I’m excited that February is here. Aside from being the month our first grandson will arrive, it brings the hopeful promise of spring. The weather can still be unpredictable, but I find myself thinking about sunshine and flowers. After adding tulips to the living room recently, I felt inspired to do a little early spring refresh around the house. It’s still a few weeks away, but I couldn’t resist starting some light cleaning and refreshing. Here are a few things I’ve done so far.
A vintage crock makes a charming vase for spring flowers. I stopped at Trader Joe’s after running errands and picked up a large bouquet. My plan was to split it into smaller arrangements, but I set the flowers in this vintage crock when I got home and loved the look so much I left them as-is. It instantly brightened the space and felt like a small celebration of the season.
This sweet teapot is a perfect “almost-spring” pick-me-up. Afternoon tea has become a cozy ritual on darker winter days, and we were delighted to receive a new Laura Ashley teapot. Its pattern and shape make me daydream about tea in the English countryside, even while enjoying it here on our island in the Pacific Northwest.
The kettle comes in several patterns and there’s also an electric version available. The matching toaster is equally charming. Small, pretty kitchen pieces like these make daily rituals feel special.
Spring cleaning has me trying out some new towels for the job. A set of reusable paper towel substitutes just arrived and I’m already a fan. They’re thicker and more absorbent than disposable paper towels, and they can be washed in the machine or placed in the top rack of a dishwasher. We cut back on paper towels years ago, but found ourselves using many dish towels. These reusable towels are the perfect middle ground: cute, compact, and practical for everyday tasks.
They’re small enough to keep in a drawer, yet large enough to handle most cleaning needs. We’ve been using them constantly, and they’ve quickly become a household favorite. There are plenty of pattern options to choose from.
Our bedroom needed a gentle refresh after a quiet winter. I find winter can sap motivation, so each January I challenge myself to refresh the bedroom. It helps to simplify and remove the random clutter that builds up. Recently I tidied a corner, put things away, and it only took minutes—yet the area now feels calm and intentional.
With new hardwood floors upstairs, I brought in a rug we already owned to add warmth and provide traction for our older pup, Jack. I also treated myself to a patchwork quilt as a birthday gift. Quilts bring such cozy charm and color to a space; I’ve always dreamed of a shelf with a stack of folded quilts and I’m slowly making that dream come true.
Quilts feel homey and comforting, and their colors and patterns add personality to a room. I’m enjoying building a small collection and displaying them where they can be appreciated.
This week I taught a lesson on simplifying closets in our community, and it inspired me to do a mini-refresh in mine too. Our community encourages small steps and progress over perfection, which is exactly the approach that works for me. It’s been 17 years since I started The Inspired Room with the intention of helping others create a sanctuary at home, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing ideas through the site, my classes, and my books.
HomeBody Gathering Place will open to new members soon for spring sessions focused on style, and I’m looking forward to welcoming more people to the community.
Valentine’s Day is coming, and flameless candles are a lovely, safe way to add romance year-round. I recently discovered a set of colored battery-operated tapers that come in coordinated shades and include a remote. We tried blue ones earlier in winter and loved the warm, steady glow. Now I have green and pink shades that feel fresh and festive for the season. They’re pretty enough to leave on throughout the evening and add a cozy ambiance without the worry of open flames.
Source: Green Battery Operated Taper Candle (other colors available)
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