Flowers are peeking through winter’s ground, birds are singing, and your windows are open, letting the sunshine in. Spring is here. Springtime is the best time of year to give your house a through cleaning. After a long blustery winter, it’s time to throw open your windows, air out your house, and get your place into tip-top shape.

Start the transformation from the top, and work your way down. After some basic spring cleaning- washing your curtains and bedding, polishing your floors and pulling your warm weather clothes out of storage, it’s time to make your home ready for warm weather with some spring decorating.

Freshen up your bedroom by lightening up the mood- stash away your wool blankets and make the bed with a pair of crisp cotton sheets. Swap your dark throw pillows for ones in earthy colors like moss green or sage, to bring the outdoors inside. Place bunches of green leaves in silver vases to continue the natural springtime feel and arrange white votive candles throughout the room.

Bathrooms get a makeover by stashing away the heavy-scented soaps, lotions and perfumes. Replace the cinnamon, pine and nutmug scents with lighter ones that get you in a summery mood- try lemongrass, coconut, or apple blossoms. Pile a stack of fluffy white towels in a basket, and put a small vase of flowers on the sink. By surrounding yourself with touches of luxury, you’ll feel like you’re at a fancy hotel, without even having to leave your home.

Incorporate natural fibers into your dining room- try bamboo serving utensils, woven grass place mats, and cotton napkins. For an easy centerpiece, fill a large clear glass vase with lemons and limes and place it in the center of your table.

With a bit of spring cleaning and a few simple decorations, your home is ready for spring. Kick off your shoes, pour yourself a lemonade, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Winter is over, so whether you live in a downtown Ann Arbor condominium or an Ann Arbor home, Enjoy the sunshine and the warm weather by opening up your home and bringing touches of springtime indoors.

Image courtesy Flickr: ZacharyTirreell