NG3 March/April 2021

Refresh, Restore, Recharge
There is something utterly renewing and rejuvenating about
Spring, and for this year in particular, that feeling is more
significant than ever.
After months of miserable lockdown and
cold dreary weather, now is the time
to spruce up our homes, embracing
the sunlight and energy that
comes with the new season.
Who doesn’t love a Spring clean?
It feels so good to get everything in order with a
full clear out and a refreshening of our homes,
from clearing counter tops to finally cleaning the
microwave or defrosting the freezer.
One magical cleaning agent I’ve recently discovered
is white wine vinegar. Vinegar is a natural
disinfectant making it not only cheap to use but also
eco-friendly. It has the ability to dissolve mineral
deposit, grease, dirt, grime and bacteria. To clean
the inside of your kitchen cupboards simply use
equal parts of warm water with white wine vinegar
in a spray bottle. Spray inside the cupboards then
wipe down with a clean cloth.
Declutter
Research has shown that clutter and mess can
cause anxiety and create stress - our brains like
order. Now is the perfect time to help recharge
our batteries and purge unnecessary items. When
you start, and particularly if you are a natural
hoarder, don’t be overwhelmed. It’s important
to focus on one room, one space or even just a
zone within a room (eg, your bathroom cabinet),
completing the job fully before moving on.
One simple trick to help you declutter is to use four
empty cardboard boxes:-
Box 1 - Put away
This box is for items that have crept out of
their storage spaces, this could be a cup in the
bathroom or a jumper in the kitchen.
Box 2 – Donate
This is for the charity shop and are items you can
imagine another person wanting or needing.
Box 3 – Recycle
Items that need to be recycled such as plastic, glass
or paper.
Box 4 – THE BIN!
Be brutal, if you don’t need it or use it, it serves no
purpose or its broken beyond repair, then get rid.
Bring Mother Nature inside
Not only do indoor plants enhance the overall
appearance of a space, but they’ve been shown to
boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and
eliminate air pollutants — making for a healthier,
happier you. Obviously, real plants are best but if
you’re nervous about keeping one alive then there
are some great faux products on the market now.
Simple updates with minimal spend
Put away heavy faux fur throws and wool blankets
and replace with lighter fabrics like cotton or linen.
Swap out dark colours which were right for winter
and bring in bold pastels or neons to create that
fresh spring look. Crisp neutrals can make a room
feel bigger and brighter. For example layering
whites and pale pinks can be a lovely way to add
a pop of colour while keeping your space neutral.
Adding a lovely woven basket or two is the perfect
accessory for a room to store bits while still looking
chic and stylish, a great way to reduce clutter and
change up your look.
Making an entrance
It’s also nice to freshen up the outside and small
changes can make such a difference. Transform
the entrance by changing the colour of your
front door or simply replace the door matt with
something stylish and smart. Frame the doorway
with a planter either side to make a warm,
welcoming and elegant statement for you and
your guests.
If you require help with any aspects of interiors,
from design, spatial planning to decluttering,
contact Lisa on 07837 096 707.