Spring brings a rush of energy—in your house, in your garden—that demands to be dealt with, and oftentimes simple spring cleaning isn’t enough to rid yourself of the feeling that you need to reinvent something…anything. There are, of course, a myriad of big house updates you could take on, like a kitchen renovation or totally repainting a room, but let’s be real: those can be overwhelming and quickly devolve into a project that’s simply beyond your scope.
Allow me to help. As Country Living’s resident home expert, I know quite a few things about impactful updates that don’t require too much time, effort, or money. Below, I’m sharing the three updates you should make to your home this spring to ensure it’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Rethink Your Curb Appeal
Spring means one thing: Porching season is here, and updating your curb appeal should move to the top of your to-do list. Take the first few weeks of spring to gussy up your front door with fresh plantings (and a new paint color, if you’re up for a little more work). Opt for bold, showy flowers in one color—like hydrangeas—to make a statement without much effort.
After attending to your front door, turn your attention to the mailbox. An unsightly mailbox is the number one thing that ruins curb appeal. Nice new mailboxes can be costly, but clever homeowners can give their existing mailbox a fresh look with ease. For a quick fix, begin a flowering climbing vine or plant colorful flowers around the base of the post. If you’re up for a larger task, replace the mailbox altogether or give your current mailbox a fresh look with paint. Try an exterior-grade metallic shade for a luxe-for-less look that will hold up to the elements.
RELATED: Our All-Time Favorite Front Door Colors to Give Your Home an Inviting Entry
Swap Your Linens
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30 years on earth, it’s this: never underestimate the power of new sheets. (The same could be said for new bath towels!) If you’ve spent all winter cozy in your bed, now is the time to change everything. You definitely do not want to wake up sweaty on the first nice day of the year.
A rule I swear by: no flannel or jersey sheets should remain on a bed after April—no matter how cold it is outside! Opt instead for crisp percale bedding. If it’s still cold where you are, layer a heavy blanket on top in soft spring colors—sage green, duck egg blue, butter yellow—the list goes on. If you live in a warmer climate that is rapidly heading toward summer, choose a lightweight cotton quilt in lieu of a heavy duvet. Think beyond bedding, too. An eyelet bedskirt is right on trend and adds a fun, feminine flair.
In the kitchen, swap any seasonal linens for fresh styles that span the seasons—think gingham tea towels or ticking stripe café curtains. Lastly, in the living room, swapping your heavy wool blankets for light cotton throws ensures you can stay cool and cozy into summer.
RELATED: Easy, Designer-Approved Ways to Make Your Small Bedroom Feel Larger
Embrace the Layered Look Outside
Back outside, it’s time to turn your attention to your gathering spaces. The layered look is one of spring’s biggest outdoor trends, so apply that mix-and-match mindset to your deck or patio. Plus, research shows that investing in your backyard pays off when it comes time to sell your house.
Also give your garden the dose of personality it deserves with fun statuary. Opt for natural forms and shapes to avoid any misguided kitsch. A stone birdbath or faux bois bench adds an unexpected element that enhances your garden’s “surprise and delight” atmosphere. Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to buy another antique?
RELATED: 5 Easy Backyard Upgrades That Make Your Space Look High-End
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
