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Bring In The Spring
Showers, flowers and bursts of color are on the horizon. Everyone loves a change of seasons, and no season is more heartily welcomed than Spring. Jump start the season of new life by adding some inexpensive splashes of vibrant color, invigorating scents, and a spirit of newness. By choosing simple spring flairs that coordinate with your existing furnishings, you can give your home a breath of fresh air without spending a bundle.
Liven Your Living Room For $60
Start with some new pillows for your sofa and favorite chair. If your furniture is in neutral colors, choose a several spring favorites such as lilac and apple green. For solid colored couches, try dots, stripes, plaids, paisleys or floral patterns. If your sofa has a dark colored pattern, choose the lightest, most springy hue and bring it out with solid colored pillows in a slightly lighter tone. If you can't seem to find a spring color that will coordinate with your sofa, try pillows in off-white or light beige that will match your carpets, ceilings, or walls. If your upholstery is hopelessly anti-spring, go for a slipcover. Great bargains can be found at the Surefit slipcover outlet on Ebay. Budget $30 for your new bright sofa pillows or cover, and shop discount stores, e-stores, and seasonal sales.
Fresh accessories are your key to getting the light and airy feel. Put together your own custom flower arrangements. Look at Wal-Mart or your local dollar store for pretty silk flowers that will compliment your newly styled sofa. Fill that glass vase from Valentine's Day with marbles, pebbles, moss, or Easter grass to hide the plastic stems, and arrange your spring bouquet! Cost: $6
Fill a pretty bowl or candy dish with rich Dove chocolate eggs, candy-coated almonds, or your favorite Easter treat. Buy new candles in sweet floral scents and colors to match your updated sofa. Look for ribbons or tulle that coordinate with your curtains and tie them back with an extravagant bow. For a personalized touch, frame last year's Easter pictures, wedding photos, or old baby pictures in white frames and set them out in groups on tables, bookshelves, or window sills. Scatter a few silk rose petals or small blooms around your photo displays. Budget $3 for your candy, $6 for candles, $5 for window tie-backs, and $10 for frames and silk rose petals. Remember to shop the dollar stores and craft stores before all the springtime goodies are gone.
Cook Up A Springtime Kitchen For $30
If you already have an appropriate table cloth, either a pretty pastel, floral printed, lace, or white, then get it out and press it to perfection. Update it with brightly colored napkins, place mats, or a table runner. Or go on a search for the perfect new seasonal table cloth that will coordinate with your current kitchen decor. Top the table with a serving bowl or basket filled with colorful fresh fruit. For your sink area, look for cute kitchen towels and hang them or drape them out for decorations that you can use. Even a simple reminder of the season will bring smiles. Add some silk flowers and a scented candle for your counters, and an apple pie in the oven is all your kitchen needs. Budget $15 for your new table coverings, $5 for your springtime towel, and $10 for candles and flowers.
Rejuvenate Your Restroom For $10
A fragrant soap, a garland of flowers around the mirror, a candle, and some delicate feathered birds and butterflies can make your restroom into a place of rest and beauty. Little feathered birds, butterflies, and bees can be found in craft stores for $.50 each. Like silk flowers, they come in a variety of colors, and you are sure to find some that go nicely with your bathroom. Perch the birds in corners with a bit of silk greenery. Stick the butterflies to your mirror or walls. Finish the room with a fun hand towel that spells out the season. If you shop carefully, you can easily do it for $10 or less.
Take A Deep Breath
Relax and enjoy your fresh new look. The key is keeping it easy, inexpensive, and coordinating with what you already have. Don't feel like you need to paint all your walls periwinkle blue or ditch your great safari theme for bunnies and lace. Work with what you have and add a few small touches that serve to give your home a sweet reminder of the beauty of life.
About the author:
Lindsey Meier lives in Texas with the love of her life and their two children. Between diaper changing and dish-washing she enjoys writing, reading and art. Lindsey and her husband aim to live productively and purposefully but don't mind having a little fun along the way.
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