My love hate relationship with the Back to School season

It is that time of the year again. You can always tell this time of year because, besides being inundated with Back to School commercials, the air starts to smell differently. The days are warm but the mornings are cooler, sometimes even cold.

I have a love-hate relationship with this time of the year. 

I ♥ the idea of the kids having a routine, but by mid-winter, I hate that routine. I ♥ the cooler mornings, but that also means that cooler days are sure to follow. I ♥ the quiet afternoons, but I miss the hum of children playing. I ♥ an early bedtime, but I hate the morning rush. I ♥ the family dinners around the table, but I hate packing lunches and book bags. I ♥ the school concerts, but I hate finding a parking space. I ♥ watching them grow, but I hate watching them grow.

But what I really dislike are the "typical" Back to School articles and lists that are produced by magazines, blogs, and news stations, all recycling last years "tips" in a slightly different way. It puts unneeded pressure on parents to be perfect. 

Parents already know that this time of year is exciting, stressful, and expensive, we most certainly do not need a list to tell us that or dictate what we should be doing about it. This year, instead of stressing out about Back to School preparations, I'm just going to allow summer to live out its existence without interruption.  

It is time for some spring design.

Springtime encourages us to evaluate how we live. With longer days and warmer nights comes our desire to declutter our minds and refreshen our homes so that we can enjoy the simple pleasures of the new season. Below are some handy tips to organize and rejuvenate your space.

-Pack away half of the toys that your children own and put them away. 
The warmer days will keep your little ones busy outside and there isn't such a demand to entertain them indoors. Once they tire of those toys, switch them out with the ones that are in storage. It is like a fun shopping spree without spending any money. I do this little trick all year long.

-Go through your winter outerwear and heavy blankets.
Pack away any unwanted clothing and linens to be donated to a local shelter in the fall when the need is high. Keep a box or bag in your closets to toss unwanted items for donation.


-Use a squeegee when washing windows. 
It makes the chore much easier and it is fun too! Using a sponge, first rub away the dirt with soap and water, then squeegee the window from top to bottom.


-Don't make an entire day of de-cluttering and organizing. 
Dedicate 30 minutes 2-3 times a week to organizing. Make quick decisions about the items you want to keep and those you want to donate or throw away.


-Take down the winter drapes.
 Replace heavy drapes with some sheer panels to let the sun shine through.


-Bring in the white. 
White freshens a space. Consider painting a wall white, adding white accent tables to a space, or adding a piece of white upholstered furniture to a room, update your bed linens to white.


-Change your artwork, accessories, and area rugs.
Lighten and brighten your spaces with new accessories. Switching some of your artwork with mirrors can help reflect light throughout your space.


-Replace one piece of furniture.
A new side chair or small sofa with modern floral prints or bright colors really enhance a room and change its atmosphere.


Click on the images below for some spring inspiration.

Modern Eclectic

Bohemian

Transitional

Chic Beach

See something you love?

Interior Design Services available by Nicole Milley

716-560-2362 

All furnishings and accessories are available at 

White Orchard Home Furnishings 

203 North Buffalo Street  Orchard Park, NY

716-667-1541