The Joy of Spring: Easy, Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Home

Oh, the JOY of spring! The daffs are grinning, the days are stretching out, and after what’s felt like an almighty long winter, I’m SO ready to fling open the windows and shake up my home with a riot of bright colour and freshness. And guess what? You don’t need to spend a fortune! A proper spring refresh is all about energy, light, and a touch of creative genius—rearrange, repurpose, and add just a few well-placed updates to make your space sing like a songbird.

So, shall we get stuck in?!

Out with the Old, In with the Light!

Before we get to the fun bit (adding new colour!), let’s strip things back. A good old-fashioned spring clean isn’t just about dusting—it’s about making space for the new. This is one of the fundamentals of interior design but there is something about this time of year that actually gives me the energy to do it. Hear me now….”Be ruthless with clutter!”  That shelf of piled ‘stuff’ you’ve stopped seeing? Time for a rethink. Stacks of magazines, tired flaccid cushions, or that decorative bowl that has become the place to dump all the little bits of plastic? Shake things up and cull the clutter with enthusiasm.

And while you’re at it—fling open those windows! Let the crisp, fresh air rush in and sweep away the last of the winter gloom. Bonus points if you shake out your cushions, roll up your rugs for a good beating outside, and vacuum under the beds and sofas.

(Also, check your kitchen cupboards while you’re at it… I guarantee there’s something lurking from 2021!)

Bring on the Blooms

Nothing says spring quite like flowers everywhere. Tulips in a tumbler, daffs in a jug, a big blossom branch in a vase—so simple, so affordable, and utterly uplifting as it really signifies this change in season.

Want to go all out? Try a maximalist spring table setting. A floral tablecloth (my Wildflower Meadow fabric from Harlequin captures the Spring energy perfectly), mismatched napkins, and a scattering of tumblers or jam jars filled with simple Spring blooms—gorgeous! Nestle in citrus fruits, or even a few sprigs of fresh herbs, and let the seasonal abundance shine.

Paint it Bold

If your home’s feeling a bit ‘meh,’ then now’s the time to shake things up! A fresh lick of paint (yes, even on a window!) will instantly flood your space with that glorious spring energy.

And listen, it doesn’t have to be a major job! A single door, or even just a piece of furniture painted in a fresh new hue, can completely transform the feel in a space. I painted my UPVC windows in an All Surface Primer before treating them to a coat of this lovely feel-good yellow, it’s called Ming Gold by Sanderson and it makes even an overcast day feel sunny inside!

Switch in a New Rug

Rugs take a lot of wear and tear; over time, they can start to look tired or uninspiring. If yours has seen better days, swapping it for a fresh new design can completely transform a space. A well-chosen rug adds warmth, texture, and personality to a room, helping to ground the furniture and tie everything together. I’ve recently switched in this fabulous Basket Weave rug in bold red and pink to my conservatory and it has given it such a lift!

 

Move It Around

Sometimes, a room doesn’t need new things — it just needs a fresh perspective. Instead of rearranging furniture, try switching up the smaller details. Move artwork to a different wall, swap lamps between rooms, or reposition plants to catch the light differently. Even shifting ornaments, books, or candles around can make a space feel completely refreshed. I find it easy to switch art for a mirror or move lamps and vases around the house for a different look and feel.

 

Cushions, Throws & Curtains

This is the quickest win! Swapping out heavy velvets for light cotton and voiles gives my home that instant spring lift.

Cushions are my go-to whenever I want to layer in the magic. From fresh florals, to breezy stripes, from a zesty pops of colour to a tactile neutral you can really tell your own story. Mixing different prints and textures keeps things feeling interesting and full of energy. With prices starting at just £22 for a decorative cushion with my new collection for Dunelm, you can treat yourself!

 

To celebrate the lighter days and the magical qualities of that Spring sunshine, I’d suggest trading in thick winter drapes for something softer, like a lightweight linen or voile, that diffuses all that glorious light. Now: bedding. While you swap out your winter tog duvets, upgrade your bedroom with some floral bedlinen, something light and fresh. Crisp white cotton is a winner for a fresh new look.

Seasonal Wardrobe Changeover

As the days get longer and spring starts to bloom, it’s the perfect time to swap out heavy winter layers for something lighter and fresher. Pack away thick knits and wool coats, and reorganise your wardrobe so lighter fabrics, brighter colours, and transitional pieces are front and centre. I use vacuum storage bags to pack away all my seasonal clothes, which make sit easier to store them, safe from moths.

If you didn’t wear it last year, or it no longer fits or feels like you, it might be time to let it go. Donate anything still in good condition to charity so someone else can enjoy it. I’m doing this as I type so keep an eye on your newsletter for my seasonal wardrobe sale! Don’t already receive my newsletter? Add your name to the list!

 

Go Bold or Go Home

Spring is all about new energy, so if you’ve been dreaming of a bold interior project, this is your sign!

Been eyeing up a patterned stair runner? Wondering what your kitchen cabinets would look like in deep blue or vibrant green? If you need a nudge, my design school is packed with courses to help you ban the beige and create a home that’s full of personality.

And don’t forget the plants! Get out there and sow your seeds—come summer, you’ll be reaping the rewards. And in the meantime, enjoy the fruits of last winter’s hard work with freshly cut daffs and tulips brightening up your home.

 

 

Most Importantly… Enjoy It!

A spring refresh shouldn’t feel like a chore—it should be fun! So crank up your favourite playlist, fling open the windows, and seize the burst of energy that is going on right outside. I believe our homes and surroundings are the foundation to how we feel inside, so layer pretty pattern on pattern, clash bold and joyful colours, and scatter cushions everywhere. Make your home as joyful as the season ahead.

Now, who’s ready to welcome spring with open arms?

And if you’re adding pieces from my Dunelm or Harlequin collections, I need to see! Tag me on Instagram (@sophierobinsoninteriors) so I can swoon over your gorgeous spring makeovers.

Here’s to a home that feels as fresh, bright, and full of joy as spring itself!