The Ultimate Guide To Refreshing Your Home This Spring

By Amy Kilvington

Content Writer at Blinds Direct

Tue 6 Mar 2018

Last updated Mon 6 Jun 2022

Spring cleaning season is upon us and it’s time to get our homes shipshape before the warm weather kicks in. By decluttering, cleaning, updating old items and treating yourself to a few new pieces, you will transform your home in no time and create a fresh, welcoming space for spring and summer. Ready to get started? Here is our ultimate guide…

First, Declutter!

First things first, decluttering. Clearing your space will make it easier for you to see what needs cleaning more thoroughly, and you’ll also get a better idea of what can be thrown away or donated to a new home. We’re all guilty of owning far more possessions than we realise. While we may feel emotionally attached to certain items, it’s important to understand that a lot of stuff isn’t necessary. An annual declutter session is the perfect time to cleanse your home… and your mind!

Avoid ‘organising’ and instead focus on decluttering. By organising things, you’re allowing yourself to keep more. But this isn’t necessarily a good thing. Rather than filling up boxes, drawers and cupboards with unnecessary (albeit neat and tidy!) items, try to remove stuff from your home completely, whether that’s by selling, donating or – if there’s no other option – throwing in the bin.

Remember to be realistic with your spring clean and home refresh. You can’t expect to tackle the whole house in one single day. Instead, set yourself an achievable target, such as two to three rooms per day. Tackle each room in your home separately. By focusing on one at a time, you won’t become distracted and you’ll feel a bigger sense of achievement as you complete each area. Decluttering can be a tedious task, but you can introduce fun elements to make the time pass more quickly. Get family member involved, turn the music up, and reward yourself with regular breaks and cups of tea.

Clean & Tidy

When you’re ready to start cleaning, make sure you have the right supplies handy. You’ll need rubber gloves, a variety of cloths and sponges, polish, an all-purpose surface cleaner, anti bacterial wipes, bleach and a duster, along with a mop and vacuum cleaner.

Don’t forget about the little spots that are out of view. While you might not be able to see the dirt and mess in these places, you don’t want to run the risk of mould or bacteria build up. This includes hidden corners, inside cupboards and underneath furniture, as well as inside sofa cushions.

Your bathroom might be cleaned more frequently than other rooms in the house, but there will still be clutter accumulating in drawers and cupboards. Go through your bathroom cabinets and throw out any out of date or empty products. Now is a good time to pop your shower curtain and bath mats in the wash, or replace them if they’re looking too sorry for themselves.

When it comes to cleaning window dressings, try to find the original manufacturer’s advice. Sometimes your curtains and blinds will be dry clean only, while other styles can be cleaned relatively easily at home. Water resistant and PVC materials can be tackled with detergent and a damp cloth, while wooden or faux wood blinds may only require a wipe with a microfibre cloth. If your curtains or Roman blinds are stained, gently rub the affected area with a solution of white vinegar (2 tablespoons), washing up liquid (1 tablespoon) and warm water (700ml). Blot this dry before popping in the wash on a standard setting. You could also use a steam cleaner after applying the solution if you’d rather not use the washing machine.

Of course, if the stains are very stubborn and your blinds or curtains were expensive, it makes more sense to take them to the professionals. This goes for all investment pieces in your home.

Old Favourites

By decluttering and removing old and unwanted items, you’ll give the rest of your home more space to shine. That statement vase looks much better when it sits upon a clear surface, while the design of your coffee table can be appreciated more when it’s clutter-free.

But while your annual spring clean is the perfect time to cleanse your home, you shouldn’t feel pressured to part with sentimental items or things that you love. However, if a certain piece of furniture are looking a little worse for wear, or you’ve got an accessory that requires some TLC, consider upcycling rather than relegating to the bin. A lick of paint, new handles or hardware and some clever reupholstery can make a world of difference.

If you want to try your hand at upcycling, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, do your research. Use Pinterest, Instagram and upcycling blogs for tips and ideas, and when it’s time to bring out the toolbox, make sure you know how to use everything properly and safely. Be prepared to spend a little more on good quality paint brushes, which will improve coverage and make the paint job easier. Be mindful of the materials your upcycling, too. For instance, wooden pieces should be sanded before painting, while certain types of fabric may snag or fray more easily.

Upcycling gives you the opportunity to be creative and inject some artisanal style into your home. It’s a great way to retain the charm and sentiment of your belongings whilst offering a fresh lease of life. It’s also lots of fun!

When it comes to your windows, a brand new curtain or blind can make the world of difference. Here are some of our favourite picks for spring. Click the images to shop:

Explore the full collection of blinds and curtains at Blinds Direct today. Are you looking for more interior design inspiration? You can take advantage of our FREE personal shopping service by contacting our expert directly: [email protected] or 01924 848739  (8:30-4:30 MON-FRI)