Summer Decorating Tips and Ideas
Refresh Your Home Decor with Suggestions for Seasonal Decorating
May 23, 2009
Whether your budget is big or small, there are a lot of things that can be done to inject your home with fresh summer style.
Summer is the time to lighten, brighten, and refresh your home. Whether you want to go all out and make big changes or keep things simple and budget-friendly, there are plenty of things that can be done to revitalize your décor for the season.
Fabrics
- First of all, pack up and put away anything that says “winter”. Cozy throws and snuggly pillows are the first things that should go. Furniture will breathe easier when not bogged down. Replace these items with lighter toss pillows in fun summer colors.
- Wooden furniture such as dining room chairs can be given a softer look with slipcovers. They can also do wonders for sofas and living room chairs if you want a big change without actually replacing furniture. Go for light colors such as white, aqua, or fresh green.
- Roll up heavy rugs and expose bare floors.
- Replace heavy bedding with lighter sheets and bedspreads.
- Get rid of heavy drapes for the season. Replace them with a lighter, breezier material such as linen.
- Natural fabrics and materials look fabulous in the summer months. Think sisal rugs, bamboo blinds, rattan furniture, canvas slipcovers, and wicker baskets.
Accessories
- Replace accessories on the bookcases, mantels, and coffee tables with summer-themed smalls. Replace brass candlesticks with glass ones, dark-colored vases with clear or light colors. Replace colored candles with white, and accessorize with ocean-themed pieces such as seashells.
- Switch out dark lampshades for light ones. A pretty piece of ribbon taped around them can add a lovely decorative touch.
- Flowers, flowers, flowers! They have the power to freshen even the dullest, darkest room. Even a simple cutting from the garden can immediately lighten a room.
Cleaning
- Never underestimate the importance of cleaning windows. Most people only give them a thorough cleaning (outside and in) once or twice a year but try to do it more often, especially in the summer. It will instantly brighten any room.
- Minimize clutter. Objects that add warmth and coziness in the winter can look too heavy in the summer. Pack up a few items and give the remaining items breathing room. Editing excess objects can have an uplifting effect on a room, and fewer objects taking up space means fewer objects to collect dust.
There are a ton of things that can be done to lighten up spaces for the spring and summer. Heck, if you want to take on a bigger job you can always even repaint! Whether you want to invest money, or not even spend a dime, there are things that absolutely anyone can do. And once it’s done you can get out there and enjoy the fabulous summer weather.
The copyright of the article Summer Decorating Tips and Ideas in Interior Decorating is owned by Lauren Flanagan. Permission to republish Summer Decorating Tips and Ideas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
