How to update your home for spring

If the scent of jasmine in the air and the hint of longer days to come has inspired you to make a few changes around the house, now's the time to make your new season plan.

Upgrading your home has several benefits: if you’re looking to sell, it’ll ensure a more attractive offering for buyers. If you’re simply spending more time at home these days (aren’t we all!), a few simple updates will make your living areas feel new again.

Regardless of your reasoning, these key projects will help transform your home into a spring sanctuary in no time.

Clean your gutters

If you live regionally, cleaning your gutters will help prepare your home for the bushfire season ahead. In fact, the RHS recommends installing metal gutter guards to protect your home while you’re at it. On the flipside, clean gutters will also help alleviate any potential storm damage by mitigating flooding. Regardless of where you live though, clean gutters always make for a tidy home.

Upgrade your windows

There’s no doubt about it: Australia has the ideal climate for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. Take advantage of the warm weather by investing in awnings, which will help maximise your space, protect your home and create a sense of flow. Our pick? The Luxaflex^® Evo MagnaTrack Awnings, which are both stylish and functional. With magnetic side channels that keep fabric smooth and taut, these Straight Drop awnings not only look the part, they've also been engineered to handle Australia’s harsh UV rays and unforgiving weather conditions.

Importantly, Luxaflex^® Evo MagnaTrack Awnings can also help lower your cooling energy bill by up to 60 per cent¹. They provide superior coverage, eliminating up to 95 per cent² of solar heat when coupled with the Luxaflex Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric. And with a 6.5m opening span, summer entertaining areas are quickly expanded, leaving you with plenty of space and shade for that kids’ party or backyard barbie.

Those living near the coast may want to opt for the Luxaflex^® Evo Cable Awnings, which feature corrosion resistant stainless steel cables. These durable awnings not only provide top-notch light and temperature control, they also provide the best option when fixing a channel to a wall is not possible.

Regardless of which design you go for, Evo Awnings come with a load of options, including a beautiful collection of sunscreen fabrics and colour coordinated hardware in a range of popular Colorbond^®colours, a bottom rail pile brush or fabric valance, hold-down straps and locking bolts, making them one of the most superior and customisable awning choices on the market. With just a few new window treatments, your home will be prepped for a comfortable spring and summer!

Plant spring flowers

Spring is undoubtedly the most beautiful time in any garden. Take advantage by paying a visit to your local nursery and stocking up on colourful bulbs that will instantly add a sense of joy to your outdoor area. If you’re restricted to indoor space only, you can also try investing in hanging plants such as lobelias, verbena, nasturtiums, brachycome daisies, violas and non-climbing sweet peas, which will grow lazily over the warmer months.

Paint your walls

You don’t necessarily have to paint your whole house to give it a spring refresh – concentrate on feature walls or areas you want to highlight to give your home a boost. This year, neutrals are predicted to be big business, so opt for a tonal palette in low key colours and let the design of your home take centre stage.

Brought to you by Luxaflex Window Coverings

Footnotes

1 Based on independent modelling conducted by White Box Technologies in conjunction with Peter Lyons & Associates, June 2013. Savings vary based on location, home type and fabric used.

2 See http://www.endurisglasscore.com/ for details. Colorbond is a registered Trade Mark of Bluescope Steel Limited. Registered Trade Marks of Hunter Douglas Limited [ABN 98 009 675 709].