Canberra-based interior designer and decorator Nadine Neilson’s passion is transforming Canberrans’ homes into their dream sanctuary. Owner of the fabulous interior design company Journey Home, Nadine spends her days taking her clients on a journey to their perfect home. While we’re in the first few weeks of September, Nadine shared with CW her top professional tips on styling and decluttering during the spring cleaning season.

Minimise seasonal decorating

“My first thought on a request for spring tips is to decorate well, decorate once, decorate for the whole year. Save yourself time, money, and storage by keeping the need for seasonal decorating to a minimum,” says Nadine.

“I often observe changing out doona covers to fill a gap where decorating just hasn’t happened. My main bedroom is a perfect example of an undecorated room that gets attention through new doona covers, yet our front guest bedroom is beautifully decorated, and I never feel a need to change it around.”

Declutter

“As you come out of winter hibernation, you may be feeling more industrious so bring on the spring cleaning!” says Nadine.

“Decluttering your indoors is a great activity whilst it is still cool, and you will be surprised how ticking off that task will make you feel. If letting go is hard to do, I have created a guide called Headspace Tips for decluttering with conviction.”

Outdoors

“With the supply chain queues these days, it’s also time to start taking action on your outdoor decorating projects if you plan to have outdoor rooms ready for summer entertaining,” says Nadine.

“About this time of year, I am feeling guilty about not having sanded and oiled my lovely teak outdoor furniture during winter, so I will start to kick myself into gear on this task. Here’s some food for thought: outsourcing is always a great idea to make things actually happen.”

Keep your winter warmers

“I don’t find early spring in Canberra is the time to start packing away blankets and throws – I wait a little longer for that,” she says.

“After winter hibernation, your rugs and upholstery have had a good workout and would probably benefit from cleaning.”

Delightful decorating

“Onto pretty things now!” smiles Nadine.

“Beautiful fabrics are addictive. I know you’ll have fun changing soft furnishings such as cushions and doona covers to introduce a spring palette. My tip for a harmonious result is to include some of the existing colours already in your room to tie it all together.

“Dried flowers are super trendy right now but do give a more autumn vibe, so you could add a faux flower to them to add a spring nod or change out dried arrangements for flowers, real or faux. Don’t hate the faux – it’s a lot more real than it used to be. 

“Change your scented candles from heavier winter scents to fresh vibrant florals. I was speaking with Miescha from Lilly Cooper homewares in Manuka, and her favourite for spring is Mrs Darcy’s Rose Citrus and White Blossom.

“Pretty spring napkins are an easy way to add a spring touch to your dining room. Take some inspiration from the floral displays in the beauty area of the Canberra Centre – try draping flowers through your chandelier, over your mantel or on a console.

“For a draping effect, you will need to be generous when working out your quantities. I shocked the shopkeeper when I was buying hot pink faux flowers for our spring porch display, offered to buy the lot, and asked if they have any more out the back! The more the merrier if you want this look.

“My last little tip for spring is when you’ve enjoyed your last cosy fire, fill the fireplace gap with a large basket.”

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