The Eagle/Angel Carpenter

If the spring cleaning and decorating bug hasn’t bitten yet, here are several motivating ideas from Grant County ladies who know a thing or two about brightening up a home.

Debi Hueckman of Station ’62, 145 S. Canyon City Blvd. in Canyon City, shares fun and easy ways to give a new look to the home.

“I gain lots of inspiration from magazines, Pinterest and, right now, I especially love Instagram,” she said.

• Paint is the easiest and least expensive way to freshen and update your home. Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you, I use paint a lot. I prefer neutrals on walls but add a pop of color with accents. Gray, white and soothing blues are very popular today.

• Add interest and color with accessories and collections. Use pillows, throws, lighting and art work to update your look. Group collections together to showcase your personal style.

• Corral the clutter. Tidy up and help kids stay organized by providing a dedicated area to stash their backpacks, gear, etc. Organization decreases stress in our everyday lives.

• Another easy update is to replace drawer and cabinet pulls in your kitchen and bath — much less expensive than replacing cabinets! Another idea is to replace light fixtures. There are so many great light fixtures to be found, whatever your style.

• Hang pictures at the right height. The center of the image should be at eye height, around 57 to 58 inches — lower than most people expect.

• Don’t push furniture against the walls. Not only does it create awkward, empty space in the middle of the room, but it creates an unwelcoming vibe.

Judy Jacobs and Diane Clingman of Roan Outwest Coffee, Interiors and Design in Prairie City, 154 Front St., also give several inexpensive ideas to freshen up the home atmosphere.

• Hang a summery wreath on the front door.

• Give the front door a fresh coat of paint.

• Clean out the mudroom — put coats, boots and gloves in storage.

• Wash the windows.

• Place flowerpots on the front steps with pansies, which won’t easily freeze.

• Add something green to every room, a plant or wreath.

• Cut branches from blooming trees, such as lilacs, apple or pear trees, and arrange in a big bucket, rubber boot or jar inside.

• Plant in a wheelbarrow.

• A string of light bulbs add ambiance to the back porch.

• Add a new tablecloth indoors and/or outdoors.

• Plant flowers in something quirky — it could be a colander, an old tin bucket or coffee mugs.

• Decorate with lemons in a glass jar along with a bouquet of sunflowers.