As the days start to get longer and the temperature begins warming up, spring is the perfect season to start rejuvenating your home and bringing a fresh lease of life to your interiors. All those odd DIY jobs or de-cluttering tasks that you’ve put off during the cooler months can now be tackled in time for summer and some proper relaxation. So throw open the windows, dust off the cobwebs and welcome in a fresh new start.
Pack away winter woollies
Fortunately, you won’t be needing your warm coats and winter wardrobe for a while, so store it away in suitcases or plastic tubs and relish the joy of hanging up your cooler, summer wardrobe. Keep winter shoes and boots in good condition with shoe ‘shapers’ and if any need re-heeling, this is the perfect time to do it. Winter coats could also do with a dry-clean so they can be stored in tip top condition with a plastic covering to prevent dust collecting.
Change over bed linen
If you’ve had a thicker doona on over winter, it’s time to switch back to the lightweight one. If anything needs washing, such as doonas or pillows, do this now so you have can store them away fresh and clean. If you are thinking of updating your bed linen for the season, opt for a fabric that is soft and cooling, such as Egyptian cotton or natural linen. Stick to a palette of crisp, pale colours so the room feels bright and up-lifting. This spring, it’s no surprise to see florals are big again, however this year they have been given a tropical twist, with large, lush palm leaves proving a popular trend. Team floral bed linen with plain scatter cushions and you’ll have a restful sanctuary in no time.
Store away blankets and throws
Your chunky knit throw might have been your favourite winter buy, but now it’s time to swap it for a wispier fabric, like linen, that will bring a more delicate touch to chairs or beds, yet still create that luxurious layered effect.
Get you Air Conditioning serviced
It’s a good idea to get your AC unit inspected, serviced and cleaned at least once a year, particularly in the spring to ensure it’s ready to cool your home in the months you’ll most need it.
Give your home a deep clean
Set aside a weekend to give your home a thorough deep clean to blow away the winter dust – you’ll be thankful for it in the long term. Spring is a great time to give carpets or shaggy rugs a proper wash, as they will dry out quicker; consider hiring a carpet washer for the day or calling in a professional cleaning company to do the job. Curtains and blinds will also benefit from a steam clean or dust down, and any heavy drapes might be worth storing away and replacing with finer voiles to let the sunlight in.
Shine up the windows
A top tip for making windows sparkle is to use a simple solution of warm water and white vinegar. Then use dry newspaper to wipe the glass clean and watch it gleam! Give your front door a wash down too, removing road dust that’s built up and ensuring your home has curb appeal.
Inject pops of colour with accessories
The simplest and easiest way of giving your home a new look without lifting a paint brush is by introducing a new colour scheme through the accessories. Pick a zesty spring colour that will compliment your furniture but feels brighter than your winter palette, such as coral or pistachio, then add new cushions, throws, lampshades and vases in your chosen hue for an instant uplift.
Change up your room scent
It’s not only visual changes you can make at spring time, you can also affect the mood of your home by introducing new seasonal scents. Fragrant candles and room fresheners with a garden-fresh scent will liven the tempo and bring a sense of renewal to your interiors.
Freshen up your table dressing
Whether you’ve ventured outdoors for mealtimes already, or you’re still enjoying evenings inside, dress you table for the season with breezy fabrics and new place settings. Take inspiration from chic coastal style and capture the perfect laid-back look for spring. Use plenty of natural textures, like rattan, wood and stone, and stick to a serene palette of cool blues and crisp whites to keep the look light and bright.
Decorate with seasonal flowers
Finally, for instant spring cheer and freshness, there’s nothing better than a stunning arrangement of seasonal blooms, such as tulips or daffodils. Have a pretty vase in the hallway to welcome guests or a fragrant display on the breakfast table to wake up too. Lovely!
Written by Kate Shaw