Living in a London flatshare often means working with a space that you can’t change too much.
You’re usually dealing with the same furniture, the same walls, and not a huge amount of room to work with.
But I’ve found that when the seasons change, even a few small updates can make a space feel noticeably different.
As we move into spring, I tend to focus on lighter, simpler changes that make the room feel fresher and a bit easier to live in day-to-day.
1. Switch to lighter bedding
This is probably the easiest place to start.
Heavier winter bedding – especially anything fleece-lined – can start to feel a bit too much as the weather warms up.
I usually switch to lighter cotton bedding, which feels fresher and makes the whole room feel less heavy.
Not only do I change the material, but also the colours. In the winter I gravitate towards darker plums, greens and navy blues. In the summer I opt for more pastel colours and greys.
2. Remove heavier throws and layers
It’s easy to accumulate extra layers in winter.
Throws, extra blankets and thicker textures can make a space feel cosy, but also quite heavy and warm.
Taking a few of these away instantly makes the room feel lighter and a bit easier to live in.
3. Bring in fresh flowers or a small plant
Even something simple like a bunch of flowers can change the feel of a room.
It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate – just something fresh that adds a bit of life to the space.
If you’re in London, markets like Columbia Road are great for this. You can read my guide to Columbia Road Flower Market here.
4. Swap to a lighter room scent
If you use a diffuser or room spray, it’s worth switching this up as well.
Heavier, spicier scents can feel a bit out of place in spring.
I tend to go for something lighter – citrus, green or soft floral scents that feel fresher and less intense.
5. Reorganise your wardrobe for the season
Even if you don’t have much storage space, a small reshuffle can make a difference.
Packing away heavier jumpers and coats, and bringing dresses or lighter pieces to the front, makes everything feel more in sync with the season.
It also makes getting dressed in the morning a bit easier.
6. Use storage to clear visual clutter
Spring is a good time to reset slightly.
I don’t tend to do anything too extreme, but putting away anything I’m not using – especially bulkier winter items – makes the room feel calmer.
Storage boxes or baskets work well here, especially if they still look nice in the space. I have a few vacuum packs and store these under my bed.
I also use the change in seasons as a chance to go through my wardrobe and donate or sell anything I no longer wear.
7. Let in more natural light
This sounds obvious, but it makes a big difference.
Opening curtains earlier in the day and keeping windows clear helps the room feel brighter and more open.
Even small changes here can shift the atmosphere quite a bit.
I also keep the window open to let some fresh air in.
8. Simplify surfaces
Desks, bedside tables and shelves can easily become a bit cluttered over time.
I usually clear things back slightly and just keep what I’m actually using.
It makes the room feel lighter and easier to maintain and means I have room for a little desk fan.
9. Add softer, lighter textures
If you do want to add something new, lighter textures work well for spring.
Things like cotton, linen or lighter fabrics help balance out the space without making it feel heavy again.
10. Make small, personal updates
Even something as simple as changing a photo, adding a new print, or rearranging a small area can make a space feel different.
It doesn’t need to be a big change – just enough to make it feel a bit more current and personal.
Final thoughts
Refreshing your room for spring doesn’t need to involve redecorating or buying lots of new things.
I’ve found it’s usually the smaller changes – lighter fabrics, different colours, fewer layers, and a bit more light – that make the biggest difference.
Especially in a flatshare, where you can’t always change the space itself, it’s about working with what you have and making it feel a bit fresher and easier to live in day-to-day.
Do you refresh your living space for the seasons?
