Welcome the sunny season into your home with these simple tips for summerizing your space. From decorative touches to storage solutions, read on for 5 easy ways to give your home a fresh, summery feel.
Refresh Your Decor
An easy way to summer-ize your home is by swapping out some key decorative elements. Here are some decor tips for instantly giving your space a breezy, sunny vibe:
Use Light, Bright Colors
Replace any heavy winter decor with lighter, airier versions. White, tan, light blue, sunshine yellow are all great options that evoke summertime. Try using these colors in:
- Throw pillows
- Area rugs
- Table runners
- Wall art
Display Summer-Inspired Objects
Decorate with symbolic summer items like:
- Seashells
- Sand dollars
- Starfish
- Coral
- Beach glass
- Sunflowers
- Fruit (like lemons or limes)
- Beach umbrellas
- Straw hats
- Sunglasses
Use these as accents on shelves, side tables, centerpieces, wall hangings, etc.
Use Natural Textiles
Swap out any cozy winter fabrics for lightweight, natural textiles. Think cotton, linen, seagrass, rattan, etc. Use these in:
- Throw blankets
- Curtains
- Placemats
- Pillow covers
The breezy, casual feel helps capture the summer vibe.
Let In the Light
Maximize brightness by removing any heavy draperies and shades. Replace with sheer curtains, bamboo blinds, or solar shades. Pull them open to let sunlight stream in.
Update Your Greenery
Freshen up your indoor and outdoor greenery for a dose of summer. Some easy ways to do this include:
Display Fresh Flowers
Fill vases with gorgeous in-season blooms like sunflowers, gerbera daisies, peonies, and hydrangea. Opt for lighter pastel shades that evoke summer. Change the water every 2 days to keep them looking fresh.
Use Potted Plants
Potted herbs and leafy greens bring life into your home. Basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro are all perfect summer options. Place them in sunny spots indoors or on your patio or balcony.
Add Outdoor Planters
Line your front porch, patio, balcony, or yard with lively flowering plants. Opt for colorful annuals like petunias, zinnias, marigolds, impatiens, and nasturtiums. They’ll last all season if properly watered.
Try a Small Herb or Veggie Garden
Plant a mini herb or veggie garden in containers on your patio, balcony, or yard. Tomato plants, bell peppers, eggplant, kale, and carrots make great additions. Kids love watching plants grow!
Prep Your Patio or Balcony
Your outdoor space is an extension of your home. Prep it for summertime lounging and entertaining with these tips:
Add Colorful Patio Furniture
Set out weather-resistant chairs, tables, loungers, and umbrellas. Opt for bright colors and prints that pop against greenspaces.
Install Privacy Screens
Use screens, trellises, or potted plants to create intimate nooks for dining and relaxing. This helps block wind and provides shade too.
Include a Water Feature
The peaceful sound of running water instantly relaxes. Try installing a small birdbath fountain or container water feature.
Use Cafe String Lights
String lights instantly warm up your space for evening entertaining. Opt for sturdy outdoor-rated ones.
Display Container Gardens
Place planters and pots around the perimeter of your space. Try mixing edibles like veggies and herbs with ornamentals.
Organize Seasonal Storage
Get your supplies ready for summer fun with these organization tips:
Clear Out Heavy Items
Pack up winter blankets, heavy sweaters, and cold weather gear to make room for summer clothes and towels. Store in breathable containers under beds or on closet shelves.
Pull Out Warmer Weather Wear
Bring out shorts, tanks, swimsuits, coverups, hats, and sandals. Store winter coats in vacuum bags to save space.
Stock Up On Sun Protection
Check your sunscreen and bug spray supplies. Consider buying in bulk for the season. Store in a handy basket or bin for easy access.
Prep Outdoor Activity Gear
Clean and safety check bikes, helmets, water toys, camping gear, and sports equipment. Have it ready to go in the garage or mudroom.
Make Room For Seasonal Hobbies
Pull out summer craft supplies, picnic baskets, gardening tools, and grill accessories. Store winter hobby items to clear clutter.
Add Some Summer Fun
The easiest way to invoke the summer spirit is by having some seaside- or sunshine-inspired fun. Consider these activities:
Make Fresh Summer Treats
Whip up homemade popsicles, fruit salad, sangria, or mini fruit tarts for a taste of summer. Kids love decorating cookies too.
Have a Backyard Camping Night
Camp out under the stars in your own backyard. Cookout over a firepit and tell stories or stargaze. Fun for kids and adults!
Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
Create a comfy reading spot piled with breezy summer beach reads. Add a citronella candle, sunglasses, and sunhat for vacation vibes.
Host an Outdoor Movie Night
Project a movie against the side of your home. Make popcorn, lemonade, and other movie snacks. Cuddle under blankets to stay warm.
Plan a Porch Dinner Party
Set up chairs, lighting, and mosquito repellent. Grill out, sip cocktails, and linger late into the warm evenings.
Get Creative with a DIY
Make your own windchimes, sun tea, tie-dye shirts, or shell wind-catcher. Crafts let your creativity shine.
Conclusion
With just a few simple updates, you can easily summer-ize your home. By refreshing decor, greenery, storage, outdoor spaces, and activities, you’ll welcome the bright, laidback essence of summer inside. Enjoy this lively season and make the most of sunny days ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I decorate my home for summer on a budget?
Some budget-friendly ways to give your home summery decor include:
- Buying seasonal flowers from a local farmer’s market. Sunflowers, zinnias, and wildflowers are affordable options.
- Picking up inexpensive cotton throws, cushions, and table linens from discount home stores.
- Making your own wall art using natural elements like shells, driftwood, or sea glass.
- Displaying brightly colored dishware and glassware that you already own.
- Finding secondhand wicker, rattan, or bamboo furniture from yard sales and thrift shops. These elements bring in summery texture.
- Hanging inexpensive sheer panel curtains. They filter light beautifully.
How can I keep my home cool during summer?
Some tips for keeping your home cool in summer include:
- Closing blinds, shades, and curtains during the hottest parts of the day. This blocks direct sunlight.
- Opening windows in the evening when temperatures drop. Let in cooling cross breezes.
- Setting ceiling fan directions to blow downwards, creating a cooling wind chill effect.
- Placing trays of ice cubes or frozen water bottles in front of fans. This cools blown air.
- Running exhaust fans to vent out hot air from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Sealing any air leaks around doors and windows with weather stripping to prevent hot outdoor air from entering.
- Using smart thermostat programs like “eco mode” which minimize A/C runtime.
What are some fun summer activities for kids at home?
Some fun at-home summer activities for kids include:
- Having a squirt gun or water balloon fight outside.
- Letting kids run through the sprinkler or play with water toys outside.
- Setting up an outdoor arts and crafts area with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, etc.
- Pitching a tent or blanket fort indoors for an indoor campout. Making s’mores!
- Planting a veggie or herb garden together in containers.
- Making homemade frozen treats like popsicles, ice cream, or banana splits.
- Holding family game nights with classic options like Twister, Jenga, or Connect Four.
- Having a family movie night with popcorn and treats. Let kids pick the movie.
- Telling stories around a (safe) backyard firepit at night with s’mores.
How can I prep my outdoor space for summer entertaining?
Some ways to prep your patio, balcony or yard for summer entertaining include:
- Setting up lighting like string lights, tiki torches, or solar lanterns to allow for evening gatherings.
- Rearranging patio furniture into conversation-friendly formations.
- Hanging decorative privacy screens or sun shades. These help define spaces.
- Cleaning outdoor surfaces like patio pavers, deck boards, and furniture.
- Trimming bushes and doing landscaping to improve curb appeal.
- Setting up speakers or audio systems to provide summertime tunes.
- Stocking up on warm-weather party supplies like citronella candles, bug spray, sunscreen, etc.
- Planting fresh greenery like herbs, flowering plants, and container veggie gardens.
- Adding a water feature like a birdbath or fountain for pleasant ambient noise.
What are the best summer decor colors?
Some popular summer home decor color palettes include:
- Ocean blues – Light blues paired with whites, tans, and driftwood tones evoke seaside cottages.
- Sunshine yellows – Cheerful sunshine yellow combined with accents of white and mint.
- Corals and salmon – Vibrant shades of pinkish-orange remind of tropical flowers and sunsets.
- Seaside neutrals – Light beiges, sand colors, shells, and natural rattans give a casual, beachy look.
- Surf greens – Cool greens like seafoam, aqua, and mint paired with off-whites are very refreshing.
- Complementary brights – Combining two bright colors like orange and light blue really pops.
How can I store off-season items when summerizing my home?
Some tips for effectively storing off-season household items include:
- Use breathable under-bed storage bins for bulky items like sweaters, blankets, and winter outerwear.
- Vacuum-seal clothing in space saver bags. Then store in closet shelves or under beds.
- For electronics like fans and humidifiers, clean thoroughly before storing in labeled bins.
- Properly winterize yard tools like mowers and hoses before stowing in garden sheds or garages.
- Place rarely used decorative items like vases and heavy tablecloths in opaque storage tubs.
- Store items you’ll need first for next season (like fall clothes) most accessibly.
- Use hanging shoe organizers on the back of closet doors to store hats, mittens, and other small accessories.
- Check all stored items for pests, moisture, or damage periodically. Re-store anything affected.
