One thing I love about the month of April is that everything in coming alive in Jacksonville, Florida!

The bright green grass starts breaking through the winter browns. Bottlebrushes start blooming. Baby animals enter this world and start their new lives. The abundance of spring rain keeps the air sweet and clean. It is getting warm, and the sunshine soaks in so wonderfully on my skin, but the humidity hasn’t driven me back inside yet.  Oh, Spring! How I love you! 

With nature calling my name so loudly, this is the time I want to be outside! I want to work in my flowers and start my outdoor projects. Winter has come and gone, and it is time for me to start “spring-cleaning” my outdoor spaces. In outdoor spaces, a little goes a long way! It doesn’t break the bank to have the beauty of spring reflected in the effort you give your outdoor makeover.

Start with a good scrub!

Winter crud can pile up. It creeps in the corners, window sills, cracks in the decking and on outdoor furniture. It’s winter coat has been shed all over our space and needs a thorough cleaning. Grab a broom and attack those spiderwebs and left-over debris. Grab a bucket of warm, soapy water and wash everything down. Be sure to wash your windows and make that glass sparkle! Vinegar leaves a streak-free shine and the old newspaper cleans without lint residue being left on the glass. Don’t forget to open the deck umbrellas and clean your outdoor cushions. If you have a power washer, this is also a wonderful time to give the house a good bath and clean out your gutters. If not, you can rent one from a large home improvement store.

Repair or replace as necessary.

Once you get everything clean and shiny, now is the time to make those repairs. Maybe some nails have popped up on your decking. Nail them down. Maybe a screen got ripped. Repair it. Maybe some trim needs to be painted or stained to freshen it up. Do it! These insignificant repairs right now can save much time and money in the future. Spring is a perfect time to give the external house some love and attention.

Pop your space with flowers.

Depending on your outdoor area, the options are so much fun! If you have a small deck, add a few potted plants that are contained and you can move around if needed. If you have a large area, you can use larger foliage to help border your space. You can add a trellis to a wall and start some Morning Glories. Or, you could install adorable “window” boxes along the railing of your porch. Regardless of where or what, make sure that you get the vibrant, natural colors of nature into your space.

Add a rug.

It’s truly amazing how a simple outdoor rug can anchor your space and group your patio furniture. Pick a color palette for your outdoor space and find a rug that will coordinate with the colors you have chosen. Remember, this rug will be stepped on so make sure that you pick a rug that can be hosed down and cleaned when necessary.

Place your furniture into practical configurations.

Think about your space and what it is used for. How does that space function for you, and how could it function better?

• Do you host others in your home and want your outdoor space to be utilized for company?
• Do you have enough seats or side tables for drinks?
• Do you have a fire pit or outdoor kitchen where smoke and people will exist together?
• Do you have a pool?
• Do you prefer your own quiet oasis?
• Do you like drinking your coffee alone in the mornings?
• Do you journal or read to start your day?
• Do you have a comfortable seating area for those moments?

Thinking through your space and how it will be used is the key to utilizing your outdoors for your maximum enjoyment.

Add the bling!

Once you have cleaned, repaired or replaced, planted your flowers, anchored your floor with a rug, and staged your furniture, it is now time for the fun! ACCESSORIZE! Remember that color palette you picked out? Now is the time to pull it all together. Hang outdoor curtains. Add colorful pillows to your furniture. Arrange a table centerpiece that will catch the eye. Start the evening glow with torches, lanterns, solar lights, candles or string lights. Inspire with a favorite quote hanging on a porch wall. But above all, make this outdoor area one you are proud of.

As spring lingers in the air for a little while yet, use this time wisely so that you can enjoy your time now and all summer long in your fresh, inviting space: your own spring outdoor makeover!

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Interiors Revitalized is a full-service home staging, model home merchandising, and interior design firm located in Jacksonville Florida.  In addition to Jacksonville, we serve the  St. Johns, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Fernandina Beach areas. Contact us today at 904.625.2214 to discuss your home staging or interior design project.  We’ll make that first offer your best offer!

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