“refresh”
VERB: give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate
SYNONYMS: revitalize, revive, restore, stimulate, freshen, energize.
Okay you get the point. We all need a serious REFRESH in life and at home after winter. Especially if your a native to good ol’ Upstate New York where winters linger until April and Spring teases you every other week for about 8 hours. By the middle of February I start putting away all my winter decor and refreshing the heck out of this place. It doesn’t help that I have minor (definitely major) OCD about a clean house, always. I bring a whole new level to “spring cleaning” every year. Theres something about opening the windows on those first few spring days and smelling every cleaning product under the sun throughout the house while organizing closets and adding some fresh florals- AMIRIGHT!?
So here are a few home tips and tricks to make your home feel REFRESHED this Spring. I promise it won’t be all about cleaning.
TIP 1: CLEAN WINDOWS
Yikes, I know thats an aggressive first tip but its a game changer and a must when spring rolls around. I keep the doors and windows in my morning room clean year round because the sun rises on that side of the house beams through them.
Start slow. You don’t have to conquer every window in one day if that’s not your thing. I always start with my main living spaces and work my way through the house. But trust me it feels so good to open a clean window and let all that fresh spring air in.
Here are two photos from different seasons of my “morning room” windows that stay clean all year for that fresh feel:
TIP 2: FRESH FLORALS
Time to get rid of all those evergreen trees, bare branches and anything else winter related. Bring on the FRESH florals. I love white tulips and spring is the only time I can get away with them in my house. I love to pair white florals with white vases. It makes everything in the house pop and feel bright. However if white isn’t your thing, there are so many alternatives to use in the spring.
Here are some example of fresh florals: (some of these photos throughout this post are from other sources)
White florals in white vases in my home:
Simple alternative options from Pinterest: (I do not claim these to be my own ideas)
These glass vase and simple florals bring a fresh look to any home.
If you prefer a little color, these aqua vases are beautiful with branchy florals.
TIP 3: FRESH WREATHS
A spring wreath on my front door gives me all the feels when I’m pulling into my driveway. I love simple, wispy wreaths for spring to go with my “wythe blue” front door! But for Easter I have an adorable alternative that goes perfect as well. I also like to add two wreaths to my two doors in my morning room inside. Indoor wreaths done right can be so refreshing. Adding them to mirrors and rustic window frames/mirrors can add a fresh look also.
Simple spring front door wreaths at my home:
Pinterest outdoor wreath ideas:
Pinterest indoor wreath ideas:
TIP 4: PILLOWS
Time to get rid of the furs and the knits (although some knits work year round) and bring on the bright whites or colorful accent pillows. I always have a few ivory or white pillows on the couch that work year round. I love to add a touch of blush to my house here and there in the spring. But I totally understand that it’s not everyones vibe. So here are some different options for that fresh look this spring.
My homes spring accent pillows:
Pinterest ideas from simple to floral to grain sack. THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS so here’s a few:
These four simple tips should get you started on that fresh spring feel you crave in those late winter months. Simple touches here and there is all you need. Home decor done right doesn’t have to break the bank. Most of these looks can be purchased at target, hobby lobby, home goods or are a DIY! And when all that’s done, start CLEANING! HAPPY SPRING.