1. Brighten Your View: The Value of Updated Window Treatments



New, updated window treatments can make one of the most profound changes to the look and feel of a room. With spring in the air, you want to maximize the natural light that flows into your rooms. Choose something light and airy, like a soft drapery or a sheer window shading. There are many options to choose from, for a variety of sizes, from a single window to wide sliding glass doors.

Worried about privacy? Many sheer window treatments offer optional room-darkening vanes that you can adjust for a look and feel that is tailored to your unique needs.

Sunscreen window shades are also especially popular options that will prepare your home for the glare of the sun and the heat of the upcoming summer.

2. Get organized!

Did you know that extra clutter and crowding in your home d'cor can drain your energy? So, in the spirit of Spring's renewal and rebirth, start organizing all the clutter that has accumulated throughout the winter. Overwhelming? Take it room by room, one week at a time. Slowly but surely, your cupboards, medicine cabinets, and even closets will bring feelings of peace and calm.

Your newfound organization will save you time (you won't spend extra time searching for things!), and it will do wonders for lifting your mood, as well.

3. A Change Will Do You Good: Rearranging Furniture and Home Accessories

Okay, so you've purchased the latest in closet organization products and you've updated your home's window treatments. Your next steps don't have to require purchases at all. Look around you? most of your furniture has probably had the same position for years. Change it! Simply switching the placement of a couch, or repositioning the TV can make you feel like you have a whole new room.

Not much room for movement? Change and update the smaller things, like pillows, throws, and lamps.

4. Color Me Beautiful: The Power of Paint

You'll find that I mention the power of fresh paint in almost every home decorating article. It's really that important - and valuable. Adding a new color, brightening up the existing one, or changing the texture can give the room a completely new feel.

5. Think Outside the Home

After winter has left its cold, often dingy mark, the outside of your home needs some extra TLC. Be sure to wash the doors (especially your front door) and windows, and touch up the paint if necessary. Hang a wreath of silk spring flowers, or place pots of the real thing on your porch!

Don't forget the garage, the driveway, tool sheds, and any other areas that may be less visible in winter, but when left to the bright lights of Spring, can sully the look of your fashion-forward home.

6. Cleaning

You can't have a Spring Home Makeover without it ? cleaning. But it doesn't have to be something you dread. Start by making a ?to-do? list for each room - everything needs sprucing up this time of year. Clean or replace shelf liners, and dust everything from the countertops to the dresser drawer handles. And don't forget to clean your window treatments! Check the instructions first, but most window treatments need little more than a light feather dusting or a low level dust buster to freshen them up.

Once you have your ?to-do? list, set the cleaning mood: play your favorite music, light some candles or spray some room spray, and enjoy the prospect of a fresh start for Spring!