Did you know that humans have been ‘spring-cleaning’ their homes for thousands of years?
The practice is actually thought to come from religious traditions around the world. But whether its roots lie in Jewish, Iranian or Chinese culture, there’s a reason spring-cleaning has stuck around for so long.
It’s all about aligning habits with the seasons. As our circadian rhythm gradually adjusts from the darkness of winter to the longer days of spring, we, quite naturally, find ourselves with more energy.
That leaves us with more time on our hands! More hours for spending with family, enjoying the weather, or cleaning our little slice of heaven. So, if you want to rejuvenate your home in time for spring, don’t forget about our top 5 tips.
Invest in an electric fireplace
While you’re bound to experience more sunshine in the spring, don’t be fooled: temperatures are (usually) still frosty!
Nature takes more time to thaw than we do, and if you ditch all your heavy, woollen blankets for linens too quickly, you might find yourself shivering on the sofa. That’s why so many retailers have electric fireplaces for sale all year round.
These 1–2 kw electric fires are the ultimate spring upgrade. Online, you can find fireplaces of all shapes and sizes, from top-name brands like Dimplex to state-of-the-art manufacturers like DRU and British Fires.
They’re especially great if you live in a rented home or flat without a chimney. These appliances only need a nearby plug socket for instant operation.
Simply flick the switch, and you can keep your lounge toasty with the energy-efficient goodness of electric-powered heat. Where installation is concerned, there’s no need to worry.
Electric fires can come in freestanding, inset, hang-on-the-wall or hole-in-the-wall configurations. Choose the category that best fits your current setup, and keep any necessary measurements handy when shopping.
Refresh with a spring-inspired colour palette
What colours do you associate with spring?
For some, it’s pastels: pink, yellow, pale blue and green. Others might see the season as more lilac, royal blue or striking sunset orange. What spring means to you is entirely individual.
But what better way to celebrate rejuvenation than with a fresh coat of paint? If your walls are looking drab, spring down to your local DIY shop and pick up a couple of samples.
Don’t forget to assess the current condition of your walls before buying. Ask yourself: do I want a full overhaul, or can I work with what I have? Do some areas just need a top-up with their original coat of paint?
With a little planning, you may realise that only one or two accent walls need an uplift. Then, you can paint away! For a quicker job, you may want to re-wallpaper an accent wall with some new, spring-inspired prints.
Incorporate fresh florals using the 60-30-10 rule
With so much spring outside, there’s one foolproof way to bring it indoors.
By creating a hand-picked floral arrangement! Now, having fresh flowers around the house may not be a regular thing in your home, but it’s a great way to mark the season.
Treat yourself, and head down to your local flower shop for a custom-made bouquet. Or, if you’re someone who likes to take charge, why not create your own? If you’ve never done it before, flower arranging can seem like an alien practice.
What flowers complement each other, and how can I create a well-balanced arrangement? Well, one way is the 60-30-10 rule. A method often used in interior colour schemes, it outlines three main rules:
Start with one main flower or colour group: this should make up around 60% of your arrangement (e.g., soft pink peonies or ivory roses).
Add a secondary flower or tone for 30% (e.g., pale lavender or peach ranunculus)
Finish with a final accent, about 10% of the total (e.g., bright yellow tulips or sprigs of greenery) for contrast and movement.
Et voilà! Now, your spring display should feel intentional rather than thrown together.
Introduce spring scents!
If you’re not into flowers but still want your home to smell of that signature spring freshness, a new room scent might do the trick. You can do this via deodorisers, essential oil diffusers, or even bottled fragrances.
The trick is finding a combination that really embodies what spring means to you. There are classic, uplifting scents like rose, jasmine, and gardenia. These quintessential smells are inviting and elegant.
Moving away from florals, there’s citrus. Zesty oranges, lemons and grapefruits can have an energising effect that’s perfect for spring! Or, if you’re looking for something herbier, earthy scents like rosemary, mint, and basil can be very soothing.
Update soft furnishings
Are you someone who loves making your lounge cosy with plenty of pillows and soft furnishings? If you’ve made it to spring without switching out any of your winter covers or blankets, we salute you. But there’s no time like the present!
Bring some of that springtime whimsy to your space with floral prints, stripes, and even checks. Even simple additions like a floral-patterned tablecloth or pastel-toned linen napkins can make a big splash.
Textures can play a big part in an interior’s design, so consider shopping for natural textures like raw wood, linen, and wool.