I would not call my toiling at home “sprucing up.” We’re still in the beyond exhausting stage of delicate demo and days of “any idea which box my ____ is in?” Ya know? Hopefully we will survive another reno adventure! But if you are not moving out or moving in, perhaps these spruce ups will simply (1) keep you moving and (2) distract you from despairing about inflation and war. You’ll find a dozen or so spring cleaning and home improvement tasks I intend to tackle in Home Improvement Spruce Ups to Tackle at Home Now.
![Exterior of our Nordic style cottage exterior with French Courtyard. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fall-inspiration-0023-1440x2160.jpg)
This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.
Home Improvement Spruce Ups to Tackle at Home Now
![Shabby chic white living room with Ektorp sofa (Ikea) with custom Belgian linen slipcover (Bemz) - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hello-lovely-studio-arizona-living-room-017.jpg)
![Inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio about the sunrise and sunset.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-sunrise-sunset.jpg)
Improvement No. 1: Declutter
I went into some detail HERE about decluttering after reading a great book on the topic that approaches organization from a very realistic and also psychological perspective.
![Hello Lovely Studio's Nordic French bedroom with Belgian linen accent chair and campaign style table. #nordicfrenchstyle #bedroomdecor #serenedecor #interiordesign #europeancountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-french-nordic-white-decor-linen-chair-2.jpg)
One of the easiest places to begin to clear clutter for spring and summer (at least when you’re me) is to store away winter clothing, as well as pillows and throws which seem to accumulate during winte.
![Rustic knotty alder door to my closet with antique painted dresser and stenciled mirror - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/european-country-cottage-closet-bedroom-alder-door-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
If you lack closet or attic space for such winter storage items, there are always these under-bed containers which will keep them dust free.
These containers are so helpful if you have downsized like us.
![Serene French country cottage style bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons accent wall and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitebedrooms #stikwood #hamptons #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00032-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-nightstand.jpg)
Spruce Up No. 2: Pillow Talk
Fresh new pillows for spring and summer!
![Serene French country cottage style bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons accent wall and white oak flooring. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #europeancountry #frenchcountry #frenchnordic #whitebedrooms #stikwood #hamptons #serenedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00009-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-bedroom-white-stikwood-hamptons.jpg)
There’s nothing like fresh pillowy goodness. Here’s my own personal fave I told you about HERE.
![Luxurious and ultra-comfy, this quilted classic Scrumptious pillow from Honeydew has sweetened my sleep - Hello Lovely. #bestbedpillow #bedroompillows #bedding](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/002-hello-lovely-studio-honeydew-sleep-pillow-scrumptious-classic.jpg)
![My French country courtyard with wood bench and rustic farmhouse decor - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-courtyard.jpg)
Should you also feel the itch to add a few throw pillows for spring, here are some pretty alternatives.
![Blessing quote from Irish poet John O'Donohue on Hello Lovely. #blessingquotes #inspirationalquotes #faithquotes #spirituality #johnodonohue](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/002-inspirational-quote-blessing-protection-circle-of-light-spiritual-faith-contemplation-john-odonohue.jpg)
Home Task No. 3: Sparkling Range & Oven
![Viatera Minuet quartz countertop in my classic white kitchen (with Modern French influence) paired with polished marble subway tile backsplash - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitequartz #quartzcountertops #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/viatera-minuet-white-quartz-hello-lovely-studio-13.jpg)
Hey, no one said this list of spring spruce ups would be glamorous…ha! Let’s see how Martha recommends cleaning the range.
While I’m consistent about sprucing up the cooktop daily, with the frequent winter baking I do, the oven can get crunchy.
![My simple white Shaker kitchen with white oak floors, marble subway backsplash, Viatera quartz "Minuet" counters, and a window seat. #hellolovelystudio #whiteshakerkitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #classickitchen #viateraquartz #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-white-cast-iron-cusinart-pan.jpg)
If you live in a region with long, frigid winters like us, then you probably wait until spring for this chore.
![Viatera Minuet quartz countertop in my classic white kitchen (with Modern French influence) paired with polished marble subway tile backsplash - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitequartz #quartzcountertops #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/viatera-minuet-white-quartz-hello-lovely-studio-12.jpg)
For a self-cleaning oven, open a window since the process is not the most fragrant. Cleaning it by hand? Wear gloves and a mask.
![Inspirational quote about the soul by N. R. Hart on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-souls-hart.jpg)
Play soothing music and think about a sweet little reward you’ll treat yourself to when that oven is sparkling clean following the labor.
![Viatera Minuet quartz countertop in my classic white kitchen (with Modern French influence) paired with polished marble subway tile backsplash - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitequartz #quartzcountertops #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/viatera-minuet-white-quartz-hello-lovely-studio-6.jpg)
Home Improvement No. 4: Fresher Frig
It’s my least favorite thing to do! And I can talk myself out of it like an ultimate Procrastinatista. However, every single time I break down and clean the refrigerator, I am amazed it at how gratified I feel afterward.
![Classic white kitchen with Viatera quartz countertop (Minuet) - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/minuet-viatera-quart-countertop-hello-lovely-studio-3c.jpg)
I can’t seem to tackle my frig cleaning without help from:
It can be awfully motivating to watch someone demonstrate their personal method for cleaning that big boy.
Spruce Up No. 5: Clean Windows Like Martha
This quick video from Martha will enlighten:
Maybe these will come in handy:
![French farmhouse style courtyard with stone wall, rustic alder front door, and galvanized farmhouse decor - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-front-porch-and-door-5.jpg)
![Psalm 143:8: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love. Inspirational scripture on Hello Lovely studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-scripture-psalm-143.jpg)
Spring Clean Idea No. 6: Upgrade Towels
Old ones can become dingy, and fresh new towels can be one of those ‘everyday lovely’ layers of daily hygiene to bring function and smiles.
![Industrial farmhouse metal chair, white painted farm table, and woven round placemat in my kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_7618.jpg)
![Set of 6 Liliane blue kitchen dishtowels](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81iZ-GkDJQL._SL1500_.jpg)
I recently discovered the beauty of soft muslin cloths for gently removing makeup, cleansing my face, and anything for which you might use a washcloth. These cloths are used in spas for facials and more commonly, for babies.
Since I have sensitive skin prone to rosacea, making the switch from more abrasive terry cloth to baby-soft cotton-y layered muslin has made a significant difference. (While exfoliation can be wonderful, you don’t want to overdo it and disturb the skin’s barrier.)
I’m crazy about the color of these towels from Boll & Branch…I have them in dark gray, but I can imagine a decor plan built around these! They are luxurious, and after buying bath towels from RH for years, they rival those!
![Inspirational quote about love by Cleo Wade on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-love-is-the-long-way.jpg)
![French farmhouse style courtyard with pea gravel, bench, boxwood, and galvanized farmhouse buckets - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2017-06-07-15.28.52.jpg)
House Spruce Up No. 7: Porch Pretty
Choose a mild and less windy day to sweep, clear debris with a leaf blower, and hose off your porch to set the stage for spring.
Here’s a pretty book I own that may inspire you decor-wise:
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51E58-zGLlL._SX443_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
We have two of these these planters from Home Depot on the front porch flanking the front door, and anything planted or plopped in them looks fabulous.
They can be left outdoors year-round, which helps so much when your storage is limited!
This is my favorite custom, grainsack handmade pillow found HERE.
![French farmhouse porch decor with industrial farmhouse metal chair with grainsack pillow and galvanized bucket with lavender - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-tolix-chair-lavender-pot-2.jpg)
![Inspirational quote by C. S. Lewis on Hello Lovely Studio about dreams.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-c-s-lewis-dream.jpg)
![Black Fermob bistro chair, stripe Turkish towel, and seagrass basket for a charming outdoor French farmhouse vignette - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/fermob-bistro-chair-with-turkish-towel-and-seagrass-basket-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Home Improvement No. 8: Replace the Shower Curtain Liner
Here’s a little spruce up packing a huge punch, and changing out a new shower curtain liner each year takes all of about 5 minutes!
I like buying the extra long liner for our walk-in shower for extra flexibility in positioning the curtain rod and extra protection for keeping moisture inside the shower.
![Classic white bathroom with console sink, Venetian mirror, Thibaut wallpaper (Lizette), and simple decor - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Classic-Bathroom-Console-Sink-Hello-Lovely-Studio-1440x2282.jpg)
Over time, those splashes outside of the shower can create mildew issues and worse!
Spruce Up No. 9: Change Filters
Where ever you have filters, make sure you have fresh ones. The furnace is an obvious place to start, but also check any ice maker, vacuum, and vent hood filters (mine become greasy quickly!)
![My simple white Shaker kitchen with white oak floors, marble subway backsplash, Viatera quartz "Minuet" counters, and a window seat. #hellolovelystudio #whiteshakerkitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #classickitchen #viateraquartz #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-wood-marble-utensil-holder-black-teapot.jpg)
![Inspirational quote by JFK on Hello Lovely Studio about courage.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/blue-grey-quote-fail-miserably-kennedy.jpg)
![Our French country courtyard with pea gravel, stone wall, bench, and boxwood - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2017-06-07-13.29.29.jpg)
Spring Cleaning No. 10: Steam Clean Rugs & Carpet
Don’t you love that feeling after the rugs have been cleaned!?! A no shoes in the house policy helps tremendously with keeping them cleaner all year round. You’re likely well aware of the dangers of chemicals traditionally used for cleaning carpets.
![Belgian linen slope arm chairs around round dining table in our home - Hello Lovely Studio. #diningroom #modernfarmhouse #belgianlinen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_9947.jpg)
Here’s an article that mentions conventional household ingredients to create powdered mixtures for the job. Steam cleaning is our preferred method and has always worked well. If you plan to buy a cleaning product for the job, make sure to look for nontoxic, green-certified, cleaning solutions that are recognized as safe by the FDA.
![Serene Decor in our breakfast nook with Belgian linen slipcovered chairs, round dining table, and Couristan area rug - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #breakfastnook #belgianlinen #slipcoveredchairs #cozykitchen #europeancountry #frenchcountrystyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/serene-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-viatera-minuet-cast-iron-dog-window-seat.jpg)
For day to day cleaning of floors, I have been using this cordless Dyson model for years now, and it makes so many chores easier. It is stored on the wall (mounts to a charger) in the laundry room…so convenient!
![Inspirational quote about faith on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/gull-wing-grey-quote-until-God-opens-next-door.jpg)
Home Improvement No. 11: Rake Yard
At the time I wrote this, my husband was outside with a rake, oblivious to the fact it began snowing 30 minutes ago! This is Northern Illinois living!
![Wodsy exterior of our charming cottage sited on a hill with a front stone walled courtyard. #hellolovelystudio #cottageexterior #cozycottage](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/00042-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-courtyard-mary-statue-boxwood.jpg)
No yard to rake? Lucky! Our yard was a doozy to address with its expanse of mature trees and fallen leaves.
![Changing leaves on trees in autumn in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hello-lovely-studio-french-country-courtyard-fall-2020-001.jpg)
Psst…wish I could say our yard resembles this one–you may recall this tiny house property designed supberbly by Jeffrey Dungan.
![Tiny home on lake in Monteagle, TN at Retreat TN.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/saltbox-exterior-jeffrey-dungan-11.jpg)
Spring Spruce Up No. 12: Paint Touch-ups
It simply will NOT take as long as you think it will.
![Our master bedroom and bath have rustic knotty alder interior doors and liberal doses of French country. #hellolovelystudio #bedroomdecor #alderdoors #romanticdecor #rusticelegance](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/011-hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-bathroom-stikwood-alder-doors.jpg)
Trim touch-ups is next on my to-do list, and I always dread it because I think it will take weeks when in reality, I can typically make a big dent in the chore within a single day.
![Serene and neutral European country inspired breakfast nook with window seat, round dining table, and Belgian slope arm chairs - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/hello-lovely-studio-breakfast-nook-neutral-serene-zen-window-seat-european-country.jpeg)
If you need ideas for white paint colors, see this story about paint colors you may haven’t considered.
A freaky thing I do…I cannot resist collecting vintage paintbrushes from the fleamarket and garage sales. I think the aged ones look beautiful, yet I cannot bring myself to use them! Nope. Here is my favorite paint brush for any number of jobs:
If you missed the post about enchanting handpainted landscape murals printed on paper and have a moment…do be inspired by THIS LOVELINESS.
![French courtyard with stone wall, boxwood, pea gravel, and bench - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2017-06-07-15.32.45.jpg)
Do you have a list like this you tackle at the beginning of spring?
![My simple white Shaker kitchen with white oak floors, marble subway backsplash, Viatera quartz "Minuet" counters, and a window seat. #hellolovelystudio #whiteshakerkitchen #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #classickitchen #viateraquartz #minuet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-mercury-glass-holder-meyer-lemon-cleaners-disthtowel.jpg)
Cleaning Supplies I Love
Pssst. I have never seen the cleaning supplies (above and below) I rely upon priced so low! The scent will lift your mood!
Make sure you’re eating plenty of healthy foods in this cold/flu season….I blogged about healthy food swaps you can make HERE.
![Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-tea-4.jpg)
Have you made my gluten-free, flourless, super easy to make healthy bread?
![Gluten free bread with no need to fuss or knead! My Easy Healthy Flourless Bread Recipe to Seeds the Day in case you love nutritious yum! #hellolovelystudio #breadrecipe #glutenfreebread #flourlessbread #healthyrecipe](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_9592.jpg)
![This healthy bread I make is packed with good for you seeds and nuts and contains no flour! #hellolovelystudio #healthybread #noflourbread](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-bread-plate-mug.jpg)
p.s. Pillow upgrades are the sweetest spruce up! Here’s another excellent bed pillow you can easily customize to your liking since it comes with two inserts to adjust the loft.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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Enjoyed your post.
Author
Thanks so much for reading – peace to you right where you are.
Great ideas! Loved the cleaning videos & tips I’ve never tried…soaking stove grates in sink w towel on bottom, using a squeegee to clean my windows, & wiping down interior of frig w VA extract for a wonderful smell! Funny the little things that you never knew you didn’t know! Ha! You always offer such interesting & useful info on all types of subjects! Thanks!
Author
Happy spring cleaning, Amy – I’m feeling too sluggish to make much progress today, but maybe tomorroow! 🙂
I love this post and the great quotes.
Author
Thanks so much for taking the time to connect and make my day! 🙂