Three fast ways to spruce up your home for spring

Freshening and cleaning your house as warm weather approaches is as much a rite of spring as welcoming the first robin to arrive in your backyard. But between a busy home life and a hectic work schedule, you may find yourself pressed for time, and summer may arrive before you've finished your spring cleaning.

If you're short on time, it's possible to make your home look, feel and smell fresh for spring - even if you have to postpone in-depth cleaning. Here are a few tips on how to make simple, speedy decor updates to give your house a spring-like atmosphere:

Step 1 - Brighten the look

Making your house look brighter for spring can be as simple as opening all the blinds and curtains that you kept closed against winter's chill. Another quick fix is to replace heavier drapes with light sheers that welcome in the spring sun.

Replace heavy comforters and quilts with lighter bedspreads and throws in colors that evoke the look of spring. Creamsicle orange, classic rose pink, cotton white, nature-inspired greens, and watery blues are all great accent colors for spring decor.

For quick cleaning tasks that will instantly spruce up your home's interior, vacuum carpets, wipe down baseboards and woodwork (especially if they're painted white), and dust/vacuum cloth lampshades. If you have some extra time to spare, consider washing windows. It's one task that's a great time investment because it makes a big impact on how your home looks both inside and out.

Step 2 - Create fresh scents

Fragrance experts at The Yankee Candle Company Inc. suggest that while deep spring cleaning is sure to make your home smell clean, there are faster, easier ways to freshen indoor aromas. Scent is closely associated with mood, and you can create a spring-like oasis in your home by simply burning a premium scented candle in a fragrance that evokes warm weather, such as Lilac Blossom, Pineapple Cilantro, Sun and Sand or Sage and Citrus. These fresh, cheery scents are all available in Yankee Candle's new QuickScent candle. These new refillable candles fill a room with fragrance in minutes, and last for up to four hours providing the opportunity to try a variety of fragrances more often.

To renew stored linens or clothes, slip a fresh dryer sheet between layers of garments. You can also use dryer sheets to keep winter clothes from developing a musty aroma while they're stored throughout the spring and summer months. Then continue to light a QuickScent candle in the Clean Cotton fragrance to carry this fresh laundry smell throughout your home all spring.

Step 3 - Bring in the sound of spring

What does spring sound like? It probably does not sound like a crackling fire or holiday music - sounds you may closely associate with winter months. Don't overlook the impact the right sounds can have on making your home feel fresher for spring.

Before guests arrive, pop in a CD of your favorite upbeat music. If the climate allows, open windows to welcome in the natural sounds of spring, from the chirping of birds to the sounds of children playing outdoors.

Save the heavier spring cleaning chores for when you have time to do them, but don't wait to make your home feel fresh for spring with these quick, simple steps. Visit www.yankeecandle.com to learn more about the QuickScent candle and other spring fragrances.