Get ready for spring with Sainsbury's

Welcome 2016. As the first snowdrops begin to make an appearance, it's time to embrace change and freshen up your house for the new season.

Restful neutrals are the perfect antidote to the decorative excesses of the Christmas season and giving your home an elegant, calming twist couldn't be easier. One of the hottest trends this coming spring is the combination of past and modern design ideas reinterpreted in a tranquil colour palette. Sainsbury's new Neutrals collection is perfect to create this look as it's packed full of gorgeous products in chic shades of cream, white, dove grey, pale blue and taupe.

"Subtle tones and matt finishes create a sense of calm and relaxation," explains Andrew Tanner, who is Head of Home Design at Sainsbury's.

One of the greatest advantages of choosing a neutral scheme is that it's a brilliant base that you can build on, update or adapt to suit the changing seasons. In the early months of the year, when the weather is still cold, keep blankets and winter cushions at hand but replace deep and jewel colours for lighter, soothing hues such as grey, white or cream. Don't be afraid to mix and match textures, sizes and patterns - for example pairing herringbone stripes with subtle diamonds - but keep to your neutral palette for a pulled together look.

"Whilst there is still a chill in the air, snuggle up with simple and practical herringbone throws and remind yourself that, as is written on one of our inspirational cushions, Happiness is Homemade," says Andrew.
When the days get warmer, start replacing your woollies with woven cushion covers and lighter throws.

1/6 Choose a fresh new look

Home accessories are another easy way to bring in your new colour scheme. Group white votive candles, for example, or display seasonal greenery in a range of smooth clear-glass vases or in ceramic vessels with interesting ribbed textures. Add a spotlight to turn your arrangement into an instant focal point.

2/6 Bridge the seasons with throws

In late winter and early spring, the weather is changeable so mix and match warmer and lighter throws to keep your house cosy. Pick elegant shades of grey, white and cream and combine different patterns for added visual interest.
Grey Knitted Throw, £35, Sainsbury's
Herringbone Stripe Throw, £14, Sainsbury's

3/6 Add texture to your vases

Create visual focus in an instant by grouping ceramic vases with interesting textures, such as these gorgeous ones, which have a subtle, ribbed pattern.
Tall Ceramic Vase, £16, Sainsbury's
Ceramic Bottle Vase, £15, Sainsbury's

4/6 Mix and match cushions

Move from winter into spring by choosing neutral cushions featuring inspirational quotes or elegant, subtle patterns.
Happiness is Homemade Cushion, £12, Sainsbury's
Grey Weave Cushion, £16, Sainsbury's
Herringbone Stripe Cushion, £12, Sainsbury's

5/6 Let there be light

As the days become longer, it's easy to disregard lighting but it still remains key to creating the right mood in your home. For a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, choose pretty votive candles and add a spotlight where you need extra brightness.
Ceramic Candle, £5, Sainsbury's
White Matt Task Lamp, £30, Sainsbury's

6/6 Dress up the walls

Neutral doesn't mean stark so dress up your walls with artwork and beautiful mirrors - but choose frames in soft beige or white hues to stay true to your restful palette.
Happiness A3 Framed Print, £18, Sainsbury's
Simplicity Framed Print, £10, Sainsbury's
Grey Mirror, £18, Sainsbury's

To find your nearest store and discover the other collections, visit sainsburyshome.co.uk