Living with the seasons: spring

We’ve lived in Kansas City for over 3 years now and I’ve fallen absolutely in love with having all four seasons to look forward to. I become positively elated each time we pass anew into autumn, winter, spring, and summer.

But it’s not just the seasons themselves that give me such joy, it’s the thresholds that mark that you are on the cusp of something new. It’s the “not quite one season, but almost another” feeling. A sunny spring morning with intermittent rain. The first morning you realize you can hear the birds chirping again after a long winter. The daffodils overnight burst into a beautiful cacophony of yellow sunshine. A visit paid from a stately red cardinal in the tree out front. I’ve always found it all to be quite beautiful.

For over 10 years I’ve been quietly observing the mark of new seasons and translating that to my home atmosphere. I have my own traditions and rituals I associate with each season, and today I’m happy to share some of my favorite ways to indulge in la dolce vita, the sweet life, during the spring season.

Spring rituals to spark joy

Have a good spring clean

In the words of Marie Kondo, it’s important that your home “sparks joy”. One of the best ways for a reset is the classic spring clean. Two years ago, in 2021, I started to take a deeper look at the products I was using to clean. I used EWG.org’s website to find out how toxic certain products are. After my research, I resolved to utilize cleaner products, and my absolute tried and true favorites are shown below.

Do a seasonal home refresh

My home style mantra and approach

Let me start by providing an introduction to my home philosophy. I am a firm believer that you do not need to spend a lot to enjoy the good things in life. However, when it comes to my home (and the rest of my life), I believe in buying quality items that will last. As an aesthete, I prefer pieces that are beautiful, timeless, and functional in nature. I do not believe in buying into trends unless you truly love the item, and can see yourself keeping it for many years, or feel that it adds to your life in a meaningful way. For example, if I’m buying a trendy decor book, it better actually inspire me, and if not, it has no space in my home.

A home refresh is just that, a refresh, and can be done with what you already have. Spring is the time to look at your home objectively, think about how you truly use it (that answer usually differs by the season), and make some changes that spark joy for you.

Switch up your decor

Simple swaps

Go ahead and switch out the heavier winter blankets (leave a couple cozy ones for chillier spring days) for lighter ones.
Is it time to switch out the heavy winter-weight comforter in the bedroom? It just might be.
If you have a seasonal spring wreath, bring it out and put it on the front door. I’ve also found that I love setting one on the table to enjoy as a centerpiece. I see my table much more than my front door these days!

Candles

Bring out/lay out the candles that remind you of spring, and put away the ones that don’t.
A good candle sets the mood and atmosphere in your home. Our olfactory senses are not to be underestimated. When I put away my favorite candles on a seasonal basis, I have something to look forward to when the next season comes around.
Consider investing in a home diffuser in your main living areas and fill it with pure essential oils you love. In springtime, I gravitate toward lighter scent combos like lemon, lavender, and peppermint. I adore combining lemon and lavender. Eucalyptus, this time of year, is also perfect.

Room and linen sprays

Invest in a home spray or two that sparks joy, brightens your mood, and invigorates your senses when you use it.
Consider purchasing a linen spray specifically for spritzing your bedding when you make your bed in the morning. It will make your whole bedroom smell fresh and ready for the day, just like you! And when you jump in under the covers in the evening? Breathe in the smell of bliss and a good night’s rest!
Why not DIY? I haven’t tried it yet, but it is possible to make your own linen spray with pure lavender oil, witch hazel, and distilled water. Add to a glass spray bottle and keep it in your bedroom for easy access in the morning and/or evening. HGTV DIY is linked here.

Florals

Put out florals in your home that make you happy, whether artificial or real! Don’t be afraid to move them around from room to room as the season progresses and you find yourself spending more time in one area of the home or another.
Florals (along with home decor in general) are highly personal, and you should go for what brings YOU joy, even if it’s not in season, or you feel it doesn’t align perfectly with your style or the times. If you love it and receive joy every time you see it, that’s all you need to know.

Get organized

It’s natural as the year goes by to accumulate clutter, despite our best efforts. Spring is the best time to rid yourself of the vestiges of the past that may not be serving you now. If something does not have a space, a functional use, or doesn’t fit in your home, it’s got to go. Cultivating this mentality is essential as it helps us be more mindful when we ARE buying things for our home.

Less is more

Take an objective look around your home. It’s not just about organizing what you do have. What can you get rid of? What is still out in your home that no longer brings you joy as you move into this next season?

Fridge cleanout and re-organization

Fill your fridge with foods that make you feel good, in containers you can see through, so you can do a quick assessment at any point.
While you’re there, why not make a delightful refreshing lemon ginger tonic recipe for the week ahead? Store in a glass pitcher or bottle and keep it front and center in your fridge where you can reach for it all week long for a quick pick-me-up.

Your pantry, your closet, your coat closet, don’t forget these! Now is the time to refresh those long-dismissed-for-another-day areas.
- Another spot that may not be top of mind, but that is certainly smart to organize? Your laundry room cabinets! Trust me, they’ll thank you for it.

Organizational books I recommend

One of the best ways to get inspired to do your annual spring clean/organization is to learn from the experts! If you haven’t read any of these, I highly recommend these. I’ve read all but the Minimalista, which I purchased recently for my closet refresh/redesign project.

Live fully within this season

I hope you’ve enjoyed this dive into my favorite rituals that I look forward to each spring. Living seasonally ensures I am fully embracing the season ahead, and honoring not just the person I am now, but who I am becoming.

Cheers to living joyfully. Let the windiness and movement of spring carry away all that you no longer need.

Many blessings for this season.

Until next time,

My spring rituals for a home refresh