Summer is a wonderful time of year to give your home a fresh new look.
The warmer weather and additional daylight hours inspire us to open up our homes and make them brighter, breezier, and more cheerful.
Incorporating some summery decor touches can completely transform the ambiance of your rooms.
With this collection of summer decorating concepts, you can give any room in your house a light, casual, and inviting feel for the season.
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Bring the Outdoors In
One of the best ways to capture the summer spirit in your home is to bring elements of the great outdoors inside.
Natural materials, greenery, flowers, and outdoor-inspired patterns are perfect for creating a fresh summer look.
Some ideas for bringing the outdoors in include:
– Add potted plants and fresh flowers – Furnish with wicker, rattan or natural wood pieces – Use outdoor-style cushions and pillows on sofas and beds
– Display branches, dried grasses or greenery in vases
– Frame botanical or nature prints on the walls
– Lay down natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal
– Use tableware and linens with floral patterns
To make it work, be sure to choose durable outdoor-friendly materials that will withstand the humidity and temperatures fluctuations of the season.
Focus on hues like sage green, sky blue, and buttery yellow that evoke the colors of nature.
Arrange your plants and greenery so they don’t appear overly stuffy or cluttered.
Aim for breezy and relaxed.
For example, placing a large vase of fresh sunflowers on your dining table or coffee table instantly brings the beauty of summer inside.
Or laying down a jute area rug and displaying a rattan side table gives your living room a taste of the outdoors.
Embrace Cheerful Colors
Summer is the perfect time to infuse bold, bright colors into your home.
The sunny weather invites colorful decor that uplifts and adds playfulness.
Some tips for working cheerful colors into your summer decor:
– Paint an accent wall in a bold hue like coral, yellow, or turquoise
– Display throw pillows or cushions in vibrant sunny shades
– Add patterned rugs or tablecloths featuring cheerful colors
– Arrange fresh flowers in all colors of the rainbow
– Use serveware and glassware in primary colors
– Display art, accessories, or coffee table books with colorful covers
The trick is to use color in moderation as accents against a neutral backdrop.
Too much color can feel overwhelming.
Focus on one or two bold hues to energize a space without going overboard.
For example, painting just one wall yellow in a room full of neutrals makes the color pop.
Or a few turquoise throw cushions add the perfect cheerful touch to a beige sofa.
Uplifting colors like sky blue, buttercup yellow, tangerine, and hot pink all evoke the feeling of summer and look fantastic against whites or beiges.
Don’t be afraid to have fun with vibrant colors this summer!
Lighten Up Your Fabrics
During the warmer months, it’s tempting to shed those cozy blankets and replace them with lighter, breezier fabrics that allow air to flow through.
Switching to lightweight sheer and linen fabrics can instantly freshen up your space.
Some ideas include:
– Use sheer curtains in gauzy pale colors to filter light
– Display sheer table runners instead of placemats
– Replace your heavy winter bedding with lightweight linens and quilts
– Swap out sofa throws and pillows for breezy linen or cotton versions
Aim for soft neutrals or pastels for a relaxed summer palette.
Crisp whites mixed with pale blues, greens, yellows and grays create an airy sunny feel.
Incorporate some beautiful embroidered details and tasseled trims on your lighter fabrics as accents.
For smaller touches, drape breezy linen tea towels in the kitchen or dress up end tables with a silk flower and some sheer fabric remnants tied prettily around the base.
Pay attention to texture mixing sheers with linens in various weaves.
The result is casual elegance perfect for summer.
Rethink Your Textures
Along with lighter fabrics, introducing some new textures can further enhance your summer decor.
Natural textures like rattan, jute, seagrass and wood add warmth and coziness even during the warmer months.
Some ideas for summery textures:
– Incorporate rattan or wicker furniture or accessories like hampers, headboards or chairs
– Use jute or seagrass woven rugs instead of plush carpeting
– Soften hard surfaces with sisal mats, braided runners or macrame hangings
– Display carved wood bowls, trays or vases with interesting grain patterns
– Add touches of terracotta with vases or garden stools
– Use shower curtains or window coverings in natural woven fibers
The blend of lightweight sheers and breezy linens with natural wood, rattan, jute and other organic textures creates a laidback welcoming look perfect for summer.
Just be sure to finish the look with some cushy toss pillows and blankets to keep that cozy factor.
Mixing textures adds depth, dimension and visual interest to your spaces.
For example, pairing a chunky woven jute rug with some rattan side tables and shear linen curtains gives a room natural texture and warmth.
The mix of elements brings the feeling of summer right into your home.
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Incorporate Maritime Touches
Living on or near the water provides such a serene and relaxed ambiance in the warmer months.
You can bring that breezy seaside feeling into your home no matter where you live by adding some maritime touches to your decor.
Some ideas for achieving a coastal vibe:
– Decorate in hues of sea glass – blue, green, white and gray
– Display driftwood, shells, starfish and sand dollars
– Use accents like a ship wheel mirror, rope wrapped vases or a striped nautical pillow
– Frame vintage maritime maps or boat illustrations
– Add touches of white washed or natural wood furniture
– Display glass buoys, fishing floats or model sailboats
The seaside palette of faded blues, weathered greens, salty gray and white evokes the colors of the ocean and sand.
Natural elements like driftwood, shells and sand dollars found along beach trips make charming coastal accents.
And vintage nautical maps or illustrations of sailboats transport your mind right to the sea.
Aim for a relaxed vibe with distressed wood finishes, cotton sailcloth fabrics, and muted colors.
For a small pop of color, add accents in deep ocean blue or cherry red to emulate the changing colors of the seaside from dawn to dusk.
Your coastal-inspired rooms will feel just like a serene seaside escape.
Update with Tropical Touches
Bring the exotic feel of the tropics into your home with lush greenery, bright flowers, rattan textures and vibrant colors.
Embracing tropical motifs is an easy way to liven up your space for summer.
Some key elements for creating a tropical oasis:
– Lush potted plants like ferns, palms, orchids or bamboo
– Vibrant colors – citrus orange, bright pink, turquoise blue, sunny yellow
– Natural rattan, bamboo or wood furniture
– Animal prints or exotic bird motifs on pillows or art
– Pastel floral printed fabrics and wallpapers
– Citronella or paper lantern lighting
Mixing verdant greens from an array of potted plants with the warm woody tones of rattan furniture creates a lush tropical look.
Accent colors in bold citrus, pink and turquoise hues add pops of brightness against the greens.
Touches of leopard or zebra print and motifs of exotic birds or jungle creatures tie in a safari vibe.
For smaller touches, use flamingo or pineapple motifs on accent pillows, or display decorative paper lanterns.
Floral prints in soft watercolor hues work beautifully in a tropical theme.
The overall effect is colorful, playful and full of life – like an island getaway!
Carefree, Youthful Look
Channel carefree days of summer vacation from childhood by infusing playful, youthful accents into your rooms.
Decor elements like colored string lights, paper pompom garlands and whimsical art evoke a playful kid-friendly style perfect for summer.
Some tips for creating a playful, youthful summer look:
– String colorful bulb lights or paper lanterns
– Display playful kids’ artwork using mini-clothespins
– Make tassel, pom pom or origami paper garlands
– Use chalkboard paint to create a fun wall message board
– Add bright, geometric patterned rugs or wall decals
– Arrange books by color to use as accent decor
Have fun with this playful style by mixing bright colors and bold patterns.
Include your kids by having them make decorations or art for their rooms.
Set up a cozy reading nook with plush pillows and books.
Use chalkboard paint to create an area for drawing, coloring or leaving messages.
The overall effect should feel laidback, carefree and full of color — just like the sunny days of childhood summer breaks.
This playful style works beautifully in kids’ rooms, play spaces, or any area where you want to create a casual, youthful summer mood.
Breezy Bohemian Style
Breezy bohemian style is perfectly suited for relaxed summer decorating.
Natural elements, soft textures, and muted colors come together to create a casual global vibe.
Some elements that capture the bohemian look:
– Tapestry art or wall hangings
– Woven rag rugs in natural fibers
– Display ethnic patterned pillows and poufs
– Incorporate world instruments like drums or rattles
– Use a mix of vintage and distressed wood furnishings
– Arrange eclectic found objects and collectibles
Blending vintage furniture with a collection of exotic objects from around the world embodies the wanderlust spirit of bohemian decor.
Natural woven or embroidered textiles in subdued colors feel both luxe and relaxed.
Aim for an eclectic collected look full of character and charm.
For smaller touches, display exotic musical instruments like hand drums or bamboo flutes.
Or fill a glass apothecary jar with sand and seashells collected from trips to the beach.
Your cozy bohemian oasis will feel like a far-flung locale right in your own home.
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Breezy Whitewashed Look
The bright and airy look of whitewashed decor creates an effortlessly breezy summer vibe.
Painted furniture, walls and accessories in soft whites or wood tones evoke a laidback coastal or Mediterranean feel.
Some tips for achieving this summery whitewashed style:
– Paint wood furniture in soft white or light driftwood tones
– Stencil whitewashed motifs like seashells onto walls or floors
– Display weathered white painted clay pots and vases
– Use white cotton or linen for curtains and slipcovers
– Incorporate woven natural fiber rugs and baskets
– Accent with wood bead or shell garland curtains
To keep it from feeling sterile, layer in different whites and ivories along with natural wood tones.
Accenting with rope, shells, or sea glass adds organic texture and dimension.
The overall effect is both rustic and elegant at the same time for a relaxed sunny ambiance.
Small touches like whitewashed clay vases filled with greenery or white shell garlands draped across windows work beautifully to finish the breezy whitewashed coastal look.
Use this bright and welcoming style to give any space a casual summery feel.
Indoor Sunroom Style
Create a casual indoor sunroom vibe with wicker furniture, airy fabrics, and lots of greenery.
The abundance of sunlight and connection to outdoor spaces make sunrooms the embodiment of relaxed summer ambiance.
Some key elements:
– Wicker furniture or accessories
– Skylights and large windows to maximize light
– Lots of potted plants and fresh flowers
– Use lots of crisp whites and pale pastels
– Incorporate glass lampshades and lanterns
– Display weathered painted wood or concrete accents
Filling the space with wicker furniture, shelves of greenery and sunlight filtering through sheer white curtains captures that breezy indoor patio feel.
Create cozy seating areas with wicker chairs and glass top tables.
For smaller touches, arrange seashells and colored glass along the windowsills.
Aim for an abundance of light and natural elements to craft the essence of a cheery indoor sunroom perfect for lounging on balmy summer days.
Use this bright welcoming style to create a casual lounge space anywhere in your home.
Breezy Blues and Whites
Crisp and classic blue-and-white decor adapts beautifully to summer with the addition of some breezy accents.
The nautical palette feels light and airy for the warmer months.
Some tips for summery blue-and-white style:
– Use lighter weight linens and cottons in sky blues
– Incorporate tone-on-tone navy and white patterns like stripes, dots or ikats
– Accent with white wicker, rattan or driftwood
– Display blue and white ceramics or sea glass collections
– Add breezy touches like shell garlands or macrame hangings
– Use weathered finishes and distressed details
Layering woven textures, weathered wood finishes and soft hanging accents gives blue-and-white decor a relaxed summertime vibe.
For smaller pops of color, use citrus yellow, cherry red or turquoise green in accessories against the seaside palette.
Aim for ventilated fabrics, whitewashed wicker and breezy accents to keep your blue-and-white oasis feeling airy and light all season long.
This timeless palette adapts beautifully to casual summer living.
Vintage Summer Style
Incorporate vintage flea market finds into your rooms to craft a unique casual summer look.
Old chippy painted furniture, timeworn quilts, and faded floral fabrics evoke nostalgic summers of the past.
Some ideas for working vintage finds into your decor:
– Use an old painted wood sideboard or dresser in your dining room
– Display a collection of vintage tins, boxes or bottles
– Arrange faded quilts on beds or fold them at the end
– Add vintage cultural pieces like baskets, drums or rugs
– Mix patterned vintage fabrics for tablecloths and pillows
– Frame vintage botanical prints or insect diagrams
– Display retro ceramics or glassware
Aim for pieces with character – chipped paint, intriguing motifs, unique shapes.
Create little vignettes using your flea market finds to decorate shelves, side tables, walls, and other spots.
For smaller touches, use vintage tin flower pots or arrange old bottles and tins on open shelving.
Blending old and new elements crafts a casual collected look full of nostalgic personality.
Let vintage items tell stories about memories made on past summer vacations and lazy days spent relaxing in the warmer months through the decades.
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Farmhouse Rustic Charm
Embrace the charms of country living with farmhouse rustic decor touches perfect for laidback summer style.
Natural materials like wood and raffia paired with chippy painted furniture creates old-fashioned warmth.
Some farmhouse style elements:
– Incorporate salvaged wood planks on walls or cabinets
– Use baskets, crates and woven textures
– Display wildflowers in enamel pitchers or buckets
– Add distressed painted wood furniture and signage
– Use gingham, ticking stripes or bandana prints
– Display sun-bleached terra cotta pots and planters
To prevent the look from feeling too themed, aim for simplicity and balance.
Accent vintage wood finds with clean-lined linen upholstery.
Soften rustic wood with breezy sheer curtains.
Creating harmony between worn and new gives farmhouse style a relaxed lived-in feel.
Small touches like a wildflower bouquet on the kitchen table or a set of galvanized buckets holding rolled towels on a white wainscoting background captures the essence of rustic farmhouse charm.
Let the simplicity and imperfection of natural elements shine through.
The arrival of summer presents the perfect opportunity to give your home an inviting new look for the season.
This collection of top stylish decorating ideas offers fresh inspiration for enhancing your space with breezy summertime ambiance.
Use these concepts as a springboard, then get creative with how you incorporate the looks into your own style.
Mix and match your favorite elements to craft unique summery spaces.
Accent with smaller touches like fresh flowers, fruit bowls, or bottle collections displayed on the counter or tabletops.
The choices are endless for bringing a breath of fresh air into your home for summer.
Hopefully these decorating ideas have sparked some inspiration within you to give your house a bright new sunny style that you, your family and guests can all enjoy as warmer days unfold.
