Brighten up your home during National Decorating Month in April! A fresh coat of paint, stylish fabrics, and furnishings give a tired space a fresh look and make something old look new again.
It’s amazing what we can do with a few strategically placed items. Whether a decorator’s trained eye or a natural sense of color and space leads to a beautiful new space, the achievement is always satisfying.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating projects around the home. No matter where you decide to update, be sure to do your research and prepare. The do-it-yourself handbook has been written multiple times. If you’re hesitant, help can be found in the form of videos, the service counters of hardware stores and decorators, too.
National Decorating Month originated in 1968 as National Home Decorating Month. The National Decorating Products Association (now known as the Paint & Wallpaper Association of America) in association with House and Garden Magazine launch the event.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Decorating Tips and Ideas
Form a painting club. Each member gets a room painted by the club. An ideal size would be six members. If you paint one room every other month, everyone gets a room painted in a year. The member whose room is being painted provides snacks and painting supplies.
If you smoke in your home and are trying to quit smoking, a great motivator is to paint the interior of your home. The freshly painted (and possibly decorated) home may be a deterrent from smoking in the home.
If you’re uncertain of a color choice, purchase a small amount of the paint or swatch of fabric. Paint a small patch or leave the swatch in the room where it will be used. Let the sun rise and set in that room so you can see how the color changes. You will soon know if you love it or hate it.
When choosing furniture for a room, be sure to measure more than just the space for the furniture when deciding on a piece. Measure the openings and corners leading into the room even if there are no stairs. If you cannot get the furniture into the room, you may have to return your new furniture.
Don’t settle for a plain square room. Add your personality to it with some expert advice or do-it-yourself redesign. Use #NationalDecoratingMonth to share on social media.
Spring cleaning: it’s a tradition that feels as old as time itself, yet remains as relevant today as ever. As the days lengthen and the temperature warms, there’s something about the onset of spring that instinctively prompts us to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and undertake a thorough cleaning of our homes. This annual ritual, steeped in history and varying cultures, is not just about maintaining a clean environment; it’s a symbolic gesture towards renewal, rejuvenation, and starting anew.
The concept of spring cleaning can be traced back to several origins, from the Iranian Norouz, the Persian New Year, which falls on the first day of spring, to the Jewish tradition of cleaning the house in preparation for Passover. No matter its origins, the core idea remains the same: clearing out the old to make way for the new. In a modern context, this means decluttering, deep-cleaning, and organizing our living spaces to usher in the season of growth and renewal.
Why is spring cleaning so important? Firstly, it’s a practical necessity. After months of being shut indoors with windows sealed against the cold, our homes are likely to have accumulated dust, grime, and clutter. A thorough cleaning helps remove allergens, improve air quality, and simply make our living spaces more pleasant and hygienic. But beyond the practicalities, spring cleaning holds psychological benefits. It can be incredibly satisfying and mentally refreshing to clear out clutter, organize our belongings, and make our spaces feel fresh and new. It’s an act that can signal a fresh start, not just for our homes, but for ourselves as well.
So, how can we tackle spring cleaning in an effective and manageable way? Here are a few tips:
1. **Make a Plan:** Start with a checklist of all the tasks you want to accomplish. Breaking the process down into smaller, more manageable tasks can make the project feel less daunting.
2. **Declutter First:** Before you start cleaning, declutter. It’s easier to clean spaces that aren’t filled with unused or unnecessary items. Plus, decluttering can have its own therapeutic effects.
3. **Room by Room:** Tackle your cleaning room by room. This strategy ensures that you’re thorough and allows you to see progress, which can be motivating.
4. **Natural Cleaners:** Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products. They’re better for the environment and often just as effective as chemical-based cleaners.
5. **Don’t Forget the Outdoors:** Spring cleaning isn’t just for the interior of your home. Take some time to clean up your outdoor spaces as well.
As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that it’s not just about the physical act of cleaning. It’s about creating a space that reflects and supports your wellbeing, a home that serves as a sanctuary as the world blooms anew. Happy cleaning!
