[:en]Sprucing Up While Hunkering Down[:]

[:en]As we practice social distancing and spend more time in our homes, we are on your side to help you make it a more beautiful place to be.

We are all in this together. We hope these tips help you find serenity in your own space.

Take advantage of having more time on your hands.

Getting started with a new cleaning project can be intimidating: where do you even start?

Start with a wish list of all the things at home you want to upgrade. Good Housekeeping has an expert-approved checklist for spotless spaces (washing interior windows is a great one to have the kids help with!).

Sprinkle in bright colors.

Spring is a time of renewed hope. While those dark colors felt right in the winter, swap them for bold pastels or neons. Flores Mantilla, Boston magazines Best Florist of 2019, is offering contact-free deliveries within a 50 mile radius of Boston. Foraged Floral of Cape Cod is also following no contact delivery procedures to keep the community as safe as possible.

Refresh the entry of your mudroom.

During winter, you're likely to track snow, road salt and mud into your entry or mudroom. In the spring, make sure to thoroughly clean your walls, floors and doors to avoid any long-term damage. Canada-based interior design company Organized Interiors has nine ideas for keeping your mudroom clean and tidy.

Revive your candle collection.

A lit-up candle radiates soft and positive energy into your home. While lighting a candle is a great way to conclude a deep cleaning session, theres a good chance that your collection could use a little freshening up, too. Reach for floral or citrus candles to liven up any room in your house. Yankee Candle stores are temporarily closed, but you can still shop with them online.

Nothing like a good before-and-after comparison to help you achieve results. Snapping a few clutter-filled shots will make it all the more satisfying once your work is complete. One of professional organizer Elise Gunrocks biggest tips is to document your transformations: "There is nothing more rewarding and encouraging than literally seeing your progress." Even better: Text the before shot to a friend or family member for added accountability.

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