How to decorate a kitchen for spring – 5 simple switches to make right now to freshen your space

Spring is very nearly upon us, and while there are so many reasons to look forward to the changing seasons, an excuse to decorate the kitchen is one of our favorites. 

In the heart of the home, some simple decor changes can transition your space from cozy and cocooning to fresh and uplifting in anticipation of the longer days and warmer weather. So we've rounded up our favorite spring decor ideas for the kitchen. From decorating with spring-inspired colors to bringing the outdoors in with greenery, these ideas have you covered. 

1. Switch to a spring-inspired paint color

Swapping your kitchen paint colors can be one of the most transformative decor changes you can make. At this time of year, turning to spring color ideas such as soft yellows and earth-inspired greens, can give the space a refreshed look and feel. 

Gaelle Dudley, interior designer and founder of GLDESIGN explains: 'Spring provides a great opportunity to switch things up and the right paint color can make or break the mood for an entire space. I believe in a light, easy-breezy approach to living that reminds us of being on vacation from the comfort of our own home, and there is no better way to do that than with a fresh coat of paint.'

Whether you want to go for a whole new look and change the entire kitchen scheme by painting the kitchen cabinets, or create a more subtle nod to spring by incorporating an accent color, decorating with paint ideas will instantly refresh your kitchen. 

2. Decorate with colorful accessories

If you're looking to make a less permanent decor change in your kitchen this spring, adding colorful accessories can be an equally effective way to capture a spring color palette and uplift the space. 

'I love bringing in hints of yellow and pink when spring rolls around,' says interior designer Nadia Watts. 'This can be accomplished with flowers of course, but also consider swapping out your accessories. Try some brightly striped dish towels or placemats, or add a small colorful lamp to your kitchen counter. Bright white containers filled with citrus are a good way to brighten things. Spring is all about feeling refreshed and renewed, so clear your counters and start anew with colorful accessories, flowers, fruit, and plants.'

We've rounded up some of our favorite spring-inspired kitchen decor items for you to shop below – adding a hint of color that instantly nods to the changing seasons. 

3. Create spring-inspired displays

Beyond the functional elements of your kitchen, consider how you can create artful vignettes throughout the space that nod to the changing seasons. Whether that's a styled corner of your kitchen countertops or a kitchen shelving display, creating styled areas elevates your space from feeling purely functional to stylish. 

For spring, consider doing a declutter first and decide which items add design interest to your space. From decorating with art to displaying stylish objects on open shelving, as pictured above, you can create your displays however you please with your favorite decorative objects. Just make sure to keep things pared-back and uncluttered for a clean and streamlined look. 

4. Bring the outdoors in with cut flowers

An absolute must in any spring kitchen refresh is displaying cut flowers. Decorating with vases of fresh flowers instantly makes the space feel spring-like. Not only do flowers bring a splash of bright color to your kitchen, but their scent will bring a fresh feel to the space and transition it from winter to the warmer months. 

'Bring the outside in whether that is through cut daffodils and tulips or forced spring bulbs and you will start your mornings out on the right foot,' says interior designer Bethany Adams. 

5. Display seasonal branches

To a similar effect, decorating with branches is another option to embrace for your spring kitchen. Branches, instead of flowers, can create more of a rustic kitchen look and they will last longer without needing too much upkeep. 

'One of my favorite ways to decorate the kitchen in the spring is to bring in tall flowering branches,' explains interior designer Ines Kelly Mazzotta, principal designer at Kelly Hopter Interiors, who shares her favorite branches to style at this time of year.

'After a long winter, nothing feels more exciting than the sight of blossoms. I start with the forsythia in February and March and then move to cherry or apple blossoms as the season progresses. But in a pinch, I will also force non-flowering branches – the sight of small leaves coming in is just as delightful! For both, I use tall glass or ceramic vases with relatively small openings to make sure the branches are contained and don't spread out too much.'

From changing the color scheme of your kitchen to creating smaller seasonal displays, there are lots of ways to welcome spring in your kitchen. If you do decide to make a larger decor change, such as paint the walls, make sure it's a color that you'll love beyond springtime to give it longevity. 

Looking to continue the spring decor elsewhere in your home? We've rounded up our favorite spring living room ideas to give you some more seasonal inspiration.