Re-awakening your home to colour and light

It’s nearly time to wave goodbye to the winter months, and with the promise of spring just over the horizon, we know lots of our customers will be looking forward to some sunshine and warmer temperatures. It’s been such a wet winter and we’ve missed the crisp and sunny winter weekends when you can give the house a good airing. Yes, it might be cold, but for an hour or so it’s the chance to throw the windows open and let in some fresh air, to beat the dust out of rugs and mats and get a breeze through the curtains.

In this blog we’ll be sharing some of our favourite interior tips and some gorgeous rugs that will help inject some light back into your home after so many cold, dark and (this year for certain) wet months. We’re keeping everything crossed for an early spring and plenty of warmth to dry out the land and help those bulbs race upwards and flower. Speaking of bulbs…

Use and reuse indoor bulbs

This is our absolute favourite way to inject cheer into our homes when the weather is miserable outside. Indoor bulbs give you flowers that last for several weeks and you can reuse them too. When the flowers are finished, keep watering gently to let the greenery soak up light and energy ready for next year. Then, when they wilt and fade, store the bulbs in a cool dry place and then plant in mid-October for flowering next February. Most supermarkets and garden centres sell pots of grape hyacinths (also known as muscari), miniature ‘Tete-a-Tete’ daffodils, hyacinths) and Dutch irises which will add so much colour and joy to whatever room you have them in.

Reflect light with mirrors and glass

If you’re lucky enough to live in a cosy, chocolate-box cottage, you’ll know that they often mean tiny windows! A lack of natural light is so evocative and snug in the autumn and during the festive season, but by late winter you might be desperate for some light. This hack, which you can use in any home, not just period properties, is to use mirrors, glass bottles and vases to reflect the light you do have around your home.

Add natural fragrances to your home

In the absence of fresh, clean air, why not use essential oils to make sure your home smells amazing for visitors? They are much better for you, your family and your pets than using chemical sprays and they’re very easy to make. Just mix four parts of water with one part of essential oil with a fresh fragrance – we love lemon – and spray in the air when rooms smell musty. Scented candles are great too, just aim to choose ones with natural waxes and essential oils, not chemicals and paraffin wax.

Have a decluttering and deep cleaning session

It’s tempting to ‘nest’ during the winter months, and end up with piles of books and magazines, throws and blankets, notebooks, candles, cushions and other cosy home accessories dotted about everywhere. When the warmer weather is finally in the forecast, why not tackle one room at a time, clearing out anything you’re finished with and packing winter-focused items away. You can then clean surfaces, skirting boards and under sofas and tables ready for the bright spring light – which always finds the dust! If you’re feeling very organised, now is a great time to book professional carpet and upholstery cleaning – or start researching how you can do it yourself.

Treat yourself to a new rug…

Eagle-eyed followers will notice that we’ve been busy adding some new brands to the website recently, including Ligne Pure. Ligne Pure is a Belgian lifestyle brand with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, high quality textiles and slow design, which shines through in their products. Their rugs draw inspiration from diverse cultures and traditions and will help make you create the stylish, welcoming home of your dreams. If you’re tempted to add a new rug to a room ready for the new season, here are three top picks from the new Ligne Pure collection:

Ligne Pure Rug Desert

This is a gorgeous heavyweight run in shades that evoke the warmth and sun baked ground of the desert – the perfect antidote to mud and rain we’ve endured for months on end…

Ligne Pure Rug Current Sky

This light sky blue is everywhere at the moment – in fashion, homewares and interior design – and we can see why. This rug will bring the colour of the sky on the perfect spring morning right into your home!

Ligne Pure Rug Grade

If you’re looking for a rug that not only offers a warm, soft surface underfoot but also adds interest and texture, this chic, neutral design could be just the ticket.

Shop the full Ligne Pure collection here and don’t forget, new customers can sign up to our newsletter to get 10% off their purchase