How to Freshen Up Your Home (Without Actually Cleaning)
The ultimate home shopping list
We get it: Marie Kondo told you to toss anything that’s not bringing you joy. (Tall order, for a wastepaper basket…but point taken.) Remember, though: Kondo never claimed that the perfect throw rug--or a bunch of fresh flowers--wouldn’t bring a smile to your face.
Here’s how to take your nest to the next level for spring. No cleaning required.
Bring in Fresh Flowers
Chicago is abloom with cute flower shops. But if you want the roses to come to you (and who doesn’t?), ring up Flowers for Dreams. The company makes organic bouquets using local blooms and delivers them for free. Better yet, some of the proceeds are kicked back to local charities. P.S. Lead flower designer Anjelica Hennessy will give a free demo on making flower crowns at Macy’s Flower Show on March 23.
Spruce Up Your Walls
Your entryway looks a bit bare. You could pick up another print, or you could pop by Jayson Home and Garden to find something more unexpected. Consider coming home to Wire Gem Wall Art or hanging your coat on a branch hook. And who knew sun-bleached turtle shells make stunning office decor? See? This place is full of surprises.
1885 N. Clybourn Ave.; 800-472-1885 or jaysonhome.com
Pep Up Your Dishware
Fancy twirling your pasta with a vintage fork from an English hotel? Or drying dishes with a tea towel from France? P.O.S.H. stocks home goods that are at once worldly and twee--and will bring some major cheer to your kitchen. Plus, its flea-market finds are one of a kind.
613 N. State St.; 312-280-1602 or poshchicago.com
Make Your Home Smell Great
It can get rainy in the spring--haven’t you heard?--so light some candles and spend cozy days inside. Diptyque, the Parisian boutique, might be the end-all in divinely scented candles, with signature fragrances like Rose Geranium and Berries.
1645 N. Damen Ave.; 773-252-3989 or diptyqueparis.com
Go For That Accent Piece
Your living room could use a pop of color. Why not tackle that with a teal coffee table or--better yet--an ottoman with the Chicago flag pattern? Wrightwood Furniture has surprisingly affordable goods that run the style gamut from industrial to globally inspired.
3036 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-687-9210 or wrightwoodfurniture.com
Clear Out Bad Vibes
It never hurts to hedge your (spiritual) bets, and the Ruby Room’s boutique is filled with objects thought to bring in good energy. (Just go with it.) Merchandise includes healing crystals, California white sage and calming scented sprays.
1743-45 W. Division St.; 773-235-2323 or rubyroom.com