The Design-Minded Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Space
Our top tips for preparing your home for the warmer months head
Spring isn’t just for sweeping out dust—it’s a seasonal reset. As the city (finally) rids itself of wind chills, it’s time to lighten up, edit down, and make room for fresh energy. Whether you’re in a downtown condo or a Victorian semi, these design-conscious spring cleaning tips will help you refresh your home for the warmer months ahead.
Inspiration: Clean surfaces and minimal decor make for an intentional living room entrance in Post Architecture’s reno of a semi in Little Italy. Photography by Riley Snelling.
Edit with Intention
Before you buy baskets or label bins, pare back. Scan each room and remove anything that no longer feels relevant or restful—be it a pile of old magazines or an outdated area rug. Donate what’s still functional and recycle what’s not. Less visual noise = more impact from the pieces you love.
Inspiration: Linen bedding optimizes a breezy sensibility in Studio No. 33’s reno of a St. Clair West condo. Photography by Lauren Miller.
Swap Out Heavy Textiles
Trade in your wool throws, velvet cushions and flannel bedding for breezier options. Crisp cotton sheets, linen drapery and lightweight rugs (or bare floors) instantly change the energy of a space.
Inspiration: Plant Society—featured in our roundup of the best plant shops in Toronto.
Let the Outdoors In
Bring nature closer with fresh greenery or seasonal blooms. Beyond potted plants, consider ikebana-style arrangements, budding branches in sculptural vessels, or even a few clippings from a weekend walk. The goal: organic forms that contrast with architectural lines.
Inspiration: No streaks or fingerprints to be found in the crystal-clear ensuite shower of a Leslieville family home. Photography by Riley Snelling.
Deep Clean Design Details
Now’s the time to tackle what you’ve been ignoring: grout lines, light fixtures, baseboards. Pay special attention to glass and metal—polished surfaces bounce light and subtly brighten interiors. If it’s tactile or reflective, clean it.
Inspiration: Textile artwork from Adrienna Matzeg’s The Scenic Route series.
Rotate and Refresh Your Art
You don’t need a new print—just move the ones you love. Try swapping a gallery wall for a salon-style hang, or reframe a favourite piece with a lighter mat or frame. Small edits reframe your perspective.
Inspiration: Herman Miller’s refreshed Eames Hang-It-All ties together an open-concept yet ultra-tidy entryway. Photography courtesy of Herman Miller.
Organize with Aesthetics in Mind
Storage shouldn’t mean hiding things away in plastic bins. Maybe it’s time to invest in that statement-making storage system, or opt for trays, baskets and wall hooks that complement your space. This year, optimize your spring cleaning by keeping visible systems beautiful—your keys, mail and chargers deserve a home with design credibility.
Inspiration: IKEA’s near-endless supply of balcony furniture makes for an easy spring cleaning upgrade for those shopping on a dime. Image courtesy of IKEA Canada.
Reclaim the Balcony
Even the smallest outdoor space deserves attention. Clean the surface, add a foldable bistro set or lounge cushion, and introduce some potted herbs. It’s about creating a moment—even if it’s just for your morning espresso.
