Put a Little “Spring” in Your Step
As a native Memphian, I can remember the days when we actually had 4 distinct seasons. As of late, however, Spring and Fall seem to be a 2 week minor blip in between 9 degree ice storms and 100 degree scorchers. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little eternal spring where you nest. Looking out at the dogwood blooms and tulips scattering the yard gives me a feeling of renaissance and renewal, and makes my mind scream: “project”! If you are feeling antsy and tired of camping out on Pinterest, get off your tablet and try some of these ideas for yourself.
Cleanliness and Color
I know it’s a cliché, but nothing gives one a feeling of renewal better than a good “spring” cleaning. Try making your own natural environmentally friendly cleaners this time. These recipes are easily found on Google, and are better for you and often cheaper than buying store bought toxic cleaners. Don’t just spring clean; spring edit. Get rid of stuff you don’t need and try to recoup some of your investment on eBay or consignment. While you are doing this try thinking outside the box. Move things around like you’ve never had them, borrow things from other rooms, pull out vintage items from the attic and repurpose them. And for heavens sake, clean your windows, open up the blinds/drapes, and let the sunlight in! While you are at it, lighten up a room by repainting it, or at least paint an accent wall with a pop of color that picks up some of your accents. Wallpapers are fun again and I do lots of accent walls these days using wallpaper.
Bring Mother Nature Indoors
Plants and natural elements really do uplift the spirit and give one positive feelings upon entering any room. Bring in potted plants, cut aromatic flowers in bowls, and change out your faux floral mixtures. Don’t forget to change out your incense and candles to a more linen or light floral selection. Try unique touches like using old outside pots or wood crates for plants. Buy bushes and plants you can display in the home and then plant them in the yard later. Window boxes are fun to build and display annuals outside every window.
Change Out Key Accents
Seasonally changing out the accents in your room while leaving the core pieces in tact, can easily give you a whole new look and feel. At TannerMeyer Drapery, Bedding, and Blinds I have worked with clients that have done this for years. Many of our clients have us make them a set of Spring/Summer accent pillows and drapery. Take down your heavier printed drapes and change them out with a light and airy linen or sheer. Switch out your traditional Persian rug with a crisp clean jute rug for the warmer months. Even switch out your accents with a lighter “less is more” approach. Repurpose your Fall/Winter accents throughout your house so they don’t’ go to waste. It’s amazing what a minimal investment in accent pieces can do to dramatically change a room and ones’ spirit over the course of a weekend.
It is often said: “change your image and change your life”. The same goes for your surroundings! Put in the time now, and you’ll be kicking back happily sipping mint juleps and mimosas for many warm months to come.
