Hey, Lighten Up! 7-Steps to Spring-ready Interiors

Hello ladies! Thanks for stopping by. We are a little over a month away from Easter and I've started my countdown calendar. Is anyone planning to host an Easter brunch or dinner? Expecting visitors? If so, you are probably already making preparations. Well, I'm right in the middle of spring cleaning today and thought I would share a few of the tricks that I use each year to get my home ready for Spring. Even though it may still look like winter outside your window, when March rolls around it's time to begin your Spring interior transformation! I have 7 steps to help get your home in Spring-ready condition. Step 1. Lighten Up! Especially on your windows. Now is the time to take down heavy, dark window treatments and allow the glorious sunshine to filter through your home. Try leaving your windows bare where privacy isn't an issue or use only privacy blinds or shades. Try taking an ivy garland and draping it around your curtain rod. This will soften the look of the rod while allowing you to keep your window uncovered for maximum light. I keep moss green and gold velvet drapes on my family room windows during the fall and winter but I just changed them to a light leaf green silk taffeta. I love the way they soften the silhouette but allow plenty of light to stream through the window. I am also in the process of changing out decorative pillows using lighter accent colors such as Robin's Egg blue.

Here's another lovely example of light and airy window treatments.

Step 2. Remove dark, heavy rugs. Consider taking up your wool rugs and replacing them with natural fibers like sisal or cotton throw rugs. Better yet, leave your floors bare. During the warmer months I take up many of my area rugs excepts for the ones in my entry hall and family rooms. If you just can't part with your rug, even for a season, try bringing light furnishings or accents into the room for spring-ready flair.

Step 3. Invest in a nice set of slipcovers. Nothing can transform a room for spring like covering your seating in a light, neutral slipcover. I like the ones that are offered by Pottery Barn. The neutral color of the slipcover will then allow you to add punches of bright color in decorative pillows and throws.

There are so many companies that offer slipcovers. You can literally find a style and color to fit any piece of seating furniture you own!

Step 4. Spread out! Rearrange your furniture to allow more space between your groupings. It's great to cozy up for the fall and winter months but when warmer days begin, give your furniture some breathing room. More space between your furnishings is visually uplifting and creates a feeling of positive energy and air flow. Spring is about expanding and breathing in the fresh air!

Step 5. Bring the outdoors in! Think nature. One of this year's top trends in home decor is nature-inspired colors and accessories. Leaf green, sunshine yellow, sky blue, sandy beach - all of these shades help to connect you with the great outdoors even when you are shut up indoors. Next, bring in fresh cut flowers or greenery. Nothing breaths life into your home like plants. You don't have to invest a fortune on expensive bouquets. Go out into your yard and clip small stems and branches from ferns, bushes or flowering trees. Your mood will instantly improve!

Step 6. Add a fresh spring scent. I love to use reed diffusers with fragrant oils in my home. During the fall scents like cinnamon apple, pumpkin and blue spruce are my favorites. However, these scents are to heavy for my taste during the spring months so I opt for lilac, lilies, pears and tangerine. Your local mass retailer like Target or Walmart have tons of options from plug-in gels, candles, reed diffusers to sprays and potpourri. Even the fragrance of fresh flowers will breath new life into your home.

Step 7. Reflect light. I like to place glass or reflective surfaces close to a natural light source. Setting tall glass vases in front of my windows cause the sunlight to sparkle and reflect into the room. A collection of silver candle holders or mercury glass works great too. Another trick I use often is positioning a mirror opposite of my windows. Not only does this visually expand my space but when the windows are open, it reflects the lovely outdoors.

Bonus Tip #1: Don't forget about your porch or entry. Try clustering a group of large planters or urns around the door and fill them with fresh green plants. They will look good all spring right into the hot days of summer.

Bonus Tip #2: Deep clean the house in the spring. That is what's on my agenda this week. I like to wash the windows using a vinegar and lemon-water solution. I don't like the smell of Windex so I go for a natural alternative. Next, I wash down the woodwork. If painted, I use a warm water wash with mild dish detergent. If the wood is stained I reach for Murphy's Oil Soap and warm water. My hardwood floors get treated with a Minwax wood floor cleaner followed by a polish. I love the way they shine afterwards. And everything gets a thorough dusting or wipe-down. Then I set back, sip an ice cold lemonade and enjoy the freshness.

I hope you have a wonderful, sunny day. Tomorrow I hope to share a quick and easy spring centerpiece using items right out of your kitchen! Until then,

Happy Cleaning!

~Alisa