A little bit of a change goes a long way, and sometimes it just takes a small change of scenery to gain a fresh perspective. We know things are difficult right now, but at Hawthorne Kitchens, we are always looking for ways to mitigate the hard stuff and make it easier! Whether it be through the wonderful financing options we offer to help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams, providing you with advice to prepare for your kitchen reno or ways to liven up your current space, we want you to get the most you can out of life right now.
It’s no secret we are now spending a lot more time at home. It’s important to facilitate a positive atmosphere and be proactive not only in cleaning but also in making sure the space looks good, too. We know you may have a busy schedule or it simply may not be the right time to undergo a large-scale kitchen renovation, so we thought we would provide some inexpensive, expert Cleaning and Decorating tips to freshen up your kitchen this spring, in next to no time at all!
Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Perspective
We know you’re sick of being inside and the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours on a deep clean. A speed-clean of your refrigerator will leave you with enough time to get outside and enjoy these first beautiful spring days! Keep it up regularly, so it’s not as much work for subsequent times. Sometimes, just a quick freshen-up is all your fridge needs.
A Quick Pantry Tidy-Up? It’s true, you can tidy your pantry up in 10 minutes. Place like-items together, toss out anything that’s expired, and those excess canned goods that you think you may not eat? Gather them up and donate them to a food bank. Again, keep this one up regularly (seasonally). You will feel so good when it’s done.
It’s a great time to wipe down your trash can. Trash cans become pretty gross over time. Get some hot, soapy water and wipe the whole thing down, inside and out with your favourite scented liquid soap! Now that the nice weather is here, you can opt to take it outside on a warm day, hose it down, and let it dry in the sun.
Wash your potholders for a whole new array of culinary fun this season! They’re probably starting to look and smell dingy from all the hearty stews and baked goods that kept you comfortable this winter. Time to throw them in the washing machine and get them ready for yummy summer baked treats!
Has your woodwork lost some of its former lustre? Polish your woodwork with an all-natural lemon oil and vinegar mix (1 part lemon oil to 1 part white vinegar). Simply spray onto a dry microfiber cloth and wipe down your cabinets, pantry door, and baseboards to restore some of its former shine. Use your vacuum to thoroughly clean out cabinets
Lovely Decorating Ideas for Spring
Start your decorating with a simple spring wreath and let the rest of your inspiration take hold. Make your own, or choose a wreath arrangement bought locally that really works in the space on a door/pantry door, in your window; wherever it fits! Sometimes having that first pretty decorative piece is enough to put the inspiration in motion for the rest of the space.
Add Flowers: Yes – it is time to get a bright bunch of flowers for that kitchen table! They don’t even need to be expensive, just pretty!
Corral items on a tray or a brightly coloured baking dish and add a festive touch! (ie. a few spring ornaments or some greenery). A tray is an easy way to keep things tidy and reduce the look of clutter. Utilize the tray for things like your spices and oils, for example. Corralling items on a tray gives your display a more cohesive look and makes keeping your counters clean so much easier.
Use a pretty tea towel for that perfect pop of colour. It’s a classic and forever-affordable way to add a little colour and energy to the kitchen. Treat yourself to a new one this spring in a favourite colour or pattern.
Hang a small piece of artwork or put out bowls of colourful fruit.
Use what you already have in a different way! Add some greenery to your regular decor, switch up your kitchen towels, to a different colour palette or change up where you typically put your seasonal items. Even just swap items from another room. As you’re redecorating the space, use this great opportunity to declutter any items that you notice that you no longer use or love.
Celebrate this year’s much-awaited arrival of spring: Treat yourself to a beautiful table arrangement on a spring morning. Make a special breakfast or brunch and give yourself the pleasure of creating a beautiful, seasonal table setting for it. Throw open the windows, make something scrumptious, and enjoy the season!
Designed For Living – Built For Life. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our showroom is now by appointment only. Book your appointment today by calling 613-384-2633 ext. 5.