How to give your wardrobe and home a mood boost — just in time for spring

It’s been a long winter — make that a long year — but spring is right around the corner with a renewed sense of optimism, more sunshine and more fresh air. If you want to get a jump-start on the season, here are a few mood-boosting ways to refresh your home and update your wardrobe.

Yes, it’s time to move past sweatpants, but that’s not such a bad thing and it doesn’t mean that comfort is going away. There may not be a reason to get really dressed up yet, but wearing actual clothes can be a refreshing change — and make you look better on your next Zoom meeting.

For spring, designers kept the comfy vibe going with relaxed, wearable clothes that dress things up just enough. Designer Daniela Gregis’ collection is filled with slightly crumpled linen and cotton pieces in feel-good colors like sunny yellow, saffron and pink — the perfect way to shake off the winter blues.

When it comes to freshening up your home, decluttering is the best way to start. “Take on an area like a bookcase or crowded coffee table,” said Chicago interior designer Todd Haley. “Open space just makes you feel better.”

Next, think about color. A splash of paint in spring colors like pale, sky blue or soft pink can instantly change the vibe. If you want something more dramatic, shake things up with wallpaper. Just remember how much you loved the wallpapered interiors on “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix.

“When you use wallpaper, go bold.” said Haley. “Bold patterns add energy to your space, and larger patterns in small spaces can make it feel bigger.”

Adding better lighting can wake up a room. Brighten things up with HAY’s PC Portable lamps. The colorful little lamps run on a rechargeable battery and have a touch-controlled dimmer on their base. $95, us.hay.com.

While you declutter, spin a few upbeat classics on U-Turn Audio’s red-hot Orbit Plus Turntable and chase away the winter blues. $179, uturnaudio.com, records, amazon.com.

Casual dressing has become the norm. For spring, designers are keeping the easy vibe going with relaxed looks that work on both a Zoom meeting or that long-awaited weekend getaway. Hermes cotton jacket and trousers in sky blue at Hermes.com. Daniela Gregis’ crumpled gingham shirt and yellow chinos at info@danielagregis.it.

Putting mirrors near a window is a great way to bring the outdoors in. To brighten up a room, go with one oversized mirror leaning against a wall, or create a grouping of small wall mirrors. Just be aware of what is being reflected when you place the mirror. Crate & Barrel’s Blair Floor Mirror, $499, crateandbarrel.com.

And if you’re not ready to undertake a major overhaul, you can still add a few small touches to freshen up your home. Brighten up the kitchen with HAY’s smiling Leo Sponges. They look great sitting out and make washing the dishes a little more fun. $12, us.hay.com.

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