Here in Japan, where the changing seasons play a significant role in daily life and culture, bringing the vibrant colors of spring into your home can brighten both your space and spirits, especially for those on a budget. It’s a way we can connect to nature and our beautiful planet and celebrate the passing of time. It may be that you’ve just moved into a new home, or perhaps you’ve been living in the same one for a while and you’re looking for a refresh. Please read on for our tips on how to bring the essence of spring into your Village House apartment.
Ikebana
Incorporating Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, is a way you can experiment with spring home decor regardless of your budget. It’s a lovely way of welcoming spring into your home. This mindful practice focuses on simplicity, asymmetry, and the beauty of each bloom, making it perfect for those of us living in smaller spaces or on a tighter budget. By selecting local, seasonal flowers and foliage, you can capture the essence of spring in Japan while supporting local growers. Consider foraging for branches, leaves, or even weeds or twigs to add a seasonal charm to your apartment without using expensive bouquets or vases.
The focus is on the arrangement’s form and harmony, not the rarity of the flowers, making it ideal for those mindful of their spending. This approach not only decorates your home with the rejuvenating spirit of spring but also connects you deeply with the natural world, right from the comfort of your apartment. For more information about this art, please check out our guide to Ikebana.
Wildflowers
The warmer months bring a tapestry of flowers in both cities and the countryside. Wildflowers, such as delicate sakura (cherry blossoms) to the bright yellow of rapeseed flowers line the streets and rivers. Collecting one or two wildflowers during a leisurely walk in your local park allows you to bring the magic of spring into your home without spending any money.
You could even take a trip out deeper into nature for a walk and forage and bring back a flower or twig or weed to commemorate the adventure. For those living in apartments, integrating these natural elements can create a sense of escape from the urban rush, turning your home into a serene retreat where spring’s beauty is always in bloom. As you seek out the perfect apartment to showcase your seasonal decor, look for spaces with ample natural light and perhaps a small balcony or window sill to grow your wildflowers, further connecting with the cycle of the seasons. Please be considerate when picking flowers – it is more acceptable in the countryside however ensure you are not trespassing, or picking a flower in an area where it is prohibited, make sure to not pick a flower in an area where there aren’t many as it means other people cannot enjoy them.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning, a tradition with roots in various cultures, aligns itself with Japan’s seasonal rhythms, where it symbolically represents renewal and preparation for the new beginnings that spring brings. This period, known as a time of fresh starts, coincides with the commencement of the school and business year, often prompting people to change jobs or move homes.
This spring, take the opportunity to set your home up for success and go around doing a thorough clean. Nonetheless, spring cleaning is not just about tidying up. It’s a great moment to declutter and reorganize, ensuring your home feels as fresh and promising as the season itself. For individuals looking to move, this season of renewal is ideal for finding an apartment that better suits new beginnings, whether it’s closer to a new job or a more efficient layout that offers a fresh canvas for personal and professional aspirations in the year ahead. Please check out our available rental apartments if you are considering a move.
Paper Flowers
If picking wildflowers is not an option for you, consider making your own! You can add a personal touch to your home by creating paper flowers. paper flowers are an affordable and creative way to do just that, allowing city dwellers to infuse their apartments with the beauty of sakura, tulips, or peonies, regardless of their income.
Starting with simple materials like colorful paper such as origami paper, a pair of scissors, and some glue, you can create stunning blooms. Begin by cutting the paper into petal shapes, then layer and glue them around a central point to mimic the natural form of your chosen flower. Add a stem made from a skewer or a piece of wire, and you’ve created a lasting piece of spring.
If you enjoy this, we recommend checking out some paper flower art for inspiration, there are books available with patterns to make specific flowers. You may want to invest in some colorful crepe paper to create more realistic blooms, as well as some florist tape and wire.
Floral Patterns
Incorporating floral patterns into your interior design is another way you can freshen up your home for spring, without having to use real flowers. Consider integrating subtle floral motifs into textiles like curtains, cushions, and spring throws, or opt for furniture pieces with floral-inspired upholstery such as a floral-printed futon.
If you are looking to maintain a minimalist aesthetic, choose patterns with muted colors and smaller-scale designs. Additionally, incorporating botanical artwork can add a touch of nature without overwhelming the space.
There are so many small and subtle changes you can make to bring hints of spring into your apartment through interior design, from floral patterns to a thorough spring clean, to making your paper flowers. It’s a great opportunity to create and consider any other ways you may want to channel this season through your home decor. For more spring decor ideas, please check out our post on spring flower home decoration tips.
Hello, I’m Jazmine Kelly, a freelance writer who has been writing about travel and interior design for 3 years. My love of travel and exploring countries began at a young age thanks to my adventurous parents who moved our family abroad. I learnt from my Dad how to find great deals for trips and find unique destinations to visit. I moved to Hyogo in March 2020 and haven’t looked back since, always making the most of any adventure! Having lived in various countries and apartments, I’ve learnt the importance of making a house feel like a home. Decorating rented homes on a tight budget allowed me to express my creativity and develop a love for interior design. As well as travelling, I love crafts, interior design, music, and spending time outside in nature.