Was that a flower bud you saw when you left the house for work this morning? A yellow tulip daring to grow? Is it -- no way -- actually, finally spring?
If your living room is still full of the furry pillows and emerald velvet throws that felt so glam yet cozy in the winter months, then get your act together and dress your home for the new season!
Spring is all about rebirth. About letting the sunlight back in. About trying something new. Now's your chance to do something drastic in just a few small steps. Create a space that screams "spring" with these 10 easy designer tips.
1. Pack up dark tones and try new colors
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your home for warm weather, here it is.
"When we start seeing more sunlight, I pack up the dark tones and heavy accessories and rearrange everything to increase openness and air circulation," says Jennifer Adams, an interior designer from Scottsdale, AZ.
Swap in lighter or neutral tones to give your home an open, airy feel. Spring is a great time to bring new colors into your home, especially if you've already got white or neutral walls. Adams recommends trying "fresh colors" such as mints, lighter greens, blush pinks, and grays. Combine colors with warm metals (think rose and antique golds) to create a cozy, fresh space.
Not sure where to integrate these changes? Think small: throw pillows, blankets, and bookshelf accessories. If you're feeling brave, consider painting a whole wall -- as long as you're willing to paint again if you grow tired of it.
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2. Update your entryway
If your entryway looks like the way to Winterfell, now's the time to give it a seasonal makeover.
Your front door is the first thing visitors see -- so you'll want to make it pop. DeAnna Radaj, an eco-shui design consultant from Charlotte, NC, recommends changing your welcome mat, door wreath, and porch accessories each season.
That doesn't mean they have to be covered in pastels and Easter eggs, but a timeless spring look can go a long way.
Don't forget to clean, too: Remove the layers of snow-tracked dirt and silt built up on your porch and give your patio furniture a thorough wipe-down.
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3. Switch to sheers
As a general rule, you should build your drapery in layers, with heavy panels on the top and light sheers against the windows. Now that spring's here, it's an excellent time to take down those dark, heavy panels for a thorough cleaning.
Doing so creates a "spare, open feel," Adams says, allowing light to filter through the gauzy fabric to illuminate your entire room in a soft glow. While you're at it, swap out any textural or embellished fabrics or pillows for lighter fabrics such as linen, she says.
One caveat: If your room gets direct sunlight during a part of the day -- like sunbeams hitting your breakfast nook right at 7:30 -- don't feel like you have to suffer the high beams just for the sake of an "airy" feel. Consider swapping in neutral-colored panels to protect your eyes.
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4. Go minimal
You need fewer accessories in spring. With nothing much to see outside in winter, it's worth building visual interest with various knickknacks. But now that you're letting in more light -- and tracking the progress of those buds -- it's time to declutter.
"Change out heavy, solid accessories -- like vases -- for taller, slender ones -- like beautiful candlesticks," Adams says.
On your walls, she recommends selecting lighter-colored frames for your art and mirrors -- think antique gold or silver instead of dark woods.
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5. Clean the windows, inside and out
You already know: Spring-cleaning is so refreshing, it feels great once you actually do it, blah, blah, blah. But here's an important step in the whole process that many people forget: Clean the exteriors of your window, too.
"Who wants to see all the dirt from rain, snow, and wind?" Adams asks.
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6. Buy seasonal bedding
Don't just clean your bedding for spring. Consider getting an all-new set to bring new life to your bedroom for the season -- something bright, light, and airy.
And it's not just aesthetic: A lighter-weight duvet helps prevent the night sweats as the temperature rises.
"Bedding, accent throws, and pillows should all be changed for the seasons and temperature changes," Radaj says. "It's relatively inexpensive and easy to store when out of season."
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7. Add mirrors and sparkle
No, we're not going for full-on glitz and glamour, here -- no one wants to relive New Year's Eve in the spring. But adding reflective elements (e.g., mirrors on the wall or crystal accents) can bring sunlight into hard-to-reach spaces -- making even the darkest room feel bright and fresh.
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8. Welcome the outdoors
Sure, you can head to the backyard if you're eager for sunlight and greenery (look at all those gorgeous blooms, finally sprouted!), but why not bring the outside in?
In addition to flowers and plants that can survive indoors, Radaj suggests using natural fibers such as jute and seagrass. You can also get your green on by framing artwork and photos of natural landscapes.
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9. Update your gallery walls
Looking for a simple fix to make your space feel brand new? Look at your walls -- how long has the artwork been in that exact arrangement?
Try something new.
You don't have to change every bit of artwork you own, but taking the time to rearrange one of your gallery walls -- or even move it to a brand-new spot -- can make a huge difference in the aura of the room.
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10. Get an HVAC checkup
This last one isn't about your home design. But after all, it's what's on the inside that counts, right?
Before switching on your air conditioner for the first time since last August, make sure your HVAC system is up to snuff after a long winter of heating.
"Your lungs will thank you," Radaj says.
At the very least, replace your filter. It's also a good idea to get a full checkup for the system to make sure everything is working properly. Not only will this make the air feel fresher, it also can save you money on your energy bills -- and we know that will put a spring in your step.