If you follow the meteorological season calendar, then it’s fair to say that spring has finally sprung! A recent debate, online has many South Africans questioning when spring actually starts in South Africa. The confusion comes in the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons. The former is based on temperature cycles and begins on 1 September and the latter is based on the position of the earth and begins on 23 September.
PriceCheck tip: Transform your garden from an empty space to a hangout area with some amazing outdoor furniture, which you can hunt down on PriceCheck.
Traditionally Southern Hemisphere countries (South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia) work on the meteorological system. Meteorologists generally determined seasons by the values of their average temperatures on a monthly basis, with each season lasting three months. The three warmest months are by definition summer, the three coldest months are winter, and the intervening gaps are spring and autumn. Meteorological spring can, therefore, start on different dates in different regions, but in South Africa this day, Spring Day is marked on 1 September each year.
PriceCheck tip: Whether you need a petrol or electric lawnmower, there’s an affordable option for your budget. Find the best prices on lawnmowers on PriceCheck.
In the Northern Hemisphere (e.g. Germany, the United States, Canada, and the UK) the seasons are traditionally tracked using the astronomical system. With this system the astronomical vernal equinox can be taken to mark the first day of spring with the summer solstice marked as the first day of summer.
But, however you look at it, it’s always such a relief when the light and warmth start to return after a long and cold winter. While we all get excited to refresh our spring wardrobe, we don’t always think about making seasonal changes to our homes. It can be fun and inspiring to bring some renewed spring energy and colour into our living spaces, which can motivate us for the new season.
So how do you start to ‘springify’ your house without completely redecorating or over-investing?
PriceCheck tip: Having the right tools can help streamline your spring DIY plans. Find the best power tools and DIY equipment on PriceCheck.
There are plenty of small ways to bring light, colour and vibrance into your home that can enhance the feeling of seasonal change without breaking the bank. It’s all about being creative and exciting the senses.
Check out these easy tips to rejuvenate your home for spring:
Refresh your senses
Mr Price Home Dalhia collection.
Aim to delight all your senses when you are rejuvenating your space. Add a new diffuser with a fresh, uplifting scent or floral-scented candles. Add new hand soaps and creams in your bathrooms with delicious floral scents and designs that cue nature.
If you’re stuck for spring home décor ideas, then Mr Price Home’s Women’s Month Colab Collection is a great place to start with small spring-appropriate home décor touches. The limited-edition ranges are designed by three inspiring women trendsetters and feature bold floral prints and nature-themed patterns with a feminine twist.
Photographer turned flower farmer, Adene Nieuwoudt has built a thriving business based in the Breede River Valley, which supplies home-grown blooms to every corner of the country and is now going global. “The inspiration behind this range was definitely my favourite flower, the dahlia,” says Nieuwoudt, “We used the dahlias and other flowers from our farm to create a beautiful, romantic and feminine flat lay, which we used on the products.”
PriceCheck tip: Shop the best deals and prices on fragrances on PriceCheck.
Lighten up
Replace heavy drapes and curtains with lighter-weight options in softer tones or even bold florals. In areas where you want sun, switch to voiles or linens that can let the natural light in. Light, bright curtains and blinds can really work to lighten up a room and even make it appear larger than it is.
The same goes for your bedding. Pack away the cosy winter downs and bring out your lighter fabrics in soft hues or bold bright colours and florals to bring new life to your sleeping space. Now, that the temperatures are expected to be increasing it is time to invest in breathable, lighter bedding and spring duvet covers in lighter fabrics and colours.
Brighten up
Add pops of bright colour wherever you can to give your home a burst of spring joy. Bring in colourful accessories like vases, catch all trays, planters, throws or cushions and place them in areas that feel dull. Create your own unique display spaces using items like colourful glasses and table settings, fresh flowers, mirrors and art.
A few simple home décor accessories can do wonders to brighten up a room for the spring season.
Go wild
Spring is the ideal time to go wild with bold florals, botanical prints and accessories. A botanical tablecloth, throw cushions or even dish cloths can uplift and bring a fresh, natural element to any room. Add fresh indoor plants and greenery or change up your planters for something quirky and eye-catching.
Change the scene
Consider switching out some of your wall art for a fresh and vibrant piece as the season changes. Look for prints that inspire and delight your senses and give you a sense of warmth. Consider updating your photos and frames too, taking the chance to use more recent pics that spark joy for you.
Bring the outside, inside
Another great way to bring the spirit of spring inside your home is to decorate with plants. Pot plants and flowers are a brilliant way to add colour, light, and a breath of fresh air to your space. Whether you’re investing in fresh flowers and real pot plants or love the low maintenance of artificial flowers and artificial plants, having some greenery in your home will go a long way to helping you get your home ready for spring.
Don’t forget about the outside!
As important as it is to get the inside of your home ready for spring, don’t forget to change up your outside area as well. Whether you have a large garden or a balcony, there is lots you can do to get your outside space ready for the spring season… And ready for the season of braais and socialising outside.
PriceCheck tip: A inflatable pool can help give those pool-less gardens some much-needed splish-‘n-splash time! Find the best prices on inflatable and portable pools on PriceCheck.
Invest in pot plants for your garden or balcony to spruce up the space and bring a peaceful setting to your outside space. If you have a swimming pool then now is the time to invest in some fun pool floaties for the swimming pool as well as make sure your pool is clean and ready for the spring season with the correct pool cleaning chemicals and pool maintenance essentials.
Of course, some nice outdoor furniture, along with a standing umbrella, will also do the trick to help create a comfortable space to enjoy the warmer weather. Don’t forget to invest in a fabulous new gas braai or charcoal braai for all the summer social gatherings you will be hosting to show off your fun, new space!
