10 Simple Ways to Lighten Your Home for Spring
As we begin to awaken from our winter slumber, we can harness the springtime energy of renewal by “fluffing our feathers” so to speak. During the winter months we slow down and take a pause. In doing this, our homes may accumulate heavy, stagnant energy - so when springtime rolls around we usually find ourselves ready to emerge with a clean slate. With each new season there is an opportunity to rethink how we live in our homes, to freshen up our spaces, and to make the mundane more meaningful. So, let’s explore some simple ways that you can liven up your home this spring.
1. Swap Bedding & Linens
With the weather warming up, we can now start using our light, crisp linens again. To make a real impact, refresh your whole bedding get up with new blankets, throw pillows and a comforter with a springy floral pattern. Beyond the bedroom, swap out heavy throws around the house for lighter options like cotton and linen. Even simple switches, like bathroom and kitchen towels in pastel shades can make a big impact.
2. Freshen Up the Entry Way
When you walk through the front door you should get the feeling of a warm embrace, like your home is literally happy to see you. Because the entry way is the first space we see, it’s important that it creates a welcoming atmosphere. Maybe it’s as simple as a spring wreath placed on your front door to cheer you up, or maybe you need better storage solutions for mail, shoes, or jackets. Working to identify what triggers might be greeting us at the front door can show us what we need to change.
3. Add Spring Floral Arrangements
Nothing brightens up the home quite like Mother Nature! Incorporating a fresh bouquet of flowers can lift the spirit, lighten the mood, and make you feel more connected to the cycles of nature. Look for tulips, daffodils, lilies, or any flowers in soft shades of pink, purple, and yellow. Make it a habit to stop and smell their fragrance as you walk past.
4. Incorporate Natural Seasonal Elements
Beyond flowers, there are so many ways to decorate our homes with elements from nature. In the spring kitchen, place bowls filled with lemons, eggs, and artichokes or jars of fresh herbs in water. In other areas, place spring branches like pussy willow, forsythia, magnolia, and cherry blossoms in vessels for visual interest and height.
5. Create a Spring Tablescape
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the dining table is soul. Create an inviting gathering spot for family and guests by having a seasonal rotating tablescape. Ideas for spring include white stoneware, bright colored glass, and pastel or floral-patterned placemats, napkins, and tablecloths. Explore ideas on Pinterest and remember it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to have a fancy table setting!
6. Infuse Your Space with Cleansing Scents
Never underestimate the power of scent to transform the energy of your environment. In the spirit of the season, opt for cleansing scents to rid the home of stagnate energy like lemon, ylang ylang, spearmint, lavender, and eucalyptus. Whether it be candles, scent diffusers, or even hand soaps, engaging your sense of smell will aid in a deeper sense of connection.
7. Rearrange Furniture & Decor
Consider what might not be working and rethink the placement of your furniture if things aren’t quite functioning as best as they could. When we move things around in our homes we invite fresh new perspectives and can even improve energy flow. Keep in mind it doesn’t have to be a big project - even just moving one piece of furniture, or smaller decorative pieces, can have a big impact on how we feel in our spaces.
8. Open The Windows
While the simplest trick on the list may not seem like much, inviting fresh air to flow throughout our spaces can sometimes be all we need to lighten up our homes. Especially if you’ve had your windows buttoned up for months, you will really feel the difference after the first flow of fresh air moves through. Anytime things feel heavy or stagnant, just open the windows!
9. Clear Out the Clutter
During the slow winter months, it’s common for things to accumulate. Maybe you haven’t had the energy to tackle cleaning off the pile of papers on your desk, or maybe you’ve acquired new items over the holidays and haven’t had the chance to get rid of old things that have been replaced. Often times you’ll notice when you let go of the physical stuff, you let go of the energetic stuff that’s been weighing you down too.
10. Do An Energy Clearing
Gather your crystals, your sage, and your oracle decks and set the scene for a ceremonial energy clearing. This is best done on the vernal equinox as a way to say goodbye to winter, reflect on the lessons learned and how we will implement them into the coming season as we give ourselves over to the light half of the year.
