BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIVING SPACE IN WINTER
The daylight is still short,
the temperatures are down, and spring seems a long way away, but winter
doesn't mean your home needs to feel drab for months on end. Here are
some easy ideas to bring some springtime into your home and life right
now.
- Invest in full spectrum lights. Available at most hardware stores, full spectrum lights provide a clear, brilliant, white light, simulating the exact color of sunlight at noon. These brilliant bulbs will not only lift your spirits, they'll also lighten your wallet by consuming 1/3-1/4 the energy of standard incandescent bulbs.
- Let the sun shine in. Smog, soot, smoke and grime can built up on windows in the colder months, preventing sunlight from entering. Washing your windows mid-way through winter will not only brighten your home, it will also make cleaning them in spring a more manageable task.
- Bring some color into your world. Give your powder room or laundry area a lift with a fresh coat of paint in a fun new color. Painting a small space can be a great winter project that won't mean a big investment of time or money.
- Cultivate an indoor garden. Many of us compromise our indoor air-quality by spending more time cooped up inside during the winter. Instantly improve your view and the quality of the air you breathe and by investing in a few common house plants.
- Fresh flowers are also a quick pick-me-up that will instantly lift your mood and brighten any space in your home. Choose a bouquet of brightly colored blooms to display in the kitchen, family room, wherever you spend a lot of time.
- If you live in a mild climate, put a pot or two of bright flowering plants outside your front door for instant cheer. You'll improve your home's curb appeal and your neighbors (and the mail carrier) will appreciate it, too!
- Be a quick change artist. Try new throw pillows or pillow covers in bright, fun fabrics to add a punch of color to your sofa and chairs. There so are many great-looking, inexpensive options available that you don't have to splurge to give your room a fresh look.
