This past week, temperatures soared to the mid-40s and 50s, which might not seem warm to some but for local Chicagoans, that kind of weather is a relief from winter winds and a sign of things to come! It got us thinking about getting our Chicago condos ready for spring weather. Besides the mandatory spring cleaning, what else can you to do liven up your downtown Chicago condo in anticipation for warmer days? Here are our tips for the season.

Spring Cleaning in Your Chicago Condo

Obviously, we can’t spruce up a Chicago condo without doing the spring cleaning first. But it sure is easier to get through the cleaning if you have a great reason for doing it! Think of spring cleaning as preparation for all the spring spirit you’ll bring into your place with some updated, seasonal decor. Here are some starting points for your transition to spring:

• Wash your windows inside and out. With the winter comes snow and ice, and those can certainly leave a mess on your windows. In preparation for spring weather, wash your windows on the inside and outside, where you can, so the spring light can stream in! Plus, when the sun does emerge, it won’t illuminate all the smudges and handprints that might be going unnoticed on your windows.

• Deep clean all your flooring. During the winter, snows boots are necessary to protect your feet from snow, puddles, slush and other winter-related mess. However, those same boots can track all kinds of water, dirt and mud into your apartment. In anticipation for spring, deep clean your hardwood floor and your carpet. You can get rid of the signs of winter weather, starting from the floor up.

• Change your AC filters. Shifting from winter to spring weather most likely means you’ll switch from heat to air conditioning in your Chicago condo. Prepare for the switch by cleaning or changing your AC filters. It will help keep your circulated air clean, and if you have spring-related allergies, new filters can help alleviate those, too!

• Air out bedding and pillows. If you have linens, pillows or other spring decor that’s been stored in a closet for the past 6 months, it’s time to get it out! By allowing it to air out, or fluffing it in the dryer, you can eliminate any mustiness that it might have picked up from your closet.

Decorating for Spring in Downtown Chicago Condos

Once your cleaning is done, you can start updating your decor for the new season. Whether it’s getting out spring-y things you already own or buying new accessories for your home, a little injection of spring into your decor can make your luxury Chicago condo feel ready for the season of renewal. Here are some of the places we think you should start to add a little spring to your condo’s decor:

• Bring home some local flowers. Or, since nothing in Chicago is blooming just yet, bring home some flowers from your local florist’s shop! Not only does it give you an excuse to slip into the florist when you don’t usually have an occasion to, it will also give you natural decorations to brighten up your pad. You’ll get the floral motif, bright colors and fresh scents of spring all at once by placing some flowers about the house!

• Get your balcony or porch ready! You never know when the first truly warm day in Chicago will be. So be prepared! If you have your balcony or porch cleaned thoroughly and your patio furniture ready for you use, you can have an impromptu gathering of friends as soon as spring weather appears.

• Update your tablescape for the season. Usually, winter holidays dictate formal table settings, heavy dishware and classic colors. You can get a little more creative for spring! Try delicate shades and fabrics, mix-and-match china patterns and natural motifs in your tablescape to capture the season. And of course, fresh flowers — just make sure they aren’t more fragrant than your food!

• For allergy-sufferers, decorate with flower alternatives. If flowers make your allergies act up, use fruit or candles for a spring centerpiece. Citrus fruit can be as colorful and fragrant as flowers, and instead of the formal candlesticks you might use in winter, try small and colorful votive candles.

• Finally, let the light stream in! As the winter gray moves away and days are longer and sunnier, you can incorporate lighter, airy window treatments to let the light in. Not only will this brighten up your condo for spring, it will allow you to use less energy to light your home. Use the available, natural light of the spring season to lower your electricity bill and lighten your living space.

Enjoying preparing your Chicago condo for spring! Sometimes just the anticipation of spring is enough to make the winter weather a little more enjoyable while it lasts.