Teri Clar, an interior designer in Charleston, S.C., is a proponent of prioritizing as large of a bed as possible to create a serene sleep space. “In a bedroom, I like to keep it relatively simple,” she adds. “There is so much potential for clutter in a bedroom—like with clothes thrown about while looking for the right outfit that—I like to be intentionally minimal in this space.”

End-of-bed benches are total game-changers. As Brooke Lawer of Haven by Brooke says, “A chair in the corner of a bedroom usually becomes a dumping place. Instead, I like to add a bench at the end of the bed.” Not only will a bench make your bedroom appear more luxe, but it will also serve a functional purpose. “For some reason, we’re less inclined to throw clothes onto a bench, yet it provides a perfect perch when getting dressed and a boost for the furry members of the family,” Lawer states. Adds Lindsay Speace of Lindsay Speace Interiors, “A bench at the end of the bed provides a finished look and is the perfect spot to toss decorative pillows when you turn in for the night.”  

Be intentional when choosing light fixtures for your bedroom, notes Elaine Burns of Pistachio Designs. You deserve more than just an overhead light! “Lighting is always an important factor when designing a space—it has the power to make or break the ambience of a room—but it’s particularly impactful in a bedroom,” Burns explains. A number of options will do. “Chic table lamps for nightstands or a floor lamp for a reading nook (make sure it’s dimmable!) add texture and interest,” she adds. Meg White of Meg White Interiors agrees, noting, “The soft glow that a reading lamp gives off is much more relaxing than the bright, almost sterile light that overheads give off.”  Lindsay Atapattu of LEB Interiors appreciates the power of table lamps as well as sconces. “They can show your personality with color, and you can switch out the shade to make a whole new look,” she says.

You deserve a bedroom that will actually help you relax and unplug in the evenings. To get in a cozy mood, be sure to light a candle (or two). For an extra sophisticated look, place yours on an elegant candle holder. Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors is partial to these marble ones. “They look chic in the home on top of a nightstand or side table,” she says.

Looking for an easy way to add texture and coziness to your bed? “A pretty throw is a way to add color and comfort to a bedroom,” Darden says. “Bedrooms are a personal sanctuary after long days of work. Extra layers are needed!”

Consider this your excuse to make a trip to the farmer’s market this spring. Many experts agree that fresh flowers are the perfect way to add a seasonal touch to the home. “Tulips in a pretty vase always bring so much softness and joy to any space,” notes content creator Katelyn Sailor. You can also plant bulbs in various containers around the home, says Rebecca Bridges of House of Drennan. She suggests using the Berkeley Set of Pots for this purpose or creating a centerpiece inside the Marble Fruit Bowl.

It’s time to put those heavy-duty, flannel pillow covers into storage until the weather turns crisp again. For now, opt for a light and airy design instead. “Switching out your throw pillows is an easy way to give new life to your sofa,” Sailor comments. “You can opt for different textures on your pillows to add depth and interest.”

Spring cleaning isn’t solely about washing the windows and dusting off the porch. You may also want to tackle that pesky hall closet or your under-bed bins. “Decluttering your home of decor you no longer love is just as important as cleaning,” Sailor notes. “Donate decor or furniture that no longer makes you happy and make room for new pieces!”

Bonus points if you opt for something with a bit of a vintage-inspired touch, notes author and thrifting expert Virginia Chamlee. “There’s been a tremendous push toward vintage furnishings in recent years, and I think at least part of the interest stems from wanting pieces that look lived-in and worn,” she comments. “This Aged Wall Mirror in bronze hits all the marks—it’s a bold statement piece with a perfectly weathered look.”

Make the most of the warm spring days ahead by adding some flair to your outdoor space. Chamlee is partial to the Donut Outdoor Pouf.  “It is certainly pretty enough to use inside, but it’s actually made to be weather resistant, so you could use it to create a living room-like area on your porch or patio,” she explains. 

When designing your outdoor space this spring, you’ll want to ensure that it’s cohesive looking and serves a purpose. “Create groupings of furniture that serve real functions, the same way you would inside your home,” designer Courtney Smith suggests. “Establishing a purpose for different outdoor areas helps draw you to those destinations.” When determining what hues to use, look to your interior scheme. “Connect your indoor and outdoor areas by repeating your color palette and design vibe to visually tie things together,” Smith offers.

Not sure where to begin? Smith suggests starting with an outdoor dining area. “There’s no substitute for al fresco nights around a table,” she says. “I love a round table like the Circle Outdoor Dining Table, surrounded by classic chairs like the Marais A Side Chair in a color that relates to your home’s interior. For me, this is army green, always and forever.” 

If space allows, Smith suggests adding another seating arrangement for additional guests. “The Yama Sofa and Lounge Chairs would be lovely around a Quatro Outdoor Teak Coffee Table,” she says. “Layer in a drinks table or two, to make certain every seat in your arrangement has a natural spot to set a drink down. Don’t forget lighting and cozy layers, so that you can enjoy your spaces even after the sun goes down.” 

Then, work in some accessories. “A few extra special touches include mood lighting (think battery-operated candles, lanterns, or string lights), blankets that are tucked away for cool evenings, and lots of plants evoking a lush feeling, whether you’re on acres of land in the country or a private balcony in the city,” comments content creator Hilary Prall.