Home refresher course
March is the perfect time to set about creating a calming and healthy home. Jane Drew shows you how to detox your decor
1. Banish the winter blues
The start of spring heralds the time to get your body back in shape, rid yourself of toxins and focus your energies. And what's good for the body, mind and soul also translates to your home. So follow our step-by-step detox plan - it's the ultimate home improvement course.
2. De-clutter
Having over indulged during the winter months, you'll be ready to pare down your diet - do the same with your home. A minimal scheme, reduced to the bare but beautiful essentials, is easy on the senses and fuss-free. Cut out anything that is superfluous to your needs: in striving for balance, think quality rather than quantity.
3. De-stress
Your new yoga class will soon have you feeling relaxed and in control. Mirror that chilled-out feeling in your decor. Focus on simple, ergonomic furniture that doesn't interrupt the mind's eye when you look around a room. Retain pieces with sensuous curves or clean, linear lines - faze out anything that disturbs your Zen-like mood.
4. Ask for help
Your mantra this month is "put it away". If you don't use it regularly, it doesn't need to be on display. Assuming your closets are overflowing, and you don't have access to an attic, call a storage company: they will give you the help you need.
5. Indulge yourself
Boost your decor in the same way you will your existing spring/summer wardrobe by buying one or two stunning new pieces. Maybe it's time to get all cutting-edge with one of the latest smart-home systems, or why not bite the bullet and invest in that classic Chinese cabinet you've always wanted?
6. Create order
The chaos of the past year is behind you. Creating order in your life starts at home. Starting with the closet and your home office, gain control over your clothes and your papers - control over your life just may follow.
7. Pamper your senses
Take the time to take care of yourself (and create a decor that is the envy of all). Introduce luxuriously tactile velvet and silk cushions, and comfortingly homespun cottons and linens. Aromatherapy, in the form of soothing candles or oils, will relax both your home and your head.
8. Improve your mood
In coming out of hibernation, both you and your home deserve an energy boost. Invest in some mood lighting and soft music and you immediately have a happy home - and one that will double as a sensual spa resort.
9. Cool down
You'll be unpacking your summer wardrobe and deciding which pieces will make it through to 2008. At the same time, take a look at your soft furnishings: lots of warm winter weaves and hot hues will have crept in, and they need to be replaced. For a relaxed, summery effect, stick to an all-white colour scheme or a melodic mix of neutral tones.
10. Freshen up
If you've been taking care of yourself over the winter months, your skin will be healthy and glowing. A full day's spring cleaning will benefit your home in the same way, and if even more action is required, talk to pest control.
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