After a long hard winter, spring is always something to look forward to. So, even though we're still in the midst of the cold weather, why not give a thought to how you might make a few changes around your home to welcome in the new season? Just thinking about it can give you a sense of hope and optimism. And let's face it, who doesn't need cheering up especially during these challenging times?

There are many ways you can give your home a spring-like feel and they don't have to be costly.

Flowers are just one suggestion whether as wallpaper, vases, cushion covers or even simply fresh flowers dotted around your home. Florals not your cup of tea? Well, there's something for everyone so read on to find out how to make your home a spring sanctuary this year.

1.  Les Fleurs

As we've mentioned, fresh flowers are a top tip for a spring inspired home. These are far superior to fake flowers even though there are plenty on the market these days that you would be pushed to tell the difference between. Fresh flowers bring a sense of harmony and balance into our homes and will always bring a smile to the faces of visitors. Another advantage is the aroma; lots of spring flowers and plants are fragrant such as freesias, hyacinths and our old faithful, the rose. So, apart from the visual, our olfactory senses can enjoy the heady scent of spring too.   

2.  Floralise

If you're looking for another way to floralise your home as fresh flowers are often the trigger for many a red eye or runny nose, why not plump for floral wallpaper. We're not talking the whole home, just one wall. This is, in fact, a lot cheaper than painting and easy to change once you're bored of it or simply want a change of design.

3.  Keep it Light

In contrast to our winter home when we have a tendency to hang heavy curtains and lay thick cosy rugs for extra warmth, spring is a time to shrug off the weight for a lighter airier feel in the home.

In the spring, your living space needs to breathe and complement the outdoors. Therefore, we need to hang light curtains in fabrics such as tulle or net. There are loads of options out there especially for the living room that will suit your taste. Spring is a time when the days are lengthening and we want as much light as possible in our homes. Light is essential for our mood and has also been proven to aid healthy sleep patterns.

4. Floored

Take off those thick heavy rugs that kept you comfy cosy throughout the winter months. Immediately your home will appear more spacious and airy. However, if there are areas of your floor that you would like to cover for whatever reason, there are plenty of small rugs that will do the job. Opt for fabrics such as light wool or cotton, silk or jute so as to lend a lighter look to your space. Don't go overboard, too many rugs will clutter the room and have the opposite effect to lightening the load.

5.  Spread the Spring

We all have a tendency to focus on the living room when it comes to home improvements and forget about the other rooms. The kitchen is another room where we spend a lot of time and it's just as easy to add a touch of spring to this room. How about a big vase of fresh cut flowers on the kitchen table? Another great idea is to hang mini metallic buckets with fresh herbs for a spring country kitchen look.

6.  Bare Necessity

Spring is the ideal season for trying out a minimalist look in your home. As we've talked about before, removing the heavy weight and clutter from your home is essential for a fresh and airy spring ambience. To really get the feel of a minimalist design in your home, remove all that is unnecessary. Simplicity is key with clean lines and patterns and colours at a minimum. Again a big vase of flowers will add an air of spring cheer that never goes amiss.

7.  Pretty as a Picture

Art is always a welcome feature in all homes. Paintings adorn the wall and add α crucial aesthetic to your home. Paintings can be costly as we all know but they don't have to be. Amateur artists abound and there's sure to be someone that could create something for you for a reasonable price that would essentially be fair to the artist too. There may even be a family member who would do it for free! Just make sure the frame fits artistically both the picture and your home.  

8. Be Happy!

If you're not a fan of minimalism, maybe you would prefer something vivid and animated. One idea for a spring home would be to invest in objects and ornaments in cheerful spring styles, motifs and prints. For example, floral cushion covers for the couch. Another way to add a touch of light and hope to your home is with small lanterns and candles dotted around. You might want to choose scented candles with spring fragrances for the ultimate sensory experience. Just a few happy things around the house can make all the difference and take you away from the gloom and darkness of those wintry days.

9. Bright & Breezy

Continuing on from the previous idea, bright colours are quintessentially spring-like.  Just think of a spring garden with its explosion of flowers like tulips, daffodils and crocuses. But, be careful, don't overdo it! With three main colours in each room, then you're all set to welcome the spring. You could invest in reds, yellows and orange for the walls and curtains as well as for small decorative objects. With these shades, you simply can't go wrong in creating a vibrant spring air in your home.

10. Home Is Where the Hearth Is

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, this is another part of your room that you can lend a spring-like dimension. It's perhaps something you haven't considered before thinking once winter is out of the way then the hearth is to be cleared ready for next winter. But think again! It's really easy to achieve too. Use things that you already have in your home and plenty of flowers and plants to create a spring fireplace. Apart from the exterior, you can also decorate the inside with piles of wood, candles, plants and even piles of books interestingly stacked. Don't forget to lend a spring air to the mantelpiece too. Spring themed pictures, brightly coloured pots with plants or even a garland fashioned with lush spring greenery and dotted with LED candles. This will make it the focal point of your spring living room and of your home.