Design

First Day of Spring (Cleaning)

By Cristina Cleveland

spring-clean
SXSW is one of the busiest times of the year here in Austin, so it’s no wonder the serene, pared down feel of this room is resonating with me right now. I find that the busier life gets with work and social events, the more I appreciate and value having a streamlined home. I’ve had capsule wardrobes and minimalism on the brain lately, so what could be more fitting on this first day of spring than a big spring clean! I’ve been reading up on cleaning and organizing tips, and one of the best and most effective editing tips I’ve read was here on the blog, and that is to keep a donation bag in your closet at all times and add to it regularly throughout the year. This way your spring cleaning is an ongoing process, and much more manageable than a big purge. What are your tried and true spring cleaning tips?
bring-it-home-spring-cleaning

Pink & silver pillows – In the winter I can’t get enough of big, furry Mongolian wool pillows and knit throws, but when the weather starts heating up I like to swap those for linens and lighter fabrics.
Barbara Weir painting – The painting in the inspiration photo has a calming palette perfect for the bedroom, and the movement of the brushstrokes still makes a bold statement. It reminds me of Aboriginal artist Barbara Weir (or possibly it is), whose work I aspire to have in my home one day.
Lamp – The warm glow and organic shape of this quartz lamp bring an element of nature into the room.
Platform bed – It doesn’t get any more minimalist than this platform bed, which gives a perfectly blank canvas for your bedding.
Candle – When the seasons change it is fitting to switch out the scents in your home as well. Those notes of smoky woods and mulled spices are lovely, but not apropos for spring.
Kate Moss photo – If you’re focusing your style or getting rid of things, it can help to choose an inspiration photo, I love this one of Kate Moss, to focus the mood and color palette you’re going for.
Canvas hamper – Last but not least, a canvas laundry bag to carry out the year-round donation bag advice. Be sure to share your must-have spring cleaning tips below!

*Inspiration photo by Frederik Vercruysse for Dwell Magazine.