HOW TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

IN THE YARD
With longer and warmer days in our future, it’s important to jazz up any outdoor space you have to enjoy in the morning, after a long day of work or to host friends and family. Add string lights anywhere you can to provide warm light when it gets darker. Add bright colored throw pillows to your outdoor furniture set up – pro tip: natural colors with bright pops like green and yellow are very popular this season, so don’t be afraid to add some fun color into the mix. When sprucing up your outdoor living space, try to set it up in the most private part of your yard (this is usually the backyard in most homes). This will give you and your guests privacy when you are hosting or just enjoying some time outside.

If you’re looking to test out your green thumb this spring, try incorporating native plants into your garden space. In the San Francisco Bay Area, you can see which plants are native to your specific “Zone” and go to your local plant shop for best luck finding the specific seeds you will need. The San Francisco Bay Area generally falls under Zones 9, 10a and 10b, and be sure to check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more detail on planting zones. Here are some ideas of what to plant this season if you live in Zones 9, 10a or 10b:

Plant Zones: 9, 10a & 10b

1. Leafy Greens
   • Arugula
   • Collard greens
   • Spinach
   • Kale
   • Lettuce
2. Fruits
   • Blackberries
   • Watermelons
   • Cantaloupe
   • Strawberries
   • Figs
   • Grapes
   • Lemons
   • Oranges
   • Pears
   • Plums
3. Root crops
   • Beets
   • Carrots
   • Onions
   • Parsnips
   • Radishes
   • Sweet potatoes
   • Turnips
4. Herbs
   • Sage
   • Thyme
   • Parsley
   • Rosemary
5. Vegetables
   • Broccoli
   • Cabbage
   • Cauliflower
   • Celery
   • Winter squash

IN THE HOUSE
Although days will begin to get warmer, we all know the Bay Area can have colder evenings and foggy mornings. That’s why it’s important to also spruce up the inside of your home to make it feel fresh for the new season. In addition to your regular spring cleaning, you can incorporate these trendy styles into your home decor to add a little extra sparkle to your space –

1. Benjamin Moore Color of the Year
   The Benjamin Moore Color of the Year for 2022 is October Mist 1495 – a refreshing muted sage green color that will look stunning on any wall in any room. If you haven’t already, try to incorporate this color where you can for a clean and subtle color addition.
2. Tile Trends for 2022
   People are interested in making the indoors feel like the outdoors, and incorporating earthy tiles is a great way to do this. Have a shower or bathroom that needs a little TLC? Give it a revamp with some earth-toned tile and some dried eucalyptus leaves to make your bathroom feel like a spa in the rainforest.
3. Asymmetrical Accents
   Abnormal is the new normal, so asymmetrical furniture and accents have become extremely popular in home decor this season. Mirrors, coffee tables and even coasters with different, imperfect shapes will add something fun (and funky) to your home, just in time for a spring reset.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Spring in the San Francisco Bay Area is an exciting time and feels like a fresh start for many. Capitalize on the energizing spring spirit by planting native plants in your garden (some of which you can enjoy at the dinner table!), adding small fun accents around your house or even giving the bathroom a makeover if it needs one. Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to give your home a fresh reset – check out Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok for fun ways to DIY new decor with your family. And just like the former client who called for some of this advice a few weeks ago, you are welcome to do the same – I’m always here if you need advice, a sounding board or just want to say hi!

As a top producing agent with 20+ years of experience in the East Bay, I have helped hundreds of clients showcase and maximize the sale of their homes in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and the counties of Alameda and Contra Costa, and my experience as a former appraiser allows me to help my clients understand the market. If you have any questions, I am here to be a resource for you.