3 Practical Spring Cleaning Tips From An Interior Designer

Since 2001, interior designer Joelle Nesen has brought her keen eye for sophisticated interiors to the Pacific Northwest, both through her design studio, Maison Inc., and The Shop at Maison, her lusciously appointed retail space in Portland’s Northwest Industrial neighborhood. With the seasons shifting and spring cleaning on the mind, Nesen offers a handful of tips for refreshing your home and welcoming back the light.

Freshen up. As the weather gets warmer, an easy way to lighten the mood is to update your bedding. I like to change out my sheets, duvet and shams to a fresh percale or light linen. A brand the designers love is Matouk. Their percale is so crisp and fresh, and they feel beautiful even after a million washes.

Go green. Put together some simple spring greenery in artful containers to sprinkle throughout the home. You can’t go wrong with moss-filled bowls and giant branches like cherry blossoms or magnolias. I love mixing different textures and styles of plants together. I swear even a weird-shaped branch can have an impact! Bring a pop of lush greenery to the center of your dining table, or even consoles and sideboards.

Less is more. Rather than introducing new accessories or decor, think about what you can edit. Sometimes simply removing a few things—family photos, tchotchkes or travel mementos—can make a room feel lighter and brighter. Especially on the mantel—remove the kids’ art, put up a giant mirror and a couple interesting cachepots, vessels or a sculpture, and voila!