Spring refresh – on a budget!

January is a month of change – but coming after Christmas, budgets can be a little tight.  Here are some simple ideas to help you get a nice little home refresh at very little cost.  In fact, some of these ideas are FREE!

Tip 1: Look for the De-s

What are the De-s?  Declutter, de-dust and de-cobweb.  It’s truly amazing what some elbow grease will do!  Each of the spaces in your home will look and smell fresher and brighter with a good cleaning. It’s also a great way to evaluate what you have and look for areas that need a little attention.  PRO TIP: I’ve probably shared this before, but it’s truthfully the best de-duster I’ve ever found.  And it’s so simple!  I just mix 2 parts water and one part vinegar with a couple drops each of Dawn dish soap and essential oils (usually lemon, but you can use whatever you like the smell of).  Just use a soft rag and wipe everything in sight.  I keep it in an old water bottle (well marked – I’m sure it tastes terrible).  Items just seem to repel dust when I use it!

Tip 2: Light & Bright

Now that everything is clean, look to the light.  Fresh light bulbs in a slightly higher wattage can do a world of good!  It’s also a great time to change out lamps or bring in another one to brighten up a dull corner.  And don’t forget small lamps on your shelving, too!  PRO TIP: Some homes suffer from an extreme case of lacka-outlet-itus.  If you need light in an area that lacks power, there are now battery-operated light bulbs.  It’s a beautiful thing!

Tip 3: Change it Up

I love going through my home and moving small decorative objects from one room to the next.  It keeps my husband guessing (a bonus in itself!) and I really like how much fresher everything seems.  Even a beloved item can get overlooked when it hasn’t moved in a while, so find it a new home!  PRO TIP: Some items have homes they need to stay in.  Get a fresh effect by adding or changing what is underneath them.  Trays, placemats, charcuterie boards and other flat items have a wonderful corralling effect and make your counters seem even more exciting.

Tip 4: Move the Furniture

A fresh look at the arrangement of the room is a wonderful way to make it feel fresh and new.  Even if it’s just moving around end tables or changing the angle of a table, it can give you a whole new vantage point.  PRO TIP: If your furniture has left indents in the carpet, set an ice cube in each one.  Once the ice is melted, “fluff” the fibers with a fork.  No more evidence!

Tip 5: Don’t Forget your Storage

If you are like me, you may have a stash of “extra” décor items tucked away for a future home.  The future is now!  Dredge out those dusty treasures and see how you can work them in. It can be like Christmas all over again!  PRO TIP: If they still don’t fit but you really love them, bring them in temporarily and tuck something else away to make room.  Of course, if you don’t still love them now’s the time to donate them.  Someone will want them!

BONUS TIP: The #1 way to refresh your home on a budget?  Bring the outdoors in!  Branches and sticks make fabulous spring décor, and you can often find them on the roadside.  A touch of nature is so nice this time of year!