Spring may have come and gone with temps going into the 80’s last week but it’s now here…technically. Now we have longer days, more sunlight, and an after work drink on the Newbury Street patios and South End roof decks. You also get a chance to update your stale Boston apartment. Here are a few quick and simple ways to do just that:

1. Reduce Clutter. You can acquire a lot over the holidays from gifts, wrapping paper, etc. Now would be a good time to purge yourself from the old. Start with those catalogs, magazines, and junk mail. Now that you have that new set of dishes or toaster, get rid of the old. Making more room visually adds life to a cluttered space.

2. Paint. Assuming you have permission from your landlord or management company (unless you own of course), paint is a quick way to freshen up a stagnant room. It’s Spring, so go ahead and lighten up! Brighter, crisper colors leave a old room cleaner.

3. Remove or Replace One Piece of Furniture. Just like the clutter tip, there might be one piece in your collection that just might not fit anymore. Maybe it’s the wicker chair from college or the hand-me-down end tables from Aunt Millie. Look around to see what can go and what can be replaced.

4. Change Furniture Placement. This is a simple no-cost effort to spruce up any room. Moving that big couch over to look out the window or put the bed against a different wall can make your drab place feel like new again when you walk in the door.

5. Pop of Color. Changing just a few small pieces can really make a difference when attempting to spruce up the place. You have your warm and inviting layers out for the winter. Now it’s time to make it jump out at you. Little things like throw pillows, blankets, or even a new lampshade can really add character to your springtime freshening.

6. Remove (or at least clean) That Old Throw Rug or Welcome Mat. Although the winter in New England was pretty mild, we still had our “dirty shoes” on which tracked in a lot of mud. An inviting, new hallway runner or welcome mat can be just the trick to coming home to what feels like a whole new world. (cue Disney music. It’s stuck in your head now, isn’t it?)

7. Bring the Outside In. Flowers are in bloom now. And even earlier that expected. Bring home a few arrangements or even think about planting an indoor or patio garden. This will add fragrance and color instantly. If you live in a smaller space, don’t forget to utilize areas with hanging plants or taller, longer vases.

Feel free to leave your tips in the comments section below that helped you spruce up your pad. Or let me know which ones worked for you.

photo courtesy of gobucks2