Textiles are an easy way to add fresh colour and pattern to your home, without the commitment of redecorating. Pink Meadow Check throw, £65, The British Blanket Company
Throw open the windows and let the sunshine in... spring has sprung! It feels like it's been a gloomier winter than most, so I can't wait to look at my home in a new light and give it a simple refresh for spring. Try these quick tricks to cheer up your space as the seasons change.
1) Start outside
The entrance to your house is so important, not just for guests but for the way a smart exterior can lift your spirits when you arrive home after a long day. This is the time to sweep cobwebs from the porch, give your front door a lick of paint in a welcoming new colour and add a pot or two of flowering spring bulbs. Finally, get the window cleaner booked in - I'm rubbish at getting my windows cleaned regularly and am always amazed what a difference it makes, especially as the sun now shining in really highlights the dust!
Potted plants and a freshly-painted front door can make the world of difference to the entrance to your home. 'Goblin' eggshell, £32 for 1l, Little Greene.
2) Add colour (without commitment)
A splash of colour can work wonders to brighten your space and give it a whole new look. If it's time to redecorate this is the perfect time to go for it but, if not, I'm a big fan of using accessories to add colour without commitment. Consider painting a small piece of furniture, such as a bedside table, invest in a couple of new cushions or a colourful throw to liven up a neutral sofa. Switching-up your lampshades is another good trick, instantly adding colour and pattern while also lifting the lighting mood in the room as winter passes.
3) Awake the senses with scent
Nothing says "spring" like fresh flowers. But, while beautiful to look at, not all spring flowers are matched in their fragrance. Choose scented narcissi, magnolia and hyacinths for the most impact. You could use candles or reed diffusers alongside less fragrant flowers to fill your room with an overall scent. I prefer those with natural ingredients and essential oils, like the ones from The Botanical Candle Company.
This has everything I want from a seasonal bouquet, brimming with scented narcissi, roses and mint. Yellow Spring Posy, £40, The Real Flower Company
4) Create a bedroom sanctuary
Swap thick winter duvets for lighter ones, keeping a wool throw from The British Blanket Company to hand as there will still be some chillier nights - wool naturally helps you regulate your temperature as you sleep. Now is a great time to upgrade your bedlinen too. I love the relaxed bedding collection from Bedfolk - it's designed to look "effortlessly crumpled" which is a big thumbs-up in my book! Comfy pyjamas can help you sleep well too - my newest crush is PJ Pan, who make dreamy patterned nightwear in the Scottish Highlands.
5) Get out and about
Perhaps the best thing about making your home ready for spring is spending less time there! Fresh air, nature and open spaces are the order of the day for physical and mental well-being, so make the most of the lighter mornings and evenings to get outdoors for a walk, run or cycle. This year especially, spring is a good time to reassess your indoor activities and winter habits and make the most of local green spaces instead.
A weekend walk in the woods near our Bristol HQ with our trusty picnic blanket to hand! Navy and Grey Waterproof Picnic Blanket with Straps, £100, The British Blanket Company.