10 Easy Steps to Freshen Up for Summer

Imagine this….it’s a balmy summers evening, the windows and doors are open wide and the curtains are softly billowing in the breeze.  There’s a fresh smell of sweet flowers in the air and the BBQ is starting to give off a mouth-watering smell….but wait……you notice the windows are still pollen-laden and the mould on the window sills isn’t a pretty sight.  There are piles of winter bedding to deal with, the fireplace is filled with ash and the hearth covered in woodchips!!  ARGHHHH!!!
Now’s the perfect time to freshen up your house for summer so you can enjoy the summer days, guilt-free and chore-free with these 10 easy steps!

1. GOODBYE WINTER!  Simple seasonal interior updates mean retiring the dark winter colours and pulling out fresh, light coloured bedlinen, cushions and accessories – fresh white is always a winner, or go for on-trend tropical green, hot pink, coral and yellow!  Give turquoise a go for a summery pop of colour.  Put away the heaters, thick blankets and the firewood.  Replace the candles with fresh garden flowers and herbs.  Put your pillows and duvet inners on the line on a sunny day to kill off the bugs and air them out.  Now’s also the perfect time to swap over the duvet inner to a summer weight one, and add a colourful throw blanket at the end of the bed for cooler nights.
2. LET THER BE LIGHT.  Wash those windows (inside and out) and let the light in! Open them up and enjoy the fresh spring air! Give your curtains a vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth to collect the winter dust. 
3. BRING THE OUTSIDE IN.   Fresh, green indoor plants, will make your home feel alive and provides a good source of fresh air as a bonus!  Indoor plants help connect the inside with the outside, and are a great way to disguise and soften an unused fireplace.  Give these a try: Kentia Palm, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Dracaena, Aloe Vera or a Bamboo Plant.
4. FILTER FRESH.  Now’s the right time to replace or clean your heatpump & HRV filters and also your drinking water filters.  You’ll feel better for it!

• EASY BATHROOM UPDATE. Invest in a few new towels (bath towels, hand towels and foot towels).  It’s amazing how a simple and inexpensive update can invigorate you, and the upside is you can update your bathroom by choosing a new accent colour!
• GET YOUR PAINTING PANTS ON!  Give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming colour, stain the deck or give one of the bedrooms a summery new colour – go on….I dare you!
• MAKE A STATEMENT: Invest in a fun, welcoming door mat to greet your guests.
• GET MORE LIVING SPACE: Connect your indoors with your outdoor deck or patio with easy additions such as extra seating, citronella candles, lanterns, potted plants and bright, funky outdoor cushions.
• SPRUCE UP your outdoor area by giving your patio/deck and outdoor furniture a good scrub with soapy water.  If the furniture is looking a bit tired, add a few fresh outdoor cushions.  Affordable ones can be found at The Warehouse, Kmart & Briscoes.
• MUSCLE UP!  Dust off the cover and give the BBQ a deep clean and get ready for the onslaught of steaks and sausages!