As we banish the dreary gloom of winter, it's time to refresh our homes to welcome in spring. Outside, colours are bright and the world feels alive again so when it comes to your indoor spaces, you should embrace the same principles of light and colour.

1. Let in the light.

Give your windows a good clean, inside and out, so that daylight can penetrate easily. You want the areas you use most to enjoy as much light as possible, yet need to avoid fading fabrics and artwork, so now is the time to move your furniture around to ensure that items that you want to be bathed in sunlight are, and those that favour shade are protected.

Use mirrors to reflect light in smaller or darker rooms, helping them to feel more spacious. Large rectangular mirrors work well on chimney breasts, while window-style mirrors can make a windowless external wall feel more homely.

Give wooden sideboards, side tables and display units a clean and a wax to protect them against sunbleaching and make sure to refresh the items of display. Changing your display with the seasons is the easiest way to keep it fresh and inviting.

2. Satisfy the senses.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your decor, either re-painting your walls with bright, pastel colours or papering them with floral prints. Alternatively, if a full redecoration is not on the cards or you prefer a more neutral palette, consider investing in new accessories or artwork instead to add that spring-like pop of colour.

To complete your spring refresh, don't forget about scents and textures. Swap out heavy throws for lighter fabrics, such as cotton and linen, and open your windows regularly to let fresh air in. You can use colourful scented candles and diffusers to imbue your space with floral or citrus notes, helping your home to feel brighter, calmer and more in tune with the seasons.

3. Declutter.

Your declutter need not be on the same scale as Stacey Solomon's, but it's remarkable how clearing out duplicate items and excess belongings can make your home feel more spacious and welcoming. Sort through one room at a time, removing anything you no longer want, that doesn't fit, is broken or that you do not use. By getting rid of these unwanted items, you will find it much easier to create and maintain a tidy home.

At the same time, sort all of your remaining possessions into logical places, investing in new storage solutions if necessary to maintain the sense of calm that can be achieved by a good sort out. Once your space is tidy and organised and unwanted belongings have been sold, given away or recycled, give it a thorough clean and enjoy relaxing in your new peaceful haven.

4. Freshen up your outdoor space.

Once your home is in order, turn your attention to your outdoor space. Give patios and sheds a quick jet wash and scrub your greenhouse to remove any dirt or algae that has developed over the wet winter months, put a new lick of paint on woodwork and get the lawnmower out of retirement. Set up children's play equipment and focus on making your garden a safe and inviting space.

Hopefully, your perennial plants will already be in full bloom, but now is the time to weed around them and to replace hanging baskets, tidy borders and buy new plug plants for your raised beds and planters.

Once your outdoor space has become somewhere you want to relax, consider purchasing new garden furniture. Outdoor sofas and sun loungers can make every day feel like a holiday, while the right outdoor tables and outdoor chairs can make dining al fresco a daily reality.

5. Bring the outdoors in.

Once your garden is awash with spring blooms, don't just leave them there; bring them indoors. Taking cuttings from your home-grown plants not only allows you to create delightful indoor floral displays but can also encourage stronger re-growth, making them last longer and keeping them healthier.

If you can grow your own fruit and vegetables, there is nothing sweeter to eat, so make sure to net, protect and pick your produce when it is at its freshest. A new dining table and chair set is the perfect place to seat your guests when you serve up a home-grown meal.

Hopefully, these five ideas will have sparked your imagination and will help you transform your home into a spring-ready oasis of calm and tranquillity. If you need any new furniture to create your dream home, look no further than eFurn. Our outstanding range has everything you need to prepare your home for the warmer spring and summer months, from outdoor dining and relaxation ranges to bright and colourful children's bedroom accessories.