During the warmer months most of us spend more time outside, but your home needn’t feel stuffy and confining in comparison. When the weather is nice, it only takes a few simple changes to mimic that open and airy feeling you get when you head outdoors on a sunny day (minus the mosquitos). A home that feels fresh and open can improve people’s moods and lower stress. Read on for how to freshen up your home this summer.
1. Tidy Up
Yes, it’s time for summer cleaning! It may seem simple, but cleaning a home can have a tremendous effect on the way it makes you feel. Clutter is an unnecessary nuisance that can build up, especially during those colder months, so take control of your space. Dedicate a weekend to getting things organized around the home and each day will feel like a walk in the park.
Start with mudrooms, porches and entryways where dirt and debris builds up and gets tracked into the house. That should be the first thing to go, as it leads to a more unwelcoming environment. From there, you may want to tackle the closets and invest in organizing racks and hangers to keep things in order. This is the perfect time to gather up unwanted items and clothing for donation! Another important thing to keep in mind is dust. Removing this pesky debris from ceiling fans that may have gone unused over winter, the top of furniture, and window sills will make a home feel more comfortable and help any allergy sufferers in your home breathe easier. For more helpful cleaning ideas, check out our blog “10 Simple Summer Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home.”
2. Open Those Windows
The bitterly cold climate of the Minneapolis area and the rest of the Upper Midwest means that closed windows are a necessity for much of the year. Unfortunately, that can lead to rooms that feel stale and stuffy. Closed windows increase the chances of spreading illnesses, which is one reason people tend to get sick more during the colder months.
Thankfully, we can finally open our windows without the fear of cold drafts! To keep airflow moving, consider turning on overhead fans for increased circulation. Nothing beats a soft, cool breeze on a warm day, and getting fresh, fragrant air moving through your home creates an open and inviting atmosphere. Remember to turn off the HVAC system when the windows are open — you don’t want to be hit with a massive utility bill just to enjoy some fresh air.
3. Bring the Outdoors Inside
Adding an indoor garden is a great way to make the home feel warm and sunny, even when it’s rainy outside. Think about planting or purchasing daffodils, violets, hibiscus or geraniums to add a touch of color to your home. The smell of flowers in the home is instantly recognizable, and no candle can live up to natural fragrances. Vertical gardens are another popular trend for homes. A lush wall of greenery adds color, de-stresses, purifies the air (particularly if you select certain plants like ferns), and takes up very little space.
If you’re going to have plants inside your home, you will need to invite another part of the outdoors into your home to make them bloom brilliantly — sunlight. Don’t be afraid to open those curtains as wide as possible on a cloudless day to make your home feel more open and bright. Natural light is especially important for homes with darker interiors, as it can balance out the heavy ambiance.
Interior Improvements
A beautiful, relaxing home interior is great for summer, but ideally it’s something that you have all year round. If you’re looking for more tips on how to bring your space to the next level, check out our blog post “5 Chic Interior Design Trends for 2017.” In addition to creating a more open feeling home, you will learn how to use furniture and artwork to impress your guests. Redecorate your home to make it feel entirely new today!