Spring brings with it spring cleaning, a season of holidays and entertaining, and the reminders everywhere of renewed life.  And yet, here in New England it always seems to take forever to arrive!  SO, while we are anticipating the ACTUAL arrival this glorious season of warmer days and fresh breezes, here are a few ways you can bring spring to your home even before the weather cooperates!

Bring the outdoors in

Breathe new life into your decor by bringing some nature inside.  Cut some of the confused branches that are budding and bring them inside to coax the blooms out early and save them from the spring snow flurries.  Display bird nests found abandoned last year. Buy fresh flowers to remind yourself that things WILL actually bloom again.  Showcase an arrangement of potted herbs as you wait for the opportunity to transfer them to your outdoor pots or garden. 

Wash your windows

This might be a tad premature with pollen season right around the corner, but there is nothing like sparkling windows to let in as much of the available light as possible.  It is also a prime time to take in any screens for repair so they are ready when you can throw the windows open with abandon! And while we are on the subject of windows....it is also a good time to 

Lighten up your window treatments

If you have heavy curtains like velvet panels, or elaborate, fussy, or dated window treatments, trading them out for a lighter material, or more updated style will give your room an instant lift toward spring. Rehanging any window toppers a bit higher will let in more light and make the room feel larger and airier too.

Edit your accessories

Lighten up your room by editing the objects you have collected over the last year.  Instead of 15 small pictures cluttering your tabletop, edit them down the the best 3 and frame them in a mix of sizes and orientations.  Save the best of the rest to organize into a gallery wall to personalize a feature wall or stairway.  Eliminate clutter in bookcases by organizing more utilitarian items in attractive containers and leaving some open space in the bookshelves.  Showcase just a few favorite objects at a time, and pay attention to scale.  A lot of small things always looks more cluttered and fussy.  BONUS: dusting just got easier too!

Step outside

Between April snowstorms, fire up the grill...the smell of grilling food is a wonderful harbinger of warmer weather!  And while you are tending the grill, start daydreaming about your perfect outdoor room (patio, deck, or porch).