Whether it’s a major overhaul of the entire house or just some reorganizing of closets and cabinets, there’s just something about spring that lends itself to cleaning up the home front. After all the washing and scrubbing, this year, consider taking it one step further with some spring sprucing! What is spring sprucing, you ask? It’s the act of freshening up your home décor in anticipation of the warm weather to come! Or, to say it more plainly, it’s redecorating.
Redecorating can be quite the undertaking, and may not be something you want to add to your to-do list this spring. But, there are a few simple ways to refresh your home that won’t break the bank or overwhelm your weekend.
First up, painting. Personally, I hate painting, but it’s one of the oldest decorating tricks in the home improvement book. For a DIY project, it’s not that expensive, and it can really revitalize a space. Even repainting one wall in a room can liven things up. Of course, springtime in these parts can be quite damp, so you may want to hold off until closer to summer when the weather will be more amenable to this sprucing technique.
Next, rethink your lighting scheme. You can swap outdated or non-working light fixtures for new. Rearrange or add lamps to change up the light in your space, replace your current bulbs with ambiance-creating bulbs, and/or add dimmers to your overhead lights. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can look for bargains at thrift shops or antique stores and find a unique lamp to rehab.
For a quick and easy indoor refresh this spring, add some plants to your décor. Fresh cut flowers, potted plants, even a cactus or two can add some springtime energy to your home. I’m a big fan of succulents, since they need little-to-no maintenance, last all year long, and aren’t as messy as other types of plants.
Another simple spring sprucing tip is to frame and rotate photos. With smart phones, we are all photographers now, and you probably have a ton of great pictures. Now is as good of a time as any to go through them and pick out ones to print and frame. Framed family photos also make wonderful Easter and Mother’s Day gifts. If you already have pics of the family displayed, consider updating them with more recent ones. Also, look to your images to create your own artwork. With custom printing and framing, that quick snap of a blooming flower or sunset can be a DIY masterpiece for your home.
To give your abode a more cozy and inviting feel, add some pillows and throws. Beds, couches, and chairs can all feel new again with some spring-themed cushions and blankets. You can DIY this and reupholster your current pillows and cushions. I like to look for deals on pillowcases to spruce up my throw pillows. If you really want to revamp an entire room, expand this to buying or making new curtains, or even a new rug!
Lastly, there’s wallpaper. Admittedly, wallpaper can be a bit pricey, but when used sparingly and strategically, it can create a dramatic difference without breaking the bank. Wallpaper isn’t just for walls. You can paper the back of bookcases, revitalize a worn out side table, or even freshen up shutters with unique and bright wallpaper. Or, just use some appliques to create a statement wall.
If you are feeling really ambitious and creative, you can incorporate all of these steps in your spring sprucing. Depending on time and budget, I suggest concentrating your efforts on the rooms in which you spend the most time. Sure, it’s nice to have a polished space for guests to enjoy, but if the dining room is only used on special occasions and you mostly eat in front of the TV, focus on your living room for your spring sprucing.
Moreover, if you’ll be redoing a shared space, try to get everyone’s input. Sure, you may love that bird-print wallpaper and matching curtains for your bedroom, but your spouse may not be too keen on it. For the sake of domestic — as well as decorative — harmony, try to find some common ground.
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