Words by Paige Townley
Spring is often viewed as a time for cleaning, but itis also the season of renewal. With the warmth of sunshine finally replacing the cold winter weather, that rejuvenation should extend into your home.
You can effortlessly refresh any space with a few small but strategic updates. And don’t fret—updating a space for spring doesn’t require a big budget or high-priced designer. Many strategic refreshes are low-cost (or even free) while also making your home feel brand-new. Here are some easy and cost-effective upgrades to spruce up your home for the season that lies ahead.
Start with paint. Nothing transforms a room as quickly as a fresh coat of paint. Whether it’s simply refreshing the room with a crisp new coat of the same color or opting for a new one, it’s an easy update that can typically be tackled in a weekend. If you’re into color but nervous about going too bright in the room, consider going bold on just one wall, or perhaps even the ceiling. An accent wall is a great way to add character to a space.
Consider wallpaper. Wallpaper may have once been pricey and time consuming, but today a variety of wallpaper options come with a much more affordable price tag and schedule for install. Many options are peel-and-stick and can be easily removed. A fun, patterned wallpaper is another great option for creating a statement wall.
Rearrange the furniture. The easiest and cheapest way to make a room feel brand-new may be to rearrange the furniture. Put together a new layout where possible, whether it’s moving around couches and chairs in the living room or swapping the arrangement of the bedroom. Get creative and find décor pieces that can move to different rooms to make the whole home feel refreshed.
Pick up new pillows. Swapping out pillows can add new life to a space. Swap out those dark pillows left over from winter with a few brightly colored or patterned pillows that can speak to the season and add a much-needed pop of color. And remember, you can mix and match pillows—they don’t have to be all the same pattern, color, or texture.
Add plants. There’s nothing that says spring quite like fresh flora or fauna. Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with some houseplants or with an arrangement of fresh flowers. And don’t worry—many houseplants don’t require a green thumb. A few commonly kept houseplants that don’t require much more than water include the fiddle-leaf fig, spider plant, jade plant, Swiss cheese plant, and snake plant. Bonus: many houseplants can improve indoor air quality.
Go natural. Natural elements are a staple for spring, and they are easy to incorporate into any home décor. They can be added through a variety of materials or textures, such as terra-cotta vases or pots, reclaimed wood, jute rugs, or linen pillows.
Tackle a DIY project. If you have a can-do attitude and a penchant for getting your hands dirty, a number of manageable DIY projects can truly transform a space. Reupholster your stale dining room chairs with a funky new pattern. Revive an old wooden table or cabinet by painting it a statement color. Create a statement wall beyond just paint by adding board and batten, beadboard, or even shiplap. Add tile backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom—a number of online DIY guides can help you do the work like a pro.
Declutter. It may sound simple, but reorganizing an untidy space can open it up and bring a much needed refresh.