is a beautiful soft sage with a blue undertone, creating a calming and versatile backdrop. Though technically a cool color, it blends well with both warm and cool tones, making it a great transitional shade. If you’re drawn to warmer hues, terracotta tones like SW Spiced Cider or rich golden yellows like SW Convivial Yellow are excellent options to contrast and soften gray interiors. Warm browns and beiges are also making a strong comeback – SW Stucco, a beige with yellow undertones, is an especially modern and inviting choice.

Beyond neutrals, shades of blue and green are leading the design world this year. From pale, coastal hues to deep, moody forest greens, these colors breathe life into any space while pairing seamlessly with gray. When choosing paint, consider how it blends with your floors, countertops, cabinets, and furniture. To ensure you get the perfect match, hiring an interior designer for a consultation can save you from the hassle of repainting if the color doesn’t work as expected. Once you’ve updated the walls, incorporate your new color choice through accent pillows, artwork, and accessories to tie the space together without major renovations.

Q: I’m doing a major spring cleaning and replacing my rugs, but I’ve never been confident in choosing the right size. Is there a rule of thumb for rug placement? And how do I coordinate multiple rugs in an open-concept space?

A: Choosing the right rug size and coordinating multiple rugs can be tricky, but following a few simple guidelines will ensure a balanced and cohesive look. For living rooms, the general rule is that at least the front feet of all furniture should sit on the rug. This anchors the space without overwhelming it. If your room is large enough, a rug that accommodates all furniture legs can create a more polished look. For dining rooms, the rug should be at least four feet larger than the table to accommodate chairs when they’re pulled out. For example, a 3’ x 6’ rectangular table needs at least a 7’ x 10’ rug – common sizes like 8’ x 10’ or 8’ x 11’ typically work well. If your table is round, opt for a round or square rug, versus a rectangle. A 5’ round table pairs best with a 9’ round or square rug.

In open-concept spaces, selecting rugs that complement each other without matching exactly is key. Start with one statement rug – often in the dining area – and build from there. If your dining rug has a bold pattern, balance it out with a textured or solid rug in the living room. Stripes, geometrics, or abstract designs work well for contrast while maintaining a cohesive look. Sticking to a consistent color palette across rugs, furniture, and decor ensures a harmonious feel throughout the space.

Another tip? If you’re buying rugs online, colors can be deceiving. If possible, shop at a local store where you can bring home samples before committing – returning bulky rugs isn’t easy.

Spring is a time of renewal, making it the perfect season to refresh your home and embrace new design possibilities. Whether you’re looking to shift away from long-standing trends like all-gray interiors or struggling to find the perfect rug size for your space, small but thoughtful updates can completely transform your home without requiring a full-scale renovation. A fresh coat of paint, a well-chosen rug, and a few key decor changes can breathe new life into your rooms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere just in time for the sunnier days ahead. With the right choices, you can refresh your space while keeping the elements you love intact. And what better time than spring to start anew?