15 Simple Spring Decorating Tips

"Have a party where every guest is asked to bring a plant of one color—say, purple—for an instant garden with a little story of friendship behind each plant." -Raymond Waites

Put a real rug, not a bathroom rug, in front of your bathroom sink. It will hold up just fine.

Paint the ceiling of a white room a pale, pale blue or gray. It will feel as if there's no ceiling at all.

Sort books by size and subject. Remove and discard any ripped dust jackets (unless you think they might have value). Line books, some vertically, some horizontally, in a rhythmic pattern. This will relieve the monotony of rows.

With its vibrant peony-print seat and brightly colored frame, this stool is chic enough to make even the most urban soul want to head for the hills. Then again, it would look equally stylish at home. Foldable Wooden Camp Stool in Peony Print, $20. Pearl River: 800-878-2446; pearlriver.com.

Find a tired old bargain brass chandelier at a thrift shop or antiques shop. Spray paint it white. Or a color — if you have the courage.

Wallpaper the inside of your bedroom closet.

If you have a traditional room, make yourself buy one modern thing, like a steel table.

"Buy a tree in a basket or planter and put it in your loneliest corner. I love a fiddle leaf fig for its sweet platypus bill-like leaves. If you want to go the extra mile, stick some uplights behind it." -Celerie Kemble

Hang two large mirrors on opposite walls. You won't recognize the space.

Try a new color for your front door. How about Farrow & Ball's Minster Green or Pitch Blue?

Split up a pair of lamps and put one on either side of your sofa. Or buy a floor lamp for your sofa and use the pair in different corners of your room.

Store out of season items, then organize your closet as they would in a retail store: coordinated by color.

If you still have a fear of flower arranging, it's time to conquer it. Anybody can arrange one type of flower in one color, cut short. Buy twice as many as you think you should — too much of a good thing always works with flowers. It's that easy.