We’re in the swing of Spring and lately, we’ve been hearing from a lot of clients and followers who are longing for a Spring Refresh without the commitment of a bigger renovation. We totally get it: Costs are rising and things feel a little uncertain. But with just one big change — or a few small additions — you really can give your home a renewed sense of energy as we head into a new season. Here are a few of our best recommendations for a Spring Refresh that’s not a full re-do.
Refresh Tip #1: Shop Local
Yes, scroll-shopping on your phone is a fun way to pass some time. But when you’re searching for real inspiration — new shapes, unexpected colour combinations, and need-to-have-it treasures — there’s nothing like a visit to a few bricks-and-mortar retailers.
Sappho recently spent an afternoon at three downtown Halifax favourites and came home with a phone full of photos and a mental notebook full of ideas. Here’s what caught her eye…
31 Westgate
“I can always feel my creative juices flowing once I walk through the doors of 31 Westgate. It’s an elevated showroom that skews traditional, but there are some unexpected modern silhouettes and quirky vintage accents among all the elegant vignettes the talented team creates.”
“On this particular day, I was enthralled with the indigo and burnt umber colour pairing I found throughout the store. It struck me as a more sophisticated and “dirtied-down,” if you will, take on the traditional seaside blue and red.
You could see this combo shining in the upholstered pieces, artwork, and my personal favourite — an armoire with toile painting. But you could bring this fresh feeling into your home with just a place setting or some new bedding, too.”
Hayes Antiques
“Whenever I’m in the North End, I take the opportunity to poke around in Hayes Antiques. It’s a great source for bigger furniture pieces, like bedroom dressers and dining room sideboards, but you never know what other treasures might turn up.”
“The old leather trunk with studded initials would look fantastic in a front hall tucked underneath a console table. I could envision the pine washstand as a rustic vanity in a powder room. And I loved the moody palette and casual brushstrokes of the seaside painting; so charming!”
Bellissimo
“Bellissimo is another go-to source for pieces both old and new — it’s always nice to have that mix for layering a room and making it feel soulful and lived-in. From an excellent rug collection to furniture, lighting and small styling pieces for your bookshelves, Bellissimo always delivers.”
“I was drawn to these simple swivel chairs from Lee Industries; they’re super-comfortable and neutral with a subtle texture, so you could pair them with any colour rug or cushions. The shape felt modern, but I could also see these chairs mingling in a room with more traditional furniture. And for those who love colour and pattern, there’s an amazing selection of upholstery choices.
Honourable mentions go out to these tufted leather poufs — so versatile — and an extra-large rustic coffee table. Just imagine this table piled up with your favourite coffee table books, some candles, a tray to showcase some collectibles, and a plant to bring it all to life.”
Refresh Tip #2: Shop With Us
If you haven’t yet seen our new online store, Shop Shingle & Stone, do check us out on Instagram. It’s our team’s way of sharing hand-selected new and vintage items we’d proudly place in our own homes. Steph is busy photographing and posting new items each week, from ceramics and art to rugs and furniture, so give us a follow to stay in the loop as new pieces turn up.
For those who still love the thrill of the hunt in person, we’ve thrilled to share that Shingle & Stone is doing a pop-up at the beautiful Conifer Shop in Lunenburg starting on Saturday, June 20th. We know many of our clients already consider Conifer a south shore must-visit, thanks to Brett’s refined style and amazing eye. Now, he’s letting S&S take over an upstairs room with our own vision for a well-curated space. Think: designer pillows, vintage rugs and art, and custom and antique furniture accents.
Our pop-up will last for a couple of weeks, so please keep an eye on our Instagram feeds for more details and teasers as we finalize the plans!
Refresh Tip #3: Let Us Help
Considering a new paint colour for your kitchen? Need some layout help in your living room? Want a complete plan for a serene bedroom? Our Decorating Packages are the perfect way to get a designer’s input without signing on for a bigger project. (Though who knows? Sometimes one thing leads to another…)
Our Decorating Packages would also make a unique and memorable gift for Mother’s Day, which is fast approaching on May 10th. Our two-hour consultation is $500 and our four-hour consult is $950. All sessions include a review of your photos (or site visit, if possible, for the 4-hour consult) and a complete list of recommendations with links to products and retailers.
Here’s a testimonial from Cynthia, who had just completed a beautiful renovation of her 175-year-old home but needed guidance on some furniture purchases and styling to give her main floor a more pulled-together look:
“Beth provided me with a multi-page mood board for my main floor that included specific suggestions for furniture and accessories, furniture placement, styling advice for open shelves in the kitchen, and creating a gallery wall in the living room.
Her advice was not just, ‘A blue sofa would look great in your living room.’ Beth included a photo and link to a specific sofa for me to consider. As someone who agonizes over design decisions and worries about missteps, I now feel so much more confident about furniture and décor purchases. This was a godsend.”
If you think a Decorating Package is just the thing to help kickstart a Spring Refresh at your home, please get in touch. If it’s intended as a present, let us know and we’ll send you a customizable Gift Certificate.
A Spring Refresh doesn’t have to mean a reinvention. It can be as simple as a new pillow or piece of pottery, or a second opinion to set you on the right path. Here’s to an inspiring and invigorating Spring season!
