Freshen Up Your Home

By Tess Cagle 

Spring inspires homeowners to de-clutter, refresh, and tackle a DIY project or two. With people staying home more now, the itch to spruce up your home might be stronger than ever. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, we’ve compiled the top tips from interior designer Faye Chandler to freshen up your home. Chandler owns a staging and design company in Austin, Texas that furnishes and styles homes before they go on the market. 

Chandler says there are plenty of easy ways to brighten up your home that don’t cost much and are easy to do yourself. An added bonus: These DIY projects could potentially increase your home’s value. 

Here are the best ways to freshen up your home this spring. 

Declutter and Consolidate 

The easiest way to begin a home refresh is to start with decluttering problem areas.

“I have a couple of simple rules I use for my closets – like if I have not worn it in a year it must be considered for the ‘give away’ pile,” Chandler said. “The same goes for kitchen cabinets. Ask yourself how many plastic storage containers do you really use—how many don’t have lids!—and how many sets of dishes will you really use.” 

One way Chandler keeps her closet in check is by maintaining a set number of hangers. “It can be 10 or 100 it doesn’t matter the number,” she said. “What matters is those are the hangers I have and once they are full the only way I can buy something is to eliminate something.”

Add Pops of Color 

To add color or texture to any room without spending a lot of money, add a few accent pillows or throws that fit in with your color scheme. 

If you’re looking to add a new color scheme to a room, Chandler says blue, green, and yellow are all timeless colors. This spring orange has also made a big splash. 

“I love to check out store magazines like Frontgate, Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware to see what is on-trend as well as on Pinterest,” Chandler said. “You don’t have to recreate the wheel on design. Try and recreate something you love within your budget you will be surprised how easy it can be.” 

You can also use paint to freshen up your home. “If you are living in your home and don’t plan to sell for a while you can be more creative in the paint choices,” she said. 

Start with your front door and choose a color that makes you feel good every time you see it. You can also re-paint your kitchen cabinets. “Think about painting the base a darker color, like grey, green, black, and blue. It gives the room an updated look,” Chandler said. “Backsplash is another inexpensive way to brighten and update a kitchen.”   

Spruce Up Your Yard 

Your yard should be a reflection of your home, according to Chandler. “So maintain trimmed trees, fresh mulch, and spring flowers,” she said. “Make sure the gutters are cleaned and any wood trim is painted and in good condition.” 

If you have a patio, add furniture like a sofa for reading or a table for alfresco dining. You can also easily add string lights and plants to create a cozy ambiance. 

“Not only is the outdoor area a reflection of your home it is an extension of it,” Chandler said. “And a covered patio not only adds value, but it can also give you a great space to host gatherings.”