10 Easy Ways to Shake Off February and Brighten Your Space

Oh, Feb. The month of grey skies, plenty of rain, and the post-Christmas comedown. 

But, here's the good news: brighter days are coming. And you don't need to wait for the first day of spring to freshen things up. Why not get a head start?

Here's your guide to easy, affordable ways to shake off the February gloom and brighten up your home. 

1. Let the light in

Soooo it's not necessarily the brightest during February here in the UK, but if you're looking at how to make a room brighter, there are a few ways you can maximise what little natural light we have. 

• Swap heavy winter curtains for lighter fabrics
• Pull furniture slightly away from walls and windows to let the room breathe
• Add mirrors to bounce light around

A well-placed mirror opposite a window can double the impact of daylight. Even if the daylight in question is feeling a little shy.

If your layout feels a little boxed in, consider repositioning your sofa to create a more open, airy flow. Even shifting things by a few inches can make a room feel fresher. 

2. Introduce a lighter colour palette

Winter calls for deep, cocooning tones. Spring calls for a reset. 

Put the paintbrushes down. You don't need to repaint the whole house. Start small: and lighten your living room decor:

• Cushions in soft neutral tones
• Throws in fresh whites or muted pastels
• A lighter rug to lift darker flooring

If you've been living in an all-dark-everything phase during the winter, layering in warm neutrals can soften the mood without losing your edge. 

3. Rearrange your living room layout

Sometimes your home doesn't need new furniture, it just needs a new perspective. 

If you're looking for new living room layout ideas, try:

• Angling your sofa differently (think corner sofas and chaise sofas)
• Creating a conversational seating zone
• Pulling furniture away from the walls

A small living room refresh can make your living room feel completely new without having to break the bank.

If you're working with a modular sofa like the Model 03 or Model 06 sofa, reconfiguring sections is even easier. Corner sofa today, chaise sofa tomorrow. 

4. Bring the outside in

We're huge fans of biophilic interior design over here. And nothing shakes off Feb like a bit of greenery.

Adding houseplants to your home instantly:

• Adds colour
• Improves the feel of the space
• Makes everything look more intentional

If you're a serial plant killer, low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, olive trees, or the unkillable peace lily are ideal if your track record with plants is... problematic. 

Not particularly green-thumbed? Pop some fresh flowers on your coffee table or sideboard and shift the energy of the room in seconds. 

5. Upgrade your sofa styling

Your sofa is the heart of your living room. Give it a mini spring refresh by:

• Swapping out heavy knit throws for a more lightweight alternative
• Rotate cushion covers
• Add texture with linen or boucle

If your current sofa has been rotting with you over the winter months and feels like more of a hibernation station than spring ready, it might be time for a seasonal reset.

6. Declutter, declutter, declutter

You don't need a full spring clean overhaul. Start with one surface and keep the momentum going, slowly but surely. 

• Clear your coffee table
• Edit your shelves
• Tidy visible storage
  

Less visual clutter means a lighter mental load. Simple. 

Opt for smart storage solutions like sideboards, coffee tables and storage ottomans to keep your everyday essentials out of sight, but within reach. 

7. Refresh your walls

Walls feeling a bit tired and bleak? Try:

• Rotating your wall art
• Adding a larger statement print
• Leaning frames pieces on shelves and against walls for a more relaxed look
  

Gallery walls don't need to be permanent. A quick reshuffle can make your space feel brand new without having to buy any new pieces. 

If you're after spring living room wall decor ideas, look for artwork with lighter tones and nature-inspired themes. 

8. Layer in texture

Winter texture is all about thick knits and faux fur. Spring texture is lighter and breezier. 

Think:

• Linen
• Cotton
• Subtle weaves
• Soft boucle

Texture adds depth without overwhelming the room. It keeps your space feeling cosy, just a little less... February. 

9. Create a fresh focal point

Every living room benefits from a focal point. If yours is currently a pile of stuff or an overcrowded table, it might be time to rethink it. Think about:

• A statement coffee table
• A bold armchair
• A new rug that anchors the room

Even repositioning your sofa to frame your favourite feature can change how the whole room looks and feels. 

10. Think ahead to spring living

One of the best ways to shake off Feb is to plan for what's coming next. Thankfully, it's spring...

Open up your layout in preparation for:

• Longer evenings 
• Hosting friends
• More time spent relaxing
  

Flexible furniture makes seasonal transitions easy. Modular designs adapt as your needs shift, from cosy winter nights to brighter, more social spring days. It's an instant mood lift. 

Shaking off February doesn’t require a full renovation or dramatic makeover. It’s about small, thoughtful updates that make your home feel lighter, fresher and more aligned with the season ahead.

A layout tweak here. A softer colour palette there. Maybe even a new sofa.

Ready to refresh? Explore our full collection and find our favourite bits for the spring refresh.