No matter where you live, it’s time to get ready for spring. Say goodbye to winter blues and hello to sunshine! Spring is a great time to refresh your home a little. Put aside the major renovation projects, a few small updates throughout the house can make it feel new again. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spring cleaning
The best way to get started is to do some spring cleaning. As the days get longer, the sun will shine a spotlight on all the things you missed during the cold winter days. Leaf-filled gutters, dirty window panes, dusty baseboards, the works. Now you don’t have to tackle them all at once or it will become overwhelming. Make up a daily schedule for smaller cleaning projects like:
- Deep clean the carpet
- Clean window panes
- Refresh the flowerbeds or vegetable garden
- Clean out the gutters
- Air out closets and closed cabinets
Depending on how big or small your home is, spring cleaning may take a couple of weekends or so. Then you are ready to move onto the fun part: decorating!
Re-arrange furniture
Once everything is clean, it’s time to move the furniture. Here’s how you can refresh any room without spending a dime: simply move furniture around. Change the position of artwork or relocate a chair that’s not quite working in the usual spot. Push the couch away from the wall or move it to a different room entirely.
Another idea to change the colors in a room. Painting can take a few hours but you may like the existing color scheme. In that case, try some peel and stick wallpapers with fresh and bright florals or greenery to bring spring inside. You can also repaint metal or wood furniture to better fit the new vibes!
Refresh the bedroom
Thanks to the current pandemic, every room in the house is pulling double duty. Yours may also be a home office or meditation space. You may not always be able to change the furniture here but smaller changes can also work wonders.
Switch out the heavy winter bedding for fresh linens in bright tones. Use more lightweight materials like cotton and swap out pillows. You can also change the curtains – opt for bright patterns or lively florals. Switch to sheer fabrics to let in the spring sunshine and instantly brighten up the room.
Don’t forget scents as well. Why use candles when fresh flowers work so much better? You don’t have to buy them from the store either. Use green stems and branches to add life without worrying about keeping flowers alive.
Upgrade the kitchen
Spring is a good time to take stock and get rid of old, outdated, or broken appliances. Donate or throw old appliances or chipped dishes. Treat yourself to some new cookware or utensils. Manufacturers are launching small appliances if eye-popping colors, so go a little crazy!
Another area you want to focus on is the sink. Consider replacing an old sink or even just the faucet for a quick facelift. The bulk of your kitchen consists of cabinets and countertops. While changing those is not easy, you can always make smaller changes.
For instance, swap out drawer pulls for an instant upgrade. Invest in some backsplash with easy peel and stick options. Put away those white dishes and get a new set in bold colors. And voila, you have an instant spring upgrade for the kitchen!
Bathroom updates
It’s easy to forget about bathrooms but we spend quite a bit of time in there. Want to spruce up the bathroom for spring? Consider changing the accessories. If your current bathroom accessories (towel bar, hooks, toilet paper holder, etc.) are mismatched or simply dated, try investing in a new finish. Switch out the mirror or the lights to make the room feel more spacious.
The bathroom counter or vanity is often cluttered with all sorts of bath accessories – from cotton balls to lotion. Keep a few small baskets or transparent boxes to corral everything in one place. Not only does this look nice, but it also makes cleanup a lot easier.
Rest of the house
You can apply similar principles to the rest of your home too. Change the artwork on the walls or create a gallery wall behind the couch. Spruce up the entryway with a table, flowers, and some candles. Add a few hooks or shelves to hold your shoes and minimize clutter.
You can also update the patio space with a new chair or some hanging pots to welcome spring. If your living room couch has a slipcover, change it. Get a new area rug or remove the existing one and show off those bare floors for a change. A spring refresh is not always about adding things, it can be worthwhile to get rid of excess clutter as well.
