It’s unusual for me to be happy about something that I’ve lost. But I was hap-hap-happy when we pushed up the clocks and lost the hour like we do every spring. Wonderfully, it comes as the days are also getting noticeably longer, and for me, it’s not so much that spring is in the air. It’s more like hope is in the air. Yes, we made it through, and I think we might be alright.
Clearly with that sentiment, I like to celebrate the change of seasons just like the next guy. But I hate being told that I have to. I get annoyed with the feeds on social media and the decorating gurus that put out all the stops with their “spring spruce-up” tips. It brings out the sullen eighth grader in me that thinks I’ll make them all pay by doing absolutely nothing.
With all that said, and with my sullen self in check, I do enjoy certain elements of a little spring pick me up. I just take the minimalist approach, and I do it selfishly, by putting out only what makes me happy. So read on if you’re interested in this slacker’s guide to a self-involved celebration of spring. It may be all you need.
First things first. I’m always surprised I have to say this, but it’s time to take down your wreath. I know, it’s an especially good one, and it’s been your friend since probably November and your entrance will look so plain without it. But its expiration date has arrived. On your way to the mulch pile? Take away any other decorative greens you can find, because the first part of celebrating spring means we have to create space.
Which is where the idea of spring cleaning comes from, of course. And blah-blah yes, deep scrub, blah-blah de-clutter, and power wash your blah-blah patio furniture. All that stuff is true for a reason; go on and get it done! You’re just not going to catch me talking about it.
Me? I’m hungry for green growing things, and I grab them shamelessly wherever I can. I clip all kinds of stuff and try to force them to grow inside. The spring bloomers are the best targets (like forsythia and dogwood), but I’ll try forcing just about anything with a bud on it, flowering or not. I’m currently giving a rhododendron a try. These projects don’t always take, but it’s so special when they do! I’ll also force the bulb flowers like daffodils and tulips. When they’re done, I toss them into the garden and cross my fingers that they’ll come back up next spring.
In my house, I have a few isolated areas that I do update for the seasons. Outside I have a table near my front door, and inside I usually have something on my dining room and coffee tables. Those are the hot spots that welcome people, and more importantly, me as I walk in. Some people have mantles or a table in their foyer, but really, you don’t need to “refresh your whole house” as directed on Instagram. A few selected places will do.
I will confess to swapping out a few easy items as summer comes our way. I can’t wait to move to the lighter duvets, blankets and couch pillows. In my mudroom, I swap out the scarves and mittens for sunscreen and beach towels. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.
I do love setting up my patio outside. I go bare bones in the winter—which doesn’t mean I go bananas in the summer because I still keep it pretty simple, but when the weather gets warm, I take out the additional seating, clean up the containers that I neglected last fall, and check my watch to see if it’s still too early to bring out the brave pansies (which it is). My patio is right off the living room, so I get to enjoy that new view even if it is still a little chilly for margaritas.
Oh, and the very best thing? It’s turning off the heat on a warm day, opening the windows, and then leaving to take a long walk. When you come back, it feels like both you and your house have been taking deep cleansing breaths the whole time, and quite literally you both really have. I mean this was one crazy winter for illnesses, wasn’t it?
I don’t think about all this as a spring spruce up that I’m obligated to do (says my sullen eighth-grade self.) I think about it as rites of spring that I can’t wait to do. And it all starts with that wreath of yours.
So, get going! Warmer weather awaits.
Jennifer Coles is a local interior designer. www.colescoloranddesign.com instagram: coles_color_and_design
