Let your home breathe this Spring
- The International
- May 4
- 4 min read
In her own space, Maja de Silva demonstrates how small, mindful updates can help a home breathe again, creating a sense of ease, clarity, and quiet renewal.
Photographs: Maja de Silva
Text: Maja de Silva
After a long Danish winter, the world outside finally looks brighter. The evenings are lighter, the first flowers are peeking through, and the air carries the gentle warmth of spring. After months spent indoors, it feels natural to want a fresh start at home - not a major renovation, but a gentle renewal that lets the house breathe again.
Let the light in
Start with light and air. I’ve begun opening my windows more often, letting in cool, revitalising breezes and the scent of blossoms. Airing a room can transform it immediately: stale heaviness lifts, surfaces glimmer in natural light, and you become more aware of what your home really needs. If you can, invite daylight in by pulling back heavy curtains, cleaning windows, and rearranging furniture to make room for sun patches.
Decluttering is a quiet miracle. The act of putting away winter décor and clearing surfaces frees up visual space and reduces mental clutter. Don’t worry about throwing out or replacing everything - the goal is to curate, not to empty. Take a walk through each room and decide what feels right for this season. Dust, wipe, and regroup. Store away bulky items you won’t use for months and leave out only what brings you warmth and joy today.
Bring nature inside. Fresh branches, budding twigs, and new pot plants create immediate energy. A single large green arrangement can anchor a room and add life where it’s needed most; smaller bouquets scattered across windowsills and tables extend that freshness around the apartment. Use the vases and ceramics you already own - mixing old and new is both economical and charming. The subtle scent of cut blooms is an added mood lifter.
“After months spent indoors, a home doesn’t need a complete transformation to feel new again - just open windows, softened light, and a thoughtful edit of what remains can restore a sense of calm, clarity, and quiet renewal.”
Layer in warmth and texture
Switch up textiles and soft furnishings. Rearranging cushions between rooms, swapping throws, and introducing one or two new cushion covers are easy ways to alter the atmosphere without spending much. Candles are another simple pleasure I keep through spring. Even on cooler evenings, lighting a candle creates cosiness and that unmistakable “hygge” feeling: comfort, warmth, and a sense of intimacy. If you’re ready for a small investment, try some colored candles or a new throw in a fresh hue to punctuate your palette.
Play with lighting. Moving a floor lamp to an overlooked corner or placing a table lamp beside a favourite reading chair can change how a room feels after dusk. Aim for layered lighting: ambient overhead lights, task lamps for reading or cooking, and a few accent lights to highlight art or plants. The right balance brings depth and warmth to a space.
Explore second-hand treasures. Thrift stores, flea markets, and vintage shops are full of unique finds - vases, frames, textiles, and mirrors - that can finish unfinished corners and add personality. Mirrors, in particular, work wonders: they reflect light, create the illusion of space, and bring brightness into dim areas. Choosing second-hand items supports sustainability and encourages thoughtful consumption: buy less, choose well, and give things a second life.
If you want a bigger change, consider painting a wall. A gentle colour in a white bathroom or a muted tone in a living room can dramatically alter the mood without a full overhaul. If painting feels intimidating, try creating art instead: make a painting, draw, or assemble a collage. Frame your work and let it be the focal point of a wall. Invite friends for a creative evening or sign up for a workshop - shared creativity is energising and often leads to pieces you’ll cherish.
“Small, intentional changes - fresh greenery, lighter textiles, and space to move and breathe - can shift not only how a home looks, but how it feels to live in every day.”
Create space to breathe
Be intentional about space and flow. Too many items, too much furniture, or cluttered surfaces block movement and make a home feel smaller. Step back and consider how each piece contributes to the room’s function and ambience. Keep pathways clear, balance large pieces with open space, and remove or relocate anything that feels in the way. When rooms have breathing room, everything feels more peaceful and organised.
Small, considered changes can bring a home back to life. You don’t need to overhaul everything; a few thoughtful updates - fresh greenery, swapped cushions, better light, and a careful edit of possessions - can restore balance and invite a renewed sense of calm. Spring offers the perfect moment to breathe new life into your space. Enjoy the season and the simple joys of making your home feel fresh again.
