It is my favorite time of year. The white blossoms on the cherry trees swirling in the breeze like snow, unpredictable wind and rain, and the first buds of new branches bursting out overnight.  It is inspiring watching Mother Nature emerge from the restorative pause of winter.

It reminds me that this too, is my chance at a rebirth.  The packing away of winter decor leaves our homes feeling a bit cold, and empty, after the fullness of the holiday season. So I use this opportunity to focus on Mother Nature's lessons, turning inward, re-settling my nest, and bringing attention to the bright blessings to come, through the power of my surroundings.

Here are my 6 tips for brightening up your home for spring:

1. Freshen up the Entry

Curb appeal sets the tone for the whole experience of your space. Think of it like a title page on a book. Fresh plants in tidy planters, pulling off winter's dead foliage, blowing it out and scrubbing it all off.

Now open the door and step inside. What is your guest experience here? I love a beautiful console table with 1 or 3 creative and bold decor items on it. Less and larger is better here. And above it? Perfectly sized artwork that creates the vibe you want your home to evoke.

For a tranquil feeling, try Seashore Showcase:

For a bold statement piece, "Dreamscape" is a showstopper:

 

2. Let the Light In

Now is the perfect time to clean those windows and window treatments. Vacuum delicate fabrics, and spot treat if needed. For easy-care window treatments pop them in the wash and hang dry or damp dry on low until wrinkles are removed, and then hang dry. Not sure? The dry cleaner can tell you what is best.

While you are at it, make sure you have hung those treatments at the appropriate height and width. You want them hung as close to the ceiling as possible (usually within a foot or less of the ceiling), not right at the top of the window. And wide enough (or high enough if roman shades) so all the gathered fabric is covering wall, not window, when open.

Often I am asked to help improve a space, and all the blinds are drawn. Opening those curtains is the first step! The rest won't matter much if it looks like a cave.

Lighting, including natural light, changes the whole feeling of a space, and how your art looks. Let the sun shine!

 

3. Punch up the Color Palette

If you jumped on the gray-on-gray bandwagon, you might be needing a little oomph right about now. Maybe you never left the beige train.

One of the easiest ways to do that is to swap out your small accessories, like pillow covers and throw blankets. This is what I do every season. Using pillow covers instead of all new pillows makes it easy to store, and it's budget friendly.

Next, look up! Now that you have more light flowing in, let's finish off the walls. Update tired and dreary artwork with something that brightens up your space. Artwork can set the tone faster than just about anything else. If you never actually hung artwork and just stared at big blank walls for years, it will make the room feel complete. But be sure to size it to balance out the furniture below it, or it just won't feel right. No, a 20"x30" just won't do the trick above your sofa. It will look like a postage stamp. (Reach out and we would be happy to help with sizing or snag the free size guide I created to help you diy it.)

Go for a whisper of color in "Strie Seas":

 

Or for a richer feeling, one of my personal favorites, "Anacapa Golden Sunrise":

 

Both images are gray blue dominant and blend perfectly, while adding a hint of depth to your space. Anacapa Golden Sunrise bridges the gap between beige, taupe and gray... it's kinda magic!

 

4. Spruce it up!

Just tidying up your space can make old things look new again. Now is the perfect time to purge those unnecessary items, letting go of what you don't love, and giving yourself a little more breathing room. It's also a great time to finally organize all those electronics, cables and papers.

Don't forget to give those walls a little TLC. Hand prints and marks are quickly knocked out with a Magic Eraser and cobwebs were sooo two seasons ago.

I love keeping a plastic mason jar of each of my household paints, with a mini foam brush or small artists brush. It eliminates excuses not to touch up the nicks and dings when they happen, but also perfect for easy seasonal maintenance.

 

5. Plants

Plants literally bring fresh air and life to a space. They are one of my favorite ways to ground a space that feels incomplete. If you are struggling with letting go of unnecessary items and feel compelled to fill back up spaces that you just emptied out, plants can be a perfect step in between.

Got a brown thumb? It's ok! Succulents are fairly resistant to even my poor watering habits. But if you are hopeless, faux succulents, or grasses can be pretty convincing.

Not a fan of faux? Then go for the next best thing to real. Life-like images of botanicals can bring nature inside, no watering needed.

 

6. Mix it up

Sometimes all you need is a new perspective on the same thing. One of my favorite suggestions for clients is to shop their home when they want a new look, and move favorite items from room to room.

The same applies to artwork. One of the reasons I often suggest 60x30 sized artwork is because it is so flexible and works just about anywhere. The other magical part about that is you can swap your art from room to room and totally change up the look, with what you already know you love. That makes investing in artwork double the bang for your buck.

Notice how beautifully gallery favorite, "Emerald Seas" is in both rooms. It's one of our most versatile images.

 

Hope you are as inspired by spring as I am, and ready for a fresh look in your spaces.

 

 

Tasha Cleaveland is an interior design and art consultant for Latitudes Gallery
Follow her for more tips on your home. IG: @tashacleaveland