Page 22 - Your Home Your Way

22 THE BRANDON SUN • YOUR HOME YOUR WAY • THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Shaking off a dark winter with a spring cleaning, refresh

A spring cleanup and décor refresh
have always been able to lift moods. But
after this long pandemic winter, there’s
special satisfaction in clutter removal,
extra joy in being creative, particular
pleasure in making a space even more
your own.
“This time of year, I can often feel
buried after so much time indoors, and
with many of us working from home,
this is even more crucial,” says designer
Mel Bean in Tulsa, Okla.
Or as New York-based designer
Thom Filicia puts it: “Be brave. The new
year is a chance to create spaces that al-
low you to live your most beautiful life.”
Some suggestions from the experts
on bringing a sense of harmony and
happiness home this spring:
This image provided by Tom Stringer Design Partners shows a kitchen and dining room. Colour is a
A GOOD CLEAR-OUT simple way to create an upbeat feel, says John Cialone of Tom Stringer Design Partners in Chicago.
“‘Bright and light’ is my motto, and The firm recently completed a Palm Springs, Calif., project where they brought in a vibrant kiwi
when the days get warmer, I can’t wait green. (Jorge Gera/Tom Stringer Design Partners via AP)
to purge and donate some things,” says
New York designer Michael Wood. He Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors in pieces you touch most every day. “Your
gives to Housing Works, a New York Lake Charles, La. home should not only be a place where
City non-profit fighting AIDS and “Heirlooms are a great way to acces- you feel inspired and energized, but also
homelessness. sorize and bring happiness into a home. where you can kick back and relax. Cre-
Wood takes the change of season as Those ancient trinkets and doodads ate an environment that allows you to re-
an opportunity to get a professional firm found while spring cleaning could make charge,” he says.
in to deep clean. for a wonderful coffee table conversa- “Bedding, pillows and throws create
“Every piece of furniture is lifted tion piece,” he says. “There’s something those welcoming environments.”
and cleaned by the crew — all light- special about preserving memories and Paint or paper a wall, replace a rug, or
ing fixtures, fans, walls, blinds/drapery respecting history that feeds the soul.” reupholster a chair, he suggests.
and ceilings are wiped,” he says. “They Colour is a simple way to create an
clean the outside, inside and behind all LITTLE IMPROVEMENTS upbeat feel, says John Cialone of Tom
appliances, inside closets, shelving and Not up for anything big? After you’ve Stringer Design Partners in Chicago. The
cabinetry, all windows inside and out. done a declutter, reward yourself by firm recently completed a Palm Springs,
Everything feels new again!” bringing home some green. Calif., project where they brought in a
Hiring pros might not be doable for “Plants are known to boost mood and vibrant kiwi green. Cialone also likes cor-
all of us, however. Thankfully, cleaning productivity,” says designer Jay Jeffers. al on walls or furniture for “giving you a
can be free therapy. “Add a floor plant in ample natural light healthy glow.”
Organizing expert Marie Kondo to elevate your space, and put smaller BIGGER FIXES
says that visualizing what a happy home plants where you spend most of your
would look like to you is a good first time, like your kitchen or your desk.” Changing finishes or buying larger
move on the de-cluttering, cleaning There are lots of easy-care options, furniture costs more, but packs a punch.
journey. like succulents (including aloe and jade Jeffers suggests drawing inspiration
“Think about what kind of house you plants) and pothos. Or try cut flowers. from your favourite destinations. “Think
want to live in, and how you want to live “Investing in a pretty vase and making about the places where you feel happiest.
in it,” she says. “When you imagine your a commitment to fresh flowers is a great Whether it’s a beach with tranquil blue
ideal lifestyle, you are really clarifying way to bring happy into your space,” says water and warm white sand, or a cosy
why you want to tidy and envisioning Houston designer Mary Patton. “Even cabin surrounded by evergreen trees, in-
your best life. The tidying process rep- if you’re Instacarting, you can have in- corporating design elements from your
resents a turning point.” expensive flowers delivered. Flower ar- most-loved destinations will mentally
Decluttering might spark some new ranging is an easy, creative activity.” bring you back,” he says.
ideas for old belongings, says Lance Filicia advises paying attention to the » Continued on Page 23