Spring is traditionally a time of transition and new beginnings. New shoots emerge from the ground, animals come out of hibernation, and people finally want to be outdoors again. It’s also a time for a fresh start. There’s a reason homeowners do spring cleaning. Throwing the windows open to let clean air inside, getting rid of winter clutter, and putting away heavy jackets brings a feeling of lightness that only spring can provide.
As the days get longer and brighter, use your extra time and energy to take on a few DIY design projects. Whether you do a small decoration project or revamp an entire room, it’s a great way to take your spring cleaning to the next level and make your home more inviting.
You may no longer have a need for cozy heat, but that doesn’t mean your fireplace has to lose all its charm during the warmer months. Make it an eye-catching centerpiece by decorating the mantel, placing fresh blooms in lieu of logs, or brightening up the surround with a fresh coat of paint. Cheery pastels can transform the look of darker brick or stone and lighten the room. Because you won’t be using the fireplace, you can also take advantage of the extra space in front of it to decorate with potted plants, or a small table with picture frames or other decorative items. Even a well-placed area rug with a springtime design can shift the mood of the room with minimal investment.
After the snow has melted, it’s hard to avoid last year’s leftover leaves and yard debris. Set aside a day for cleaning up the yard and making it easier to maintain your outdoor spaces. If you have a mudroom or shed, think about the best ways to keep your yard tools organized and easy to access. A little time spent on clever design can save you a lot of effort later in the season and keep you motivated to stay on top of your outdoor chores. Think about the projects that will allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces into the summer. For example, if you have always wanted a clothesline, now is a good time to install it so you can have naturally fresh laundry for the warmer months to come. Perhaps you have been dreaming of a stone path or a patio where you can put the grill. The sooner you get started, the longer you will have to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
In addition to cleaning both the inside and outside of your windows to let all that sparkling sunshine in, spring is a great time to refresh your window treatments. If you recently built your home and decided to save on shades or drapes, now might be a good time to upgrade them. For each space that you’re decorating, think about factors such as light, privacy, and temperature control as you’re deciding what types of materials to use. For example, having a layer of sheers under heavier drapes allows you to let the light in without sacrificing privacy. Remember, rooms that don’t necessarily need curtains can still benefit from a valance that brightens the space or an asymmetrical drape that catches the eye.
How do your entry steps look after a winter of snow and salt? If they need a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to rethink the color and revitalize your porch. Adding a pop of color to the entry boosts your curb appeal and can bring a smile to your face every time you come home. Updating the front door color, brightening up the trim, and refreshing the railing are all ways to upgrade your entry without making a big investment. This is also a great time to toss that sad winter wreath and update it with springtime decor. A potted plant on a stand or flowers in a planter make sitting on the porch more pleasant, and an outdoor rug gives this outdoor space a more homey vibe.
Whether they are fresh or artificial, flowers make people smile. Spring is the time for beautiful blooms, and you can surround yourself with them indoors. Cut flowers and greens to put in artful vases or rustic jars. Decorate with artificial flowers for a more low-maintenance approach that lasts. You can also temporarily transform walls into floral canvases with decals that are easily removed when it’s time to try something new.
Summer is a time for play and relaxation, and your home should be a reflection of this. Taking advantage of warmer weather for outdoor activities, enjoying the sunshine later into the evening, and having a comfortable space to relax after a long day are essential to getting the most from the season. Design your home around these goals, and you’ll maximize your summer experience.
Whether you’re an avid griller or just like to enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio, the easier it is to get in and out, the more you will take advantage of your outdoor spaces. Put away those dreary winter doormats and replace them with something more suitable for summer. Remember that you might be walking on them with bare feet, so look for something that has a softer texture. Think about how you’ll use your spaces and design around that. If you like to eat outdoors, put all of the essentials in a cabinet near the sliding doors, or get a rolling cart that has everything you need in one place. If your screen doors need to be repaired, now is the time to do it so you don’t have to worry about keeping the bugs out while letting fresh air in.
Having extra time and a little more daylight is a cue for some people to chip away at their summer reading lists. This summer, create a book nook for the perfect reading space in your home. Make a window seat cozy with cushions and a colorful throw. Put a chaise longue on the porch so you can stretch out while you read. Rearrange the furniture so you have a comfy chair and lamp in a corner of the great room.
Summer is a time for parties—Independence Day, graduation, summer birthdays—any reason to celebrate is a good reason for a summer party. Get your house ready for entertaining with a few DIY design projects. Make festive lights and hang them around the backyard, spruce up your outdoor dining area with colorful cushions and place settings, or build in some bench seating on your patio so you don’t have to worry about outdoor furniture storage.
When the evenings get cool but you’re just not ready to go inside, an outdoor fire pit could be exactly what you need. Build your own from boulders, bricks, or smaller stones. Don’t forget to think about seating and perhaps built-in benches for people to gather around the flames. You can also buy a portable fire pit if space is limited or you want to keep the patio available for other purposes.
The easier it is to find and access your outdoor gear, the more you will use it. If you have to dig out the canoe, chances are that it will sit in the garage for another season. Spending a little time on garage organization goes a long way toward enjoying those long summer days. Install some shelving to help you keep track of snorkels, swim fins, kites, or other items for whatever summer sports you’re into.
If you’ve spent the winter dreaming of building a new home, take on the ultimate DIY design project with Adair Homes. Our unique process allows you to participate in certain parts of the construction process so you can build equity and save money. You also get the satisfaction of living in a home that you helped build. Even if you’ve never done it before, you can do it now with Adair Homes. Find the nearest location and schedule an appointment today.