If your interiors are feeling a little lacklustre, read below for some tips, tricks, and trends from one of our local décor store owners.
We asked Hannah Keppler, owner of The Ruby Orchard in Howick, for her recommendations on seasonal décor tips and tricks. But if that’s not really your focus, there are also a few more timeless trends you can incorporate in your interior spaces. With over a decade in the running, The Ruby Orchard is a haven specialising in homeware, décor, reclaimed furniture, and gifts. From salvaged to spruced, you can find servers, mirrors, picture frames, side tables, all handmade from old beams and floorboards. Hannah has worked closely with interior decorators and design-conscious customers, which has allowed her to keep her hand on the pulse of what’s on trend, what sells, and mostly, as she shared, “what helps turn a house into a home”. Here are just a few for you to give a try and play around with:
What is the importance of keeping with seasonal themes in one’s home décor?
It’s really about creating a sense of rhythm and renewal in your home by simply refreshing and reimagining the pieces you already own. Small changes can make a big impact. In spring and summer, you might bring out vintage jugs or oversized glass vases filled with fresh flowers, swap in light linens or a cheerful table runner, and opt for crisp white bedding to reflect the season’s brightness.
Come autumn and winter, it’s all about layering—introducing heavier throws, quilts, and blankets, and shifting your display pieces to include mellow tones like terracotta, antique brass, and copper. These subtle seasonal updates help your space feel refreshed and personal, allowing your home to evolve naturally throughout the year.
Let’s talk spring/summer: what are some of the top trends in the interior decorating space?
This spring and summer, think airy cottage vibes, layered vintage pieces, and lots of natural texture. I am loving vintage botanical prints and soft florals, especially in artwork on a throw or pillows. Light wood accents and wicker always bring in cosiness and texture.
If you are looking to freshen up your space this summer, swap out heavy textiles for light, breathable ones, bring in vintage or antique-inspired furniture and ceramics, and add fresh greenery like potted herbs or wildflower bouquets in rustic vases and antique pots.
What colours or textures are in right now?
Thoughtful use of colour and texture can transform a space with warmth and personality. Soft greens, olive, blush pinks, nudes, and terracotta add charm across rooms. Start with a neutral base, like creamy whites or beiges.
Layer in textures—linen cushions, natural wood, and vintage elements—to create depth. Incorporate soft, earthy tones in fabrics, mix in open wooden shelving or freestanding vintage pieces, and use tactile accents like stonewashed bedding, jute rugs, or aged furniture to enhance character and comfort throughout the home.
Beyond seasonal decorating: what are timeless items or ideas?
Timeless pieces are truly at the heart of what we do at The Ruby Orchard. Our style leans toward a cottage-country-vintage aesthetic, and we have a particular love for antique and reclaimed wood furniture. These pieces bring lasting warmth, character, and soul to any space, no matter the season.
In recent years, we’ve also seen a growing trend toward open shelving and glass display cabinets, which we believe are here to stay. They offer a beautiful and functional way to showcase your personality through thoughtfully-styled ceramics, glassware, heirlooms, books, and antique finds. These elements add depth and storytelling to your home in a way that always feels current and personal.
Zhuzhing up your space doesn’t have to break the bank, nor does it have to be a radical redo. Focusing on just a few simple changes can make all the difference in your home. So with that, which room are you going to start on first?
http://www.therubyorchard.co.za