Tips for a brighter, more organized home

(NC)-Refreshing your home for warmer weather is easier than you might think. To create a brighter, lighter, more organized home, try these simple tips from Sally Morse, the director of creative services at Hunter Douglas, a leading name in custom window fashions:

• Clear Away

If cleaning and clearing away the clutter seems overwhelming, Morse has one simple trick to calm the nerves: "Try setting the kitchen timer for 15 minutes per area like the bedroom closet, pantry or foyer. Just telling yourself you're going to de-clutter the home in one weekend sounds draining," she says. "Rather, split up the tasks into smaller ones so you stay focused and don't get lost in the process." Make a list of all the areas you have to organize and space them out over a few days.

• Welcome in the Natural Light

Updating your window treatments is an uplifting and impactful décor change that can easily be made. New window fashions will not only look stylish and beautifully filter light for a glowing room, they will also provide unlimited practical benefits. Morse suggests using Nantucket window shadings (from Silhouette) a line that is streamlined and casual and also features soft fabric vanes suspended between two sheer facings. These window coverings allow you to have a view and, even with the vanes open, they filter up to 88 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays. What's more, they are now offered with a cordless lifting system for enhanced child safety and a clean look.

• Bring Nature In

As Mother Earth comes to life again, it's a great time to bring that life indoors with easy-to-maintain plants and flowers. Try the cast iron Japanese perennial, one of the toughest species available. Nearly indestructible, it withstands low light, low humidity and a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, to make your indoor and outdoor spaces feel more seamless, use the same planters on your patio and entryway as in your foyer and kitchen. Lastly, don't forget about the flowers, add bouquets to spread a cheerful dose of colour around the home.

• Lemony Fresh

Appeal to all five senses with this year's updates. After your initial scrub and sorting and clearing of clutter, extend that fresh scent by adding a lemon-scented diffuser. They are a great way to bring a pleasing, calming scent into your home, while avoiding the potential danger of burning candles. Purchase the diffuser or try creating one affordably yourself.

• Lighter Linens

For a refresher that goes a long way, try brightening up the home with lighter fabrics. The update can awaken nearly every room from the living room, bedroom and bathroom to the kitchen. Swap out heavier, darker fabrics such as rugs, pillow covers, and towels for lighter ones both in texture and colour. Top beds with a lightweight blanket, folding the comforter and placing it at the foot of the bed for chilly evenings.

With a little work and a few additions, you can happily enjoy the coming months with a clean, orderly, beautiful home.

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca.