It’s officially spring! The season of transformation and renewal. As flowers start to blossom and days get longer, we feel more energized in our daily activities. This makes spring an ideal time to deep clean and refresh our homes. Cleaning and adding spring décor will surely brighten our homes, creating an interior that embodies the true essence of the changing season.

SPRING CLEANING

Spring-cleaning requires getting into those often-avoided nooks and crannies and taking on projects that are regularly put on the back burner. Oftentimes living spaces may look clean on the surface level, appearing organized and sanitized; however, when searching into the depths of closets, drawers, and baskets, there is much more clutter than meets the eye.

Getting through that laundry list of cleaning projects is a great way to start the season. According to the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, “women who described their homes as ‘cluttered’ or full of ‘unfinished projects’ were more depressed, fatigued, and had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who felt their homes were ‘restful’ and ‘restorative.’ ⁽⁴⁾ Your home should be a sacred haven of relaxation and comfort.

Reflecting the freshness of spring not only starts your season on a positive note, but also provides you with a sanctuary to clear your thoughts and feel motivated for the summer festivities ahead. Yes, summer is actually coming!

DEEP CLEANING

When it comes to spring cleaning, be sure to clean your home as you regularly would, vacuuming, mopping, and clearing off counter space. Then put in that extra 2% and pay special attention to those often-avoided deep cleaning tasks:

• Washing baseboards
• Dusting light fixtures, blinds, and shutters
• Cleaning air vents and filters
• Organizing pantries and cupboards
• Sanitizing appliances inside and out
• Washing area rugs and mats
• Wiping down walls for dirt and grime
• Disposing of unused knickknacks

ORGANIZING

Once the basic deep cleaning and sanitation is complete, start organizing your living space down to the minute details. “Well organized closets, storage areas and office space can help you save time, open up your living space, and restore beauty and order to your home.” ⁽³⁾

Eliminating clutter is a key part of spring-cleaning. As the seasons change, so do our needs. That means it’s time to swap out winter coats for summer apparel and get rid of any items that no longer serve a purpose to us. In other words, “Edit. Go through your coffee table books, get a new tray and organize your jewelry, rearrange your bookshelf…you get the idea.” ⁽⁵⁾ When considering what to keep, honestly ask yourself, “have I worn this piece of clothing or used this item in the last 30 days?” If the answer is no, toss it or donate it. Try to avoid hoarding any unworn clothing or jewelry in hopes of one day wearing it. Instead, find a more appreciated home for this item by creating a donation bag for a local charity. This will condense your wardrobe, free up space, and allow you to clearly visualize the items you truly care about and use on a regular basis. Some areas ripe for organization:

• Closet spaces
• Medicine cabinets
• Spice cabinets & kitchen pantries
• Unpacked boxes
• Inside drawers and shelving areas
• Storage baskets

SPRING HOME DÉCOR

Adding spring décor to the interior of your home will allow you to appreciate the season to a whole new level. There are various ways to accomplish this look, which are quite simple and inexpensive. It is not necessary to complete a drastic home makeover with the change of each season; simply adding color and spring accessories can surprisingly go a long way.

COLORS

Colors are often used in a symbolic sense, having the ability to speak to the soul. Displaying a spring color pallet evokes lighthearted emotions and can really brighten the overall ambiance of your home. Cory Connor Designs notes, “Nothing makes (him) feel more like spring is in the air than pops of color! Switch out some of your darker and cozier winter throw pillows for fun and bright, coral and turquoise pillows. Fold up your cashmere and cable knit throws, and replace them with light and vibrant ones!” ⁽⁵⁾

Neutrals with bold pops of color are trending in interior design this season, and the best tones to use are gelato colors, says House Beautiful. It is a modern twist to the typical pastel pallet.

ACCESSORIES

▸ Wood

Wood elements are perfect for creating organic beauty within your home. Wood accessories could include wall art, side tables, or even planter boxes. ⁽²⁾ Wood emphasizes the natural beauty of spring and comes in a variety of tones to match your preferred color palate.

If your wood furniture piece is looking worn and is reaching the end of it’s lifespan, it may be the perfect time for an upcycling project. A fresh coat of paint can often do wonders and allows you to enjoy the look of a new furniture piece while still conserving cash. Now that the weather is starting to warm up, grab a paintbrush and start refreshing!

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