Last Spring I was in Dublin, Ireland, living only a 3 minute stroll from St. Stephen's Green, a delightful space in centre city. Any day that is met with sunshine in Dublin you will find the Green littered with bodies, stretched out on the grass with everyone trying to absorb the warmth and fresh air of spring. I say the Irish are onto something big.
Our homes need to breathe as well, in the sense of actual air and light, but also in the emotional sense. Here are some suggestions for partnering with the season and creating a home that breathes.
1- Let there be light. Take down heavy and dark draperies and replace them with something that lets the light and air filter in.
2- Vacuum, flip and rotate your mattress. Try spritzing it with lavender as you dress the bed in pristine paler shades, using Spring weight duvets, blankets and throws.
3- Switch up your pillows and throws in the bedrooms and living areas to freshen the look. If you have a similar theme flowing through your home you may just take the bedroom pillows to the couch, and vice versa. Just try mixing and matching, pillows and throws can really pull a look together by tying it together with color and texture.
4- Take the inside rugs outside, and beat them, vacuum those too big to drag outside. Then ask yourself; do these rugs speak to the season? If you are not feeling it then switch them up too. Sometimes you can layer rugs, put one on top of the over and create a whole new look. You can cut a larger rug down to fit into a new space, or flip a rug over for a different look from the other side.
5- Make an herb garden in the kitchen. It will make you feel so earthy and in touch the season. Buy plants that are healthy and all it takes to maintain them is to follow the directions on tag. Not only will it kick your salads and such up a notch, the fragrances are wonderful. Try rosemary, thyme, lavender, sage, lemon balm, or sage.
6- Set out a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, dining room or living areas. It is pleasing to the eye and the palate.
7- Spring clean that bathroom. Change the towels, mat, or shower curtain. White towels are always good. Be sure to have some great soaps and soaks on hand as springtime brings more opportunities to move our bodies. Sore muscles appreciate a nice long bath.
8- Bring nature indoors. Gerber daisies, peace lilies, fichus, English Ivy and elephant era philodendron plants remove toxins from the air and are beautiful to the eye. Don't forget cut flowers, use them everywhere.
9- Spruce things up for your pet too! Change out pillows and blankets and wash their toys and bowls.
10-Don't forget the outside! Hang some ferns and put out blooming potted plants. Gather some comfortable seating, a table, light a few candles and you set the scene to facilitate good conversation and enjoying these beautiful spring days and nights. Add incense and your favorite sounds and you will feel positively reborn.
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