15 Simple Ways to Welcome Spring Into Your Home and Garden

After a particularly bleak winter in many regions, greeting spring is a genuine pleasure. Here are 15 ideas for welcoming the season—from bringing nature indoors to digging in garden beds.

1. Quick color makeover. Swap winter’s deep hues for a light, spring palette. Replace heavy window coverings with matchstick blinds or lightweight curtains. Paint walls (or one accent wall) pale aqua, spring green, crisp white; add accessories in the same family.

2. Let fresh air in. After months of heated, closed-up homes, air gets stale. On a nice early-spring morning, open all windows and let the breeze flow.

3. Plant fresh herbs. A few pots on the kitchen window = fragrant, useful display. Sill not wide enough? Install a simple rail with S-hooks for small pots.

4. Sparkling-clean windows. Inside and out—no small task, but rewarded with more light and clearer views.

5. Clear kitchen counters. Maximum clear space = easier cooking, bigger-looking kitchen. Daily bustle accumulates appliances, coffee bags, half-eaten bananas. Completely clear, wipe down, replace only true essentials.

6. Make a grab-and-go picnic kit. Nonperishables (blanket, utensils, napkins, bottle opener) in a large hamper or sturdy tote. Keep in kitchen; fill with fresh food before heading out.

7. Paint something white. Fresh white paint revives almost anything—lackluster cabinets, beat-up flea market chairs—and goes with everything.

8. Roll up the rugs. Heavy area rugs? Consider going without some for spring/summer. Bare floors treat toes after winter’s heavy socks and wool carpets.

9. Pick up spring branches. Blossoms elegant and long-lasting (up to a month). Treat home to an armful. Tall cylindrical glass container works; extra-large floor vessel for very tall branches.

10. Snip some greenery. Quick, free pick-me-up: head outside with scissors, snip any green foliage (preferably your yard). Plunk into mason jar—ferns, tree leaves = simple fresh arrangement.

11. Prettify porch or patio. Pot of plants, flower box, hammock—any outdoor space can be more inviting.
• Tiny space? Add a mirror.
• Noisy neighbors? Small fountain for white noise.
• No privacy? Arbor over sitting area with climbing vines.

12. Deck out the garden shed. Transform boring utilitarian shed to charming. Basic trellises + bright paint = color + climbing plant support. Window boxes, hanging baskets = cottage feel. Finishing touch: sign, doormat, string lights over entrance.

13. Draw a garden plan. As you plant, map what’s where. Add notes through season for next year.

14. Enjoy blooming bulbs. Tulips, daffodils widely available (affordable) as cut flowers and potted plants. Neighborhood walk: snap photos of gardens that stop you; note on your plan where to plant bulbs next year.

15. Take breakfast outdoors. Coffee and fruit on patio instead of kitchen can transform your day. Sun shining? Try it.

Tell us: How do you embrace spring at home?