Christina Rordam: Put 'spring' in your home's step

The vernal equinox, more informally known as the first official day of spring, fell on March 20 this year. While the weather is still crisp and cool at least by Florida standards, it is the perfect time to clean out the clutter of the past year, and add a fresh perspective to your home’s interior. Here are some of the hottest design trends for spring and summer, alongside some helpful tips for clearing out the cobwebs.

Pantone’s color of the year for 2013 is Emerald green. Emerald green is a rich vibrant hue that creates a feeling of luxury as well as calm. Pantone picked Emerald declaring it radiant, lively and lush, and I have to say I agree. If you’re all in for the glowing green hue and want dramatic change, why not create an emerald green accent wall in your living room or den? Emerald is more versatile an interior design color than you may first expect. Pair it with cool neutrals, black, white or a combination of both for a minimalistic clean and modern look. If elegance and opulence are more your speed, incorporate warm cream and gold tones around it, even rich browns. The mood you create will be regal. For those commitment phobes out there who tend to change their mind as quickly as the seasons, go for some gorgeous green accent pieces. Renew your bedrooms with a few plush green pillows, some emerald charger plates in the kitchen or an emerald throw on your couch for a quick pop of color.

Now that you’ve refreshed your home’s color scheme, time to clean those nooks and crannies. A clean home is a healthy home, so throw open those windows and patio doors and start scrubbing!

1) Grout. Start with either some hydrogen peroxide or some oxygen bleach and water mixed together. Sweep the floor first, then pour the cleaner onto the tiles and spread it with a mop, let sit for one to two hours. Brush it to loosen grit and grime then mop clean with water and you’ll have sparkling white grout.

2) Dust. It’s the proverbial elephant in the room, it’s there, you just don’t want to admit it. Dust the tops of your fans, lighting fixtures and cabinets. Don’t forget crown molding, tops of paintings and pictures. A Swiffer or some pledge can work wonders.

3) Closets and drawers. Remember the rules of feng shui; is the object in question adding beauty to your space or is it useful? If no, then toss! If you haven’t worn an item of clothing in over a year donate it to Goodwill, it’s good for your karma and you can keep the receipt for a nice tax write off next year.

Last but not least, sit back, relax and enjoy your newly clean Emerald space with a mint julep or a mojito. Cheers!