The sun is shining. The temperatures are creeping up. So after a weekend of feeling actual real sunshine on my face, I’ve got all giddy and am preparing for Spring. I’ve found myself shortlisting paddling pools, inflatable hot tubs and pizza ovens. I’m imagining hazy, gin-filled afternoons with friends in my garden. I’m obsessing over outdoor rugs, and boho cushions and am visualising myself in a long floaty dress with flowers in my hair.
Although the British weather isn’t predictable, the one good thing about our climate is that we do have seasons. And with a new season comes an excuse to restyle your home to welcome the change. So here are my top tips.
1. WASH YOUR WINDOWS
Sorry for pointing out the obvious but I’m not sure it is actually that obvious. What a difference! I mean it’s absolutely staggering how much more light comes into the room when you simply clean the glass. And that’s what we want, isn’t it? More light?
And take a look at those curtains and blinds too. Could they do with coming down and going to the dry cleaners? Probably.
2. SWITCH UP YOUR RUGS AND CUSHIONS
Spring is a great time to have a switch up your soft furnishings. Swap your saturated, dark or earthy colours for softer pastels, whites and neutrals. Lighter colours reflect more light and create a fresh and airy feeling. And it’s not just colour, think about the materials and textures too. Sumptuous velvets and battered leathers are perfect to carry you through the dark and colder months but think about switching them up for lighter cottons and linens. If you focus on cushion covers, throws and rugs you can totally transform your space without a huge investment.
3. GIVE YOUR WALLS A REFRESH
Painting a wall is a really quick and cost-effective way to transform a room. Or maybe you want to introduce an uplifting summery pattern through some amazing wallpaper. These are quick weekend projects that can be done on a relatively small budget. But if you don’t have the time or money, then grab your sponge and bucket. Washing your walls and scrubbing that grubby woodwork could give your room a wonderful lift.
4. DE-CLUTTER
It really is good for the soul and helps unblock negative energy that can build up around your home. But if you don’t want to part with items then just reorganise them. Sort through your wardrobe. Pack away your sleeping bag-style coat and get those t-shirts and linen trousers where you can see them.
5. MAKE THE MOST OF OUTDOOR SPACE
It goes without saying, if you have some outdoor space then make the most of it. Get the pressure-washer out. Shake out the spiders from your outdoor cushions. Clean up that BBQ and cut the grass. But if you don’t have any space then you can work on the view. Do you have room for some window boxes? Or simply some plants on your windowsill? Or if you really don’t have anything at all how about painting your window frame a jolly colour?
6. RESTYLE YOUR BED
It’s time to stop hibernating and pack away the winter duvet. Linens are so popular right now and they look effortless and gorgeous, perfect for Spring. Stick to light colours and layer using light fabrics for an airy but cosy feel.
7. PAMPER YOUR HOUSEPLANTS
Hopefully, your indoor plants have survived the winter with a light watering every two weeks. But now it’s Spring it’s time to get them into new pots and start up with the feeding programme. So plan a pamper weekend for your plants. Make sure you get the right-sized pots and the right soil/fertiliser. If you aren’t great at caring for houseplants then take the Patch house plant parenting course. It’s totally free and worked wonders for me!
8. SWITCH UP THE SCENTS
If you enjoy oils and scented candles in your home (and if not why not?) then Spring is a great time to try something different. Swap the heavy, hypnotic scents that seduce you through winter for uplifting florals and herbs.
Who knows if we will have the Spring we are all hoping for? Even if it’s a washout, making some changes in our homes can bring about the positive lift we need. But I’m keeping everything crossed for sunshine.