The holidays are over and you’ve finally put all of your Christmas and holiday decor away. It’s cold outside and there’s no sight of Spring any time soon. Now what? I typically go directly from Christmas decor right into Spring. I want my house to smell like spring and look like spring as soon as possible. I use nature as my muse as I move things around and focus on new beginnings.

1. Force flower bulbs.

   Usually, this time of year grocery stores will begin to sell bulbs that are either in glass jars or potted. Get them. They add a beautiful pop of color to your space and smell amazing if you get the right ones. I love a hyacinth. They come in lovely bright pinks and purples and smell so fresh and flowery. I also love paperwhites. They are very elegant looking with their thin, tall stems and white simplicity. They produce lots of small flowers which create their own bouquet. Beautiful and classic.

2. Move things around in your home.

You don’t need to buy any new decor. Simply moving items around can make your space feel refreshed and new. Switching out the pillows on your sofa is a great way to get a new look. I keep a stash of pillow covers of different colors to switch out when I feel like I need a refresh on my white sofa. If you have a fairly neutral living room, this is pretty easy to do. You can also move wall art and accessories around to create a different look on shelves, countertops, and tables. If you have a fireplace, move around items on your mantle. Also, switch out bedding and throw blankets.

3. Plant an indoor herb garden.

Why not? Get your favorite herbs growing in a kitchen window and use them while cooking. Herbs are a great way to add some greenery in your home. They’re green, they smell good and they’re useful. There are lots of kits available online to get started and when spring arrives, they’ll likely be large enough and healthy enough to be planted outside.

4. Paint.

An easy and inexpensive way to give a room a new, fresh look is to paint. It’s cold out. You’re likely stuck inside anyways. May as well, breathe in some paint fumes! Ha! Kidding…very bad for you, however a new color is not. Think light and airy, greens, pinks, beiges, yellows, peaches or blues.

5. Gather inspiration for your outdoor space.

What better time to get inspired and plan for the future? Look through home and garden magazines and gather inspiration and ideas for how you want to use your outdoor space come Spring and Summer. Need new outdoor furniture? Start looking now. Been thinking about building a fire pit and gathering area in your yard or maybe doing some landscaping? Plan now so that when spring is here, you have direction and know what you want.