Post No.3 in our Spring cleaning, "Tip sharing week"

Accessories! I'm a great believer in integrating the outdoors into my rooms wherever possible. Now that doesn't necessarily mean filling the place with plants: not that I've got anything against plants, but they do have to worked into a decorative scheme in the same manner as all accessories: with control!

So, what do I mean by “integrating the outdoors”? Well, I love to echo the spirit of the current season in our rooms. Not long ago we posted an article about warming up your rooms by adding splashes of colour, because we all need to feel “enrobed” with texture, and rich, comfortable additions to our living space, when external temperatures are anything but comfortable and warm.

Of course, as we move into Spring days and nature starts it's yearly push, our warmly-wrapped living areas start to feel a little...stifling and over-dressed. So, when you feel that change in the air, take it indoors with you! Look around your home to see where you can lighten things up and make your surroundings match the new season...

Store away winter!

Rugs and throws: It's hard to separate these two in my home, as I often choose them to tie in with each other, even if I don't buy them at the same time.

So, start by getting winter weight rugs cleaned (take a look at Wednesday's cleaning tip for a DIY option, or take them to a dry cleaner) and roll them away in a totally damp-free spot. Pack away heavy throws: cleaned of course, or you risk to unwrap them holey and smelly in the Fall, and start thinking about replacements (although you may want to do it the other way around, and choose the replacements first...)

Pick the colour you want to use as your accent tone in the room. It's a great way to really change the look of your space when you swap accent colours from season to season. Of course it means replicating purchases: 2 rugs, double the throws and cushions, but you don't need to buy them all at once, and it gives you a good reason for those annual shopping trips...

And don't forget the drapes. If you've blinds at your windows, Spring and summer are a good time to “get naked” and keep your window coverings as simple and clean as possible.

It will make your room feel cooler once temperatures start to rise, so pack away those (laundered) textures. If you really miss the “softness” that drapes add, think about floaty, flirty fabrics like calico, cottons or even light-weight linens. (Bulk it back up in winter, with more substantial drapes on each side of your blinds, to add a warm and cozy feeling when Fall comes around again)

And last but not least, don't forget pictures and wall deco. I LOVE to swap and change paintings, and photo's groupings, while I'm changing accessories. We tend to get “blind” to what's on our walls, simply because we see them everyday, so give your eyes a treat, and swap, re-frame, or just change the position of your pictures. You won't believe the difference it makes!