The first day of spring is officially here! Despite the piles of snow still on the ground, the calendar tells us it’s the start of warmer weather, longer days and signs of new life emerging after a long winter. Even if it doesn’t feel like spring outside just yet, this is the time I begin deep cleaning each room, bringing out my single bin of spring decorations, and nurturing real plants and flowers indoors.
Tackling the much needed task of spring cleaning is at the top of my list this week. It’s overwhelming to deep clean the whole house in one day so I choose to pick one room a day for a week until it’s complete. This is where I wash the floorboards, walls and cupboards. Similarly, washing the floors, windows and tile are on my to do list. If I get really ambitious, I will clean out drawers and inside cupboards too. I know, this doesn’t seem very fun, but it really is a great time to get it done.
Room by room, as I deep clean, Valentine decorations get taken down and get replaced with spring decor. I allow one bin for spring decorations so as not to overwhelm our garage storage.
One way to add in seasonal spring touches is to add faux flowers/plants in baskets, boxes or pitchers. Adding these throughout the rooms in our homes is an easy way to usher in warm greens and pastels. I love warm yellow flowers and lemons displayed throughout for a pop of color.
Our fireplace mantel and bookshelves always get cleaned and refreshed each season. This year, I kept it simple with a few faux pussy willows tucked in ceramic pots, candles and faux blooms in bird containers and a simple sign that was thrifted. Wooden eggs displayed in a wooden bowl and a simple bird bath with a nest graces the adjacent bookshelves.
Last but not least is our back porch, which is always enjoyable to decorate. The window shelves have an assortment of bird cloches and baskets sitting on them. The metal tub in the corner has a birdhouse shelf as the focal point. This is a fun, whimsical piece that I purchased years ago at a little country gift shop.
Lastly, once the seasonal reset is complete and spring decor has been added I like to add in some real spring touches. Included in this are: a bowl of lemons, lemon diffused essential oils, real flowers and pots with seeds growing. There is nothing like real elements to bring in this new growth season.
This year I decided to not buy anything new, but rather to shop my house for things I already have. At this stage of life, I’m finding more joy in simplifying and reimagining what I already have. It makes my home feel lighter, more intentional, and ready for a new season. What about you?