Like so many kids, Katie Brown wanted to be an actress.
Then, this Michigan native’s part-time Hollywood catering turned into two antiques and home furnishing stores, and the chance to do her own program for producers hoping to discover “the next Martha Stewart.”
Today Brown is an author and columnist who has been dubbed “the doyenne of domesticity for Generation X.” Her new show, “Katie Brown Workshop,” airs in May on Rocky Mountain PBS stations. And her website, katiebrown.com, is full of healthy recipes and easy do-it-yourself garden and decorating ideas.
Room recently caught up to Brown at the Brooklyn base of her eponymous “Workshop” to get this former U.S. National Ski Team member’s take on the spring cleaning ritual.
Q: Why do you prefer the term “de-winterizing your home” over “spring cleaning”?
A: I’m traumatized from childhood. My mother used to pick a day when we all woke up at the crack of dawn for spring cleaning. It felt like we were bred to be her workers!
I do get why people do Spring cleaning. It’s the time when you put away your winter clothes, and all the bulbs are coming up, so you feel like getting under your couch and making it airy and clean. But I like to think of de-winterizing as more of a period or a phase.
Q: Do you trick yourself into doing the actual cleaning?
A: I’m a new mom and new wife so I’m a big believer in trying to save time for myself. I do find that when I clean, I fall more in love with my house. So if I can say, “I’m going to clean all my lights today,” and as I do it I pour myself my favorite drink, it really does become alone time for me. Then, at the end, I promise myself I get to watch “Gray’s Anatomy,” so it keeps me motivated.
Q: What other tips do you have for people who just can’t get motivated to clean?
A: Have you noticed that the cleaning aisle is actually like three aisles now? I think it’s worthwhile, whenever you do something new, to have the right supplies. For instance I feel like I work out better if I have a good outfit. It’s the same with cleaning supplies. If you’re a really big scent person, pick scented products that you love.
I also think it’s great to have a bucket in every room so you can just grab it and go. So indulge yourself with your cleaning supplies. Keep them in a cute little bucket. And at the end, promise to cook yourself a favorite meal or do something else that you love.
Q: Considering your aversion to spring cleaning as a kid, will your daughter be asked to help tidy up the house?
A: If you have kids, it’s fun to turn (cleaning) into a game. I think you can also try this with husbands, because if kids just see mom cleaning all the time, that’s not the message you want to send.
You want your kids to be committed to your house and committed to keeping it clean and being respectful. Cleaning is also a good time to teach them about the environment. As much as I hated my mother for making me clean, look what I do for a living now. I really did learn to love my home.
