It’s been an exciting winter, hasn’t it? Great skiing, cold and clear starry nights, cozy days snowed in at home. Some of us will be sad to see it go––then there are the rest of us! As the first signs of spring make their appearances, it’s a great time to spruce up the appearance of our home.

“Simple” is among the key words for spring this year; garden is another.
 
Starting with the front entrance to your home, sweep off the steps. Bring a fresh look to your front door simply by cleaning the area. Wash the door and windows or consider a fresh coat of paint––even in a different color. Hang something new on your door, like a floral wreath or a sign that expresses your 2010 motto. If your porch is large enough, add pots of colorful spring flowers. Not so large? A bistro-sized table and two chairs will add a touch of glamour. Top it with a potted plant and plan to use it as a perfect spot for afternoon tea as the temperatures rise.

Without spending much money, change window treatments, replacing with sheers or florals. Sheer curtains, tablecloths, bed skirts and pillows all say “spring.” Look for plain, embroidered, or printed sheer designs that complement your interiors.
 
In a room with low ceilings, work with the wall color and choose vertically patterned curtains hung close to the ceiling. Your room will feel a foot taller. Try lighter throw pillows and a vase of fresh flowers. Voila, a brand new room!

You’ll be amazed at how much rearranging your furniture will change the look and feel of your home. If your furniture is centered in front of the fireplace, think about ways to change the look for spring by directing it toward a view. Take advantage of an outside scene by changing the focal point from the mantel to a window or door.

Change out your typical bathroom rug with something big and colorful. Move pictures, mirrors and knick-knacks. A stack of pretty coffee table books can serve as an end table. A wall mirror makes a lovely serving tray sitting on an ottoman. Lighten up. Hang two large mirrors on opposite walls or paint a ceiling a pale blue or gray to open up a room. Cover suede or corduroy sofas and replace heavy throw rugs with sisal or cotton in light, cool colors. Remove heavy knickknacks, replacing with lighter objects. Consider switching to floral or white dishes, adding plants, picture frames, or displaying a collection of pitchers or glass.

Spring’s the time to de-clutter. Get rid of unused items. Look for organizing solutions for your home. Any spot that is overcrowded or unorganized can drain your energy. It’s also the perfect time to sweep away the ashes of winter fires and start fresh. Fill your firebox with silk plants, an arrangement of candles, or an attractive display of beautiful birch logs. Or, cover the box with an attractive folding screen decoupaged with summer florals.

As warmer weather moves us outside, clean off the patio. No patio? Bring the outdoors inside with garden chairs, potted plants and floral fabrics. Scrub or spray paint patio furniture and replace old cushions. Power-wash the patio/deck, remove dusty silk or fake plastic flowers and plants, and set out pots of spring flowers.

Whatever you choose, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Shop at thrift stores for throw pillows and lighting accessories. A tired old brass chandelier can be spray painted a light color for a gorgeous addition. Let your imagination flow freely and have fun!  Notice how we’ve left out spring cleaning? We’ll save that for a rainy day.