April has arrived and after a seemingly endless winter, we are all more than ready to embrace the spring season. While the weather outside may not be cooperating quite yet, there are countless ways that you can brighten your home in celebration of springtime.
Add a splash of colour - A boost no matter what the season, bringing some bright colours into the home this spring is just the ticket to livening up your mood. Whether it's with a few bold and bright throw pillows, a vase of fresh flowers, a big bowl of bright lemons or a dazzling new piece of artwork, a splash of colour will help drag your home out of winter dreariness.
Decorate for Easter - Pastels are in! Easter isn't until April 20 this year so there's plenty of time to make use of those Easter decorations. If you're lacking in the Easter decor department, why not involve your kids in a fun craft? Visit Pinterest to find a variety of easy craft projects, everything from paper mache eggs to toilet paper roll bunnies.
Change up your window coverings - While heavy drapes may have helped to keep the cold out during the winter, their main function come springtime is blocking out all that wonderful sunlight! Consider storing your heavy window coverings until the fall and replace them with a pair of light filtering sheer panels.
Clean out your front hall closet - While it won't be obvious to guests, your family will enjoy a pared down closet. Pack away winter gear (throw out any singletons) move your heavy coats to another closet and store winter boots. Pull everything out, sweep the floors and scrub the floors and walls. Hang your family's spring jackets if they've been stored for the winter and unpack rain boots in anticipation of those April showers.
Get growing - April is a wonderful time to start planting seeds. Annuals and vegetables are easy to start indoors, but you need to think a bit about proper timing. Most seeds should be sowed 4-6 weeks before the last frost, so here in southern Ontario, you should start your seedlings during the second or third week in April. Visit a gardening website such as www.canadiangardening.com for step-by-step instructions.