No need to drown in winter doldrums now that the temperature is slowly picking up. Even if the thermometer flatlines through May, there are easy ways to “let the sun in” around the house. “We like to take mental breaks,” explains Urban Digs owner Amy Walcher. “We like to have visual cues to signify the change of seasons and the procession of time. You can get stuck in a rut if you keep looking at the same rooms without change, day after day.”
Urban Digs is celebrating a decade of helping Greenvillians freshen up on the homefront. January through March is one of the store’s busiest times of year, when people are intentional about bringing a new look to their living space. “I see the biggest transition after the holidays through spring,” Amy reveals. “When Christmas decorations come down, everyone feels their house is cold and empty. There’s a huge push for plants and greenery and things that are going to replace the joy of the holidays.”
She’s watched plants take off in popularity over the past few years. They make up her largest merchandise category right now, having tripled in size. “Large plants are great and automatically bring warmth to a room,” the shop owner shares. “We see a lot of vases and cut flowers. Even a simple plant in a pot is always going to warm up a space.”
She recommends folks start with a semi-clean slate. “I always tell people it’s easiest to have a nice neutral backdrop,” she says. “Then you can change up flowers, pillows, throw rugs, and art. Smaller things that aren’t going to cost you an arm and a leg.”
On the shelves right now? Mini-pots of color, vibrant pillows, embroidered items, and bright dish towels that scream “spring” with flashes of green and pink. “It’s so easy to change these type of things out across the year and seasons,” she says. “And those little touches will completely bring a spring feel to a space.”
Creating a nice ambience should also engage all of the senses. Amy recommends swapping out candles from winter scents to those with fresh, crisp aromas, like pineapple cilantro. Nearby, a nice throw, or a few accent pillows with pop, for under $50, can transform a couch. Place a large plant in the corner and a throw rug near the door. Spring has sprung.
Five Plants to Try
Philodendron: Many different varieties, from trailing to upright, that will fit any space required. The trailing variety lets you know when it’s “thirsty.”
Orchids: Great alternative to cut flowers. Same price as a large bouquet, yet blooms can last for months.
Pilea: Well-known for its bright-green leaves shaped like coins. Easy-to-follow care instructions.
Calathea: The quintessential, indoor plant with leaves that comes in a wide range of shapes and colors, including stripes, polka dots and variegated.
Dracaena: Commonly called snake plant; provides a lot of structure (up to four feet), with very little care.
For inspiration, visit UrbanDigsGreenville.com.
