The sun is beginning to shine more, the flowers are blooming and if you listen carefully you can hear the birds singing too. Yep spring is nearly upon us and so if you’re anything like me, besides looking forward to eating a few Easter eggs in a few weeks, you may also be thinking about your home and how it could do with some improving.

So here are five simple ways you can spruce up your home for the warmer months if you feel it needs a little TLC.

1) GIVE IT A SPRING CLEAN

Yes, really. I know it may not sound appealing but there really is nothing better than a good spring clean to bring your home back to life. And I’m not talking about a tickle with a duster or a bit of sweeping but a full on clean. Get those windows sparkling, clean those pesky dust attracting skirting boards and get your home gleaming again.

With some cleaning products, a bit of elbow grease and a few hours of time, you’ll be astonished at how fabulous it looks for little cost and effort.

My top tip – for the big clean, get all your cleaning products to hand before you start, wear comfortable light clothing (cleaning is a workout!) and get some of your favourite tunes blasting. Your home will be as sharp as a pin in no time.

2) BUY SOME FLATPACK FURNITURE

Flatpack furniture may not be everyone’s cup of tea but no one can deny that it’s affordable, space effective and easy to purchase. There’s a reason IKEA is so popular and let’s face it, nothing makes a quicker improvement to any room than a new piece of furniture.

So if your wardrobe is looking forlorn or you know you could desperately do with some more storage for all of your kids’ toys, do something about and go and treat yourself to a piece or two.

My top tip – if you truly hate putting flatpack furniture together or just don’t have the skills or the time, employ an expert or a company to do it for you! The price of assembling flat pack furniture is probably cheaper than you think.

3) GET OUT THE PAINT

One of the quickest ways to add life to a neglected room is to give it a lick of paint. It’s quick, it’s super cheap and really effective. Want more light? Stick to a pale neutral like white, cream or pale grey. Need an injection of drama? Then don’t be afraid to go for a darker, more seductive colour like navy or teal.

My top tip – if you have a tiny room in your home, consider painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls. I’ve just done that with my tiny loo and it’s worked a treat, making it look bigger and contemporary too.

4) UPDATE YOUR ACCESSORIES

I mean, really what could be easier? Consider adding a few new cushions to a tired old sofa or replace your worn rug with a newer, brighter version. Treat yourself to some new bedding, a few candles or a few photo frames. Stylish homes are not only comfortable and clean, but look lovely and showcase a little of your personality too.

My top tip – if your budget is low, try charity shops for unusual pieces or even consider swapping things around. Sometimes all it takes is a few new additions to a room to make it more appealing.

5) SHOW YOUR FRONT DOOR SOME LOVE

It really does make all the difference. Both for you and your visitors. Paint it. Change the numbers. Add a new handle or even pop a seasonal wreath on the door. Add some pots or plants around it or in front of it and before you know it, you’ll be smiling whenever you pop your key in the door.

My top tip – choose evergreen bushes and sit them in large pots on either side. Simple, affordable and they’ll always look inviting.