LIGHTEN UP! SPRING TIPS FOR FRESHENING UP YOUR HOME
Spring is around the corner and it’s the right time to think about adding a little refresh your home after the long months of being cooped up indoors. With a few simple changes, you’ll feel like you’re in a brand new space without breaking the bank. Once the weather permits and you’re no longer relying on your heater, it’s good practice to open a few windows for a few minutes before heading off to work for the day. Allowing fresh air into your home is not only invigorating and refreshing for you, but a great way to rid your home of the stale air of winter.
Pillows and Throws: A simple and low-budget way of adding a little bit of spring in your home is to invest in a few new pillows for your living room. Choose light pillows with chevron print, yellow, or light blue tones to help brighten up any room. If you are feeling crafty, pick up some inexpensive fabric and try your hand at sewing a few of your own pillow covers, mixing your selection with a few neutral canvas textures or a few white accent pillows. You can rotate these throughout the spring keeping your living area always looking fresh and crisp. Likewise, try a fresh new lightweight throw for the couch in a pale green to keep you cozy on movie nights.
Candles: Another easy way to spruce up your home for spring without spending too much money is with a new scented candle. After the heavier scents we tend to use during the holidays and winter such as cinnamon, pine, or vanilla try opting for fresher and lighter aromas. If you’re missing sandy shores of the lake, go ahead and try a Melon and Seasalt candle by Swan Creek Candle Co. or, for those craving thunderstorms and fresh grass, try the Creative Co-op Flaire Candle in Fresh Rain or Tall Grass. All three are available at Country Greenery in Fargo, West Fargo, Dilworth, and Moorhead.
Flowers and Plants: Everyone loves flowers, and fresh greenery in the home always help to create a bright and cheery atmosphere. In the spring, opt for mixed bloom bouquets such as light colored roses and lilies. Peonies and hydrangeas are also a good choice for spring. Add some sprigs of eucalyptus to help create a clean and sharp color contrast. If you are looking for a few spring bloom choices that are more long lasting but which do require more care, choose flowering plants with bright pops of color, such as purple orchids or colorful gerbera daisies. A variety of potted house plants placed at various heights throughout the home also helps create a vibrant atmosphere while improving the air quality of your home.
Donating and Cleansing: We all too often end up accumulating more than we need in our home spaces. A good practice to adopt to counter this accumulation is the “one-for-one” approach. For every new item you acquire, consider donating an item you no longer use. This will keep your home balanced as well as ensure that your future purchases remain intentional and well-thought out. Another great way to update your interior décor without spending a lot of money is to start a collection of favorite prints of your family and friends. Rotate these photos and rearrange their placement during the various seasons of the year to give your home an instant lift without spending a lot.
For more local ideas for interior design, candles, pillows and more, be sure to check out McNeal and Friends located on 506 Broadway N. in Fargo, or ScanDesign located at 110 N. Broadway in Fargo.
By Ana Mitrovici