by guest blogger and interior decorator, Wendy Monaghan I don't know about you, but I have been basking in the gorgeous weather these past few days.  There is nothing like a few sunshiny days at the beginning of spring to get in the mood for some spring cleaning and decorating.  It's so refreshing to open up the windows and let the spring breeze blow through the house, and make the beds with clean sheets that have been dried outside on the clothes line.  After all the cleaning is done and I've put everything back in place, it never seems quite right.  I always have the urge to mix it up and freshen things up.  After a winter with wool throws, cozy shades of dark brown and grey, spring feels like the time to toss in some light bright elements to add a cheery look and inject some extra energy into the decor - energy that will inevitably spill over to all who live with it.  Why not try some of these ideas to spruce up during your spring cleaning. Bright colours: We've seen bright colours appearing in home decor and being embraced over the last year and it's continuing into 2012.  Pantone's 2012 colour of the year is tangerine tango - can you get bolder or brighter than that?  You certainly don't have to redecorate your whole house in orange, but a stack of books, a throw pillow, or something as simple as a white bowl filled with oranges will give you the energetic colour you're after.  Don't just stick to tangerine, choose your favourite colour and bring in some accessories or maybe paint a wall or room in that colour. Contrast: When design elements contrast, both become more noticeable and can highlight the beauty of each other.  You can achieve this with colour or materials.  Try some of these ideas: 1) mix wood and metal furniture; 2) use complimentary colours  - colours that are opposite on the colour wheel, like blue and orange for example; 3) contrasting fabrics, try felt and silk pillows together.  Any way that you choose to contrast will add life to your space. Bold Patterns: Another trend that we're seeing for 2012 is over-sized florals.  There is an obvious spring feeling that comes from this specific pattern, but any oversized or bold pattern will evoke liveliness in the same way that the floral will.  If you're ready for new draperies, try a bold pattern there, how about a large scale wallpaper as a statement in your room; re-upholster an accent chair that you've been feeling is getting a little blah in a fun bold pattern.  If you're not ready for any big changes or commitments, pattern can always be added through accessories like a rug, or graphic art.  This spring, follow your annual cleaning with a little decorating and add new life to your home.  Happy spring everyone - live it with style! Wendy  Wendy Monaghan, Interior Decorator and owner of Link Interiors, creates homes where life and style co-exist with flair.   She believes that a functional space allows families to have more quality time together and that children and all of their stuff can live in a beautiful home.  She is the mother of 2 fabulous HRM girls, aged 7 & 4.  For more information or to contact Wendy, visit her website, www.linkinteriors.ca photos  1) from betsy burnham 2)attica 3)crown wallpaper ...