Show your home some love and perk up the dreary days of winter.

After months of short days, cloudy skies and cold temperatures, it’s easy to succumb to winter’s dreariness. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for some fun pick-me-ups around the house. Try one of these ways of perking up the mood for yourself and your family.

Our first way to chase away the dreariness of winter is the easiest: Get some fresh flowers. Go big with a mixed bouquet or enjoy the simplicity of a single bloom. Some folks also like to break up a big bouquet to create multiple mini-bouquets they place around their home.

If you’re among the folks who feel that flowers just don’t last long enough, try a houseplant. Try a simple succulent, a showy peace lily or any other plant that catches your fancy. Not only will the greenery provide a welcome pop of color this time of year, with proper care a houseplant can last indefinitely. In fact, some houseplants are passed on from generation to generation!

Another way to cheer things up is with a new welcome mat for the door you use most. They’re not very expensive so go ahead and try a design that would ordinarily seem too bold for you.

In the winter months, a hot shower or bath is a great way to warm up after time outdoors. (Or, just to relax muscles taxed by removing snow!) Freshen up the bathroom with a new shower curtain. This is another fairly inexpensive buy where you can afford to push your style to something more daring.

Lastly, invite your feathered friends over to dine. Set up a bird feeder or make sure the one you have is filled with seeds. Visiting cardinals, blue jays, chickadees and more will brighten up your days and provide hours of entertainment.

Consumers helps more than 1,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. When you need a mortgage or home equity line of credit, call us at 800-991-2221. We’re here to help you get the home of your dreams!