Our master bedroom already has a large, floor-length mirror—one of John’s surprise wedding gifts so I could check myself before stepping out the back door to get married—so the smaller mirror to the right of the bedroom door felt unnecessary.
We decided to take advantage of the extra wall space and swap the mirror for one of our homemade botanical prints in an inexpensive Ikea frame. The change is simple but effective: the print softens the room and adds a touch of nature without clutter. I liked it so much that I’m already planning to add a second, smaller framed botanical beneath it—just need to make time for our next Ikea run.
We intentionally sized our DIY botanicals to fit those square Ikea frames, which gives the display a polished, high-end feel on a tight budget. Choosing neutral tones—soft tans, creams and gentle greens—helps the artwork blend with the room’s linen textures and understated palette. A bit of greenery instantly livens the space, and the best part: no watering.
With spring beginning to show—bulbs pushing up through the flowerbeds and forsythia starting to bloom—I felt like refreshing more than just the bedroom. My desk area still featured a striking photo from our Alaskan honeymoon: a moody shot taken from the tiny seaplane we flew in, a glacier streaked with volcanic ash. It’s a favorite, but the season had me craving something lighter and more verdant.
So I swapped the photo for another botanical print we made—a simple, fresh palm leaf in muted tones. The swap took just a few minutes and immediately changed the desk’s mood from cool and glacial to airy and relaxed. Small, seasonal art swaps like this are one of the quickest ways to refresh a room without a major overhaul.
If you’re looking to bring a little spring into your own spaces, consider these simple ideas that don’t require a big budget or a weekend full of work:
- Swap heavy, wintry artwork for lighter, nature-inspired prints—botanical motifs, soft pastels, or simple leaf studies work well.
- Use uniform frames (Ikea’s square frames are an affordable option) to create a cohesive, gallery-like look even with budget pieces.
- Rotate textiles: swap out a dark throw for a lighter linen or cotton, and trade thick curtains for breezier sheers if privacy allows.
- Add a few potted plants or cut stems for texture and a living touch—if you prefer zero-maintenance style, botanical prints are the perfect alternative.
- Rearrange small accessories and surfaces: moving a lamp, changing a vase, or swapping a tray can shift the energy of a room.
I’d love to hear what you do when spring arrives. Do you change out artwork or accessories? Do you bring real plants in, or do you prefer prints and pressed botanicals? Share your seasonal refresh ideas and any quick swaps that have made a big difference in your home.
We recently added our den’s corner office to our room-by-room source guide (listed on our House Tour page), where you can see where we found many of the pieces shown—everything from tins and boxes to the desk and lamp—so it’s easier to recreate this look if you’re inspired.