7 Ways to Spruce up Your Home for Spring

Catch Spring Fever and Get Inspired to Refresh Your Nest Today

Spring is the best time to breathe new life into your home. After hibernating all winter, the melodious tone of birds singing and longer days with the sun’s bright rays boost your mood and energy. Whether you’re a DIYer looking for simple updates or someone who wants a whole new look with the help of a professional, get started now and enjoy the rewards all summer. Read on for seven home improvement ideas sure to give spring a warm welcome.

1. Ready, Set, Clean!

Yep, it’s spring cleaning time. Tackle the tasks over several days or weeks, and you’ll have a clean house in no time. Here are six simple steps to refresh any room.

1. Declutter. Get rid of anything you no longer use. Clearing the clutter makes deep cleaning easier and seeing tidy surfaces encourages you to keep going.
2. Go from High to Low. Use a microfiber mop or cloth with warm water and a drop of dish soap on larger surfaces in this order: ceiling, ceiling trim, light fixtures, walls, remaining trim, and baseboards.
3. Wash Those Windows. First, vacuum the sills and tracks. Then spray the window with cleaner from top to bottom. Wait a minute and then squeegee it off. Tip: Wipe in one direction on the inside and another on the outside – makes it easier to see and fix streaks.
4. Freshen Window Treatments. Vacuum blinds or shades with the brush attachment. Fluff curtains in the dryer while you wipe off the rod and rings.
5. Dust. Wipe all remaining hard surfaces with an appropriate cleaner.
6. Clean The Floors. Last, move furniture and use your vacuum’s crevice tool to get into corners and along baseboards. Clean hard floors with the prescribed cleaner. If you have carpets, rent a professional-grade cleaner.

2. Makeover Your Walls

After wiping down your walls and moving large furniture, now is a good time to update your wall color. Paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to instantly refresh your living space. If you’re looking for classic colors that will provide a fashionable backdrop, neutrals such as Benjamin Moore’s Shale, Storm, and Revere Pewter are right on trend. If you need some help imagining how colors might look in your space, companies like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer digital tools that can test different shades out on sample photographs, or you can upload your own photos.

3. Incorporate Colorful Accessories

When your walls are neutral, accessories are an easy way to add seasonally appropriate focal points to your space. For instance, in the warmer months of spring and summer, light fabrics in bright colors and floral patterns feel refreshing. Also, bring in “lighter” materials such as glass candlesticks and wicker or seagrass baskets.  But a word of caution: After you took the time to declutter and clean, you may find less becomes more, so decorate with intention – surround yourself with only things you love.

4. Invest in New Art

Artwork is a great way to introduce color into your home, just ask Harrisburg Kitchen and Bath Designer Andrea Woodall. “Many of my clients ask about artwork, especially at the end of their project,” Andrea said. “They have many questions about color, image, style, and size—all valid points in finding the right piece of art. Sticking to a central idea—such as shells in the bath and utensils in the kitchen—expresses your creativity and can be a lot of fun. For instance, the children’s bathroom shown here has a bright, cheery theme expressed in the shower curtain, rug, and artwork.”

There are numerous sources for art, both online and in brick and mortar stores, so it’s smart to shop around a little before you buy. Readymade framed artwork is available from many places. But, since size and scale are essential, you may want to consider custom stores that will make the artwork fit your space perfectly.

5. Replace Worn out Windows and Doors

Spring is an excellent time to take a closer look at the condition of your windows, especially if they’re older or have wood frames. First, inspect the window frames inside and out. Look for any signs of warping, peeling, or rot. Next, check for condensation between the panes or inside your home. If you find any of these problems, you should consider replacement. Harsh weather also takes a toll on doors. If your front door is faded and outdated, it’s time to invest in a whole new look for your entry. Besides making the best possible first impression and adding oodles of curb appeal, a new door increases your home’s security and energy efficiency. Get a free in-home consultation from a reputable window and door replacement company.

6. Build a Sunny Breakfast Nook

When most people think of spring, they have something like sunshine in mind. Warm sunny days are certainly a mood booster. And since sunrooms are filled with wall-to-wall windows that let that lovely light in, they are a worthwhile home improvement project. Imagine sitting in your new breakfast nook, sipping your morning cup of coffee as you admire the budding branches in the springtime.

7. Say Yes to Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements

A whole new kitchen or bathroom may sound like a costly home renovation project for spring but think of the return on your investment. If you love your house and plan to live in it for a long while, you’ll reap the emotional benefits of having your dream kitchen and bath. And if you know a For Sale sign on the lawn is in your future, the kitchen and baths are the rooms buyers most closely inspect, so they need to look their best.

But, if a full room remodel isn’t in your budget, minor improvements can turn your kitchen and bath from drab to fab in no time. For example, updating your plumbing fixtures and hardware finishes is an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your bathroom. Current design trends include brushed brass, matte black, rose gold, and polished nickel.

In conclusion, with its warmer weather and longer days, spring is the ideal season for your next home improvement project. But, since spring and summer are the busiest seasons for most contractors, be sure to schedule projects well in advance.

Are You Looking for an Experienced Home Remodeling Company in Central Pennsylvania?

The Harrisburg Kitchen and Bath team is here and ready to help. Whether your goals are large or small, we look forward to getting to know you and discussing which solutions will meet your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Contact us today!