Anthea Turner How I See It...
Hello,
It’s February – or Dead Feb as it’s known in our house. Nothing really happens; no trips, no sunshine, no leaves on trees. So I am doing a crazy declutter. It is positively forensic, and after the bin liners have left for the local charity shop, I will clean like a woman possessed by the e-cloth devil. The good thing about February is, with no distractions we can do all the jobs we put off because of Christmas but really should get sorted before Spring. I don’t actually get Spring Cleaning. Isn’t that the time you want to be soaking up the Easter warmth in your garden or park and perking up your window boxes and balconies? That’s why I get off the blocks early and Dead Feb is the perfect time. For the last few days, I’ve been looking around asking what I can freshen up indoors before the buds arrive on the tree outside my office where I’m writing to you.
TIME TO BE RUTHLESS
Living in a show home must be so stressful. Home is your nest, the place you feel safe, laugh, entertain, cry and regenerate; a reflection of you. I can read a home like a book. I can tell you the owner’s stat e of mind, influen nces, passions, and even dreams.
I strongly believe that sprucing up a tired home has the most uplifting effect. Does your home reflect you at your best, or your worst? If the latter, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner Turner and clean. I’m talking the full works – be ruthless.
Then the fun bit; the refresh. Subtle things make a difference, from a new front door mat to matching towels from a supermarket, TKMaxx or online (cut the old ones up into cloths).
IMAGINE YOU’RE SELLING…
To gget your mindset ri ght, imagine you’re selling your home. What would you not want strangers to see? Toothbrushes? Cleaning products by the toilet? Spices, salt and pepper by the cooker collecting dirt and grease? Put them all in cupboards! Things given to you that you don’t like, take to a charity shop. While there, see if there’s an item that will brighten your home. Buy it, enjoy it… and take it back when you tire of it!
Fading plants? They’ve done their job; get fresh ones. Cushions, throws, scented candles all play a part. I’ve recently gone through my pictures in frames. A few trips to Snappy Snaps and they’re updated with new memories.
Let’s use Dead Feb to replace, refresh and renew. So when spring arrives, we can feel ready (and even a little smug).
Love, Anthea X