Since launching her eponymous interiors firm in 2007, New York-based designer Young Huh has specialized in turning houses into homes, one room at a time. When it comes to her own spaces, she’s all about a seasonal refresh with of-the-moment decorative accessories and unexpected finishes. These small changes can make a world of a difference for waking up a tired space. Ready for a renewal yourself? Use Huh’s creative ideas on upgrades for spring.
1. Refresh Your Room’s Energy
Pale blues and serene greens can really change the mood of a space. No need to break out the paintbrush or buy a new sofa to get those peaceful, chill Spring vibes. Instead, focus on layering colored accents into your existing decor—adding a blue frame or candle on a living room console, placing a porcelain glass vase full of fresh flowers artfully on a mantel, and showcasing crystal topped containers can all enhance your room's positive energy.
From left: Jamie Young lamp, $313, bloomingdales.com; Sparrow & Wren x Kassatex jar (small), $38, bloomingdales.com; Sparrow & Wren x Kassatex jar (large), $62, bloomingdales.com; Sparrow & Wren x Kassatex jar (medium), $50, bloomingdales.com; Christofle tray, $390, bloomingdales.com; Vietri vase, $239, bloomingdales.com; Voluspa candle, $30, bloomingdales.com; Kendra Scott picture frame, $195, bloomingdales.com; Jamie Young lamp, $338, bloomingdales.com
Plants literally add life to a space, so don’t be shy with greenery. Scatter simple bouquets on tables throughout your living areas. Mix in branches for extra drama and height, or use a handful of twigs on their own for a striking, sculptural arrangement.
From left: Voluspa candle, $65, bloomingdales.com; Kosta Boda vase, $600, bloomingdales.com; Rosenthal Vibrations vase, $35, bloomingdales.com; Rosenthal Plissee vase, $35, bloomingdales.com; Prouna tray, $90, bloomingdales.com; Vietri vase, $70, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch glasses, $32, bloomingdales.com
2. Embrace a Moody Palette
Who says spring shades have to be pastel? There’s nothing more modern than decorating with navy for the season. It’s just like black—totally neutral and goes with anything, just softer. Liven up shelving in the kitchen with moody blue mugs and leave bold, cast-iron cookware out on display.
Textiles can get in on the fun, too. Choose classic patterns for the most design flexibility. Indigo-and-white gingham tea towels will work in any style space, from a rustic farmhouse to a Mid-Century inspired cookspace like Huh’s kitchen.
From left: Michael Aram trivet, $80, bloomingdales.com; Alessi tea kettle, $220, bloomingdales.com; Le Creuset pot, $370, bloomingdales.com; Nespresso De'Longhi Lattissima espresso maker, $500 bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch espresso cups, $22, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch espresso cup saucers, $18, bloomingdales.com; Cole & Mason salt and pepper shakers, $45, bloomingdales.com; Kate Spade kitchen towel, $10, bloomingdales.com; Right image: (top shelf) Juliska cork bowl, $395, bloomingdales.com; (middle shelf) Juliska bowl stack, $38, bloomingdales.com; Juliska plate stack (large), $40, bloomingdales.com; Juliska plate stack (small), $38, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch bowl stack, $32, bloomingdales.com; Juliska bowl stack, $34, bloomingdales.com; (bottom shelf) Juliska mugs, $32, bloomingdales.com; Cire Trudon candle, $105, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch espresso cups, $22, bloomingdales.com; (countertop) Kate Spade jar, $75, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch tea cup, $26, bloomingdales.com; Le Creuset coffee press, $70, bloomingdales.com; Juliska glass, $25, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch rice bowl, $32, bloomingdales.com; Michael Aram cheese board, $175, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch rim soup bowl, $38, bloomingdales.com; Michael Aram large silver bowl, $175, bloomingdales.com; (on table) Villeroy & Boch saucer, $18, bloomingdales.com
3. Bring the Outdoors In
Nothing lightens up a space like the use of natural elements. There are so many ways to work these touches into your decor, especially in a dining area. Swap heavy linens for an airy, white cotton tablecloth and woven straw placemats. Organic shapes and bamboo motifs update basic flatware. Look to the ocean for tabletop inspiration by choosing pretty, sea glass colored drinkware and watercolor patterned china.
Michael Aram napkin ring, $100, bloomingdales.com; Juliska napkin, $15, bloomingdales.com; Vietri salad plate, $46, bloomingdales.com; Vietri dinner plate, $48, bloomingdales.com; Bernardaud Origine Ondee salad plate, $35, bloomingdales.com; Bernardaud Origine Ondee dinner plate, $44, bloomingdales.com; Bernardaud Origine Ondee cereal bowl, $53, bloomingdales.com;Michael Aram silverware set, $75, bloomingdales.com; Juliska placemat, $20, bloomingdales.com; Juliska blue goblet, $35, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch wine glass, $32, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch old fashioned glass, $32, bloomingdales.com
Continue the natural theme onto your bar cart (or dining room sideboard in Huh’s case) with coordinating entertaining pieces. When cast in a pebbled pattern, frosted glass barware feels new again. Use fresh herbs as cocktail garnishes and keep a bottle of bubbly in your ice bucket—it will be handy for surprise springtime guests!
Vietri bowl, $168, bloomingdales.com; Rosenthal Vibrations mini vase, $35, bloomingdales.com; Rosenthal Plissee Matte mini vase, $35, bloomingdales.com; Michael Aram ice bucket, $275, bloomingdales.com; Cire Trudon candle, $95, bloomingdales.com; Nambé bowl, $5o, bloomingdales.com; Moser double old fashioned glass, $95, bloomingdales.com; Michael Aram tray, $100, bloomingdales.com; Moser martini glasses, $115, bloomingdales.com
4. Go for "All Gold Everything"
Turn your sleep space into a special sanctuary with decorative accents in gold, the metal of the moment. When it comes to bedding, go bold for gold when choosing the perfect bedding and pillows. On a nightstand, try a brass lamp, a gilded vase for fresh blooms or a tiny dish for jewelry.
Up the glam factor by adding something mirrored to the mix, such as a vanity. Huh’s tapered leg table and round mirror combo is pretty and practical. It’s the perfect spot for getting ready, and reflective surfaces throw light around a space, brightening up the entire room. For an ultra luxurious vanity experience, add mirrored and gold accents like trays, candles, and vases.
From left: (on bed) Gingerlily duvet cover, $840, bloomingdales.com; Gingerlily sham covers, $165, bloomingdales.com; DwellStudio sheet set w/ pillow covers, $130, bloomingdales.com; Michael Aram throw pillow, $200, bloomingdales.com; Hudson Park Collection throw pillow, $215, bloomingdales.com; (on nightstand) Bloomingdale's nightstand, $1735, bloomingdales.com; Slip eye mask, $45, bloomingdales.com; Villeroy & Boch old fashioned glass, $32, bloomingdales.com; L'Objet plate, $64, bloomingdales.com; Voluspa white candle, $22, bloomingdales.com; (on vanity) Baccarat vase, $170, bloomingdales.com; Voluspa 3-wick candle, $18, bloomingdales.com; L'objet gold vase, $150, bloomingdales.com; Aerin perfume, $305, bloomingdales.com; Voluspa pink candle, $30, bloomingdales.com; Voluspa pink diffuser, $34, bloomingdales.com; Voluspa clear diffuser, $20, bloomingdales.com; L'objet plate, $64, bloomingdales.com
5. Try High Contrast Hues
You can’t go wrong with black and white accessories, especially in an otherwise neutral room. These high contrast boxes Huh placed on her her bath vanity energize the otherwise quiet, tonal color scheme in her bath. And they’re not just eye candy. Small boxes are great places to stash cotton pads, hair ties and other personal care items you want accessible but not openly out on the counter. If you can keep your contrast game going with things like hand soap bottles and toothbrush holders, all the better. No room or item is too small for a refresh.
Clockwise from top: Nest lotion, $24, bloomingdales.com; Nest soap, $22, bloomingdales.com; Kassatex rectangle box, $74, bloomingdales.com; L'Objet plate, $64, bloomingdales.com; Kassatex square box, $32, bloomingdales.com; Sparrow & Wren x Kassatex round jar, $50, bloomingdales.com; Matouk towel, $69, bloomingdales.com
