The days are getting longer, the sun is shining bright, and warmer temps are here to stay (at least for a little while). It’s almost a guarantee that you’re ready for summer, but what about your home? It’d be nice if all you needed to do was pull back the curtains and open up the windows to let summer in your home, but it takes a bit more effort than that. This doesn’t mean it has to become a hassle though.
Here are 5 easy ways to get your home in a summer mood so you can make the most of all the season has to offer:
1. Embrace your outdoor living space.
You don’t have to have a huge outdoor area to make a space you can enjoy. Something as small as a balcony can be turned into an amazing space that is reflective of the season. Whatever you have–a patio, garden, wraparound porch, deck, etc.–make it a comfortable area to soak up some sun. A window box or planters full of colorful flowers, some comfortable seating in bold outdoor fabric, a chiminea, a water feature, and an eye-catching rug, are a few simple ways you can embrace the beautiful outdoors.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, invest in a few quality pieces and then accessorize with trendier, and less expensive pieces. Today, outdoor living spaces blend almost seamlessly with indoor living spaces, so be sure to stick to your decorating style. And because outdoor living is extremely popular these days, there’s no shortage of styles and fabrics to choose from that will stand up to the elements of nature.
2. Add some color.
Summer is a bright time of year, so now is the perfect time to bring out some bolder pops of color. Pillows, cushions, and accessories are fun and easy ways to bring in some cheerful colors you can’t get away with during other seasons. Use fun fabrics rich with summery colors and playful patterns. Mix and match until your heart’s content. And don’t forget about the unexpected areas in your home–those are great places to incorporate fun splashes of color!
Aren’t sure what the best summer colors are? Be sure to check in with Pantone! Each year, The Color Institute releases it’s seasonal color palettes, which can help you narrow down some choices that would work for your home. Most colors are unexpected and can be used year-round.
3. Bring in some botanicals.
Plants and flowers in terracotta pots are a great place to start when it comes to bringing the outdoors in, but it doesn’t stop there. If you have space, consider a potted lemon tree, or container gardens for berries or fresh herbs. If you’re short on floor space, give hanging plants a try. Or, consider this DIY mobile planter that can be moved around on a whim. Even mason jars stuffed with fresh-cut daisies or roses can make a seasonal statement!
4. Lighten up your textiles.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the color (although it can), but rather the textile fiber itself. Often times, heavier fabrics are used during the cooler months. When things heat up, however, those heavy fabrics become less desirable. Think about things such as linen slipcovers (or bedding), and pillows, rugs, or tablecloths in lighter, breezy textiles.
If you do want to change up color or patterns, opt for florals, stripes, or gingham. Patterns such as these in summer-like hues are a wonderful way to embrace the season.
Two other easy fixes would be to swap out your Oriental rugs for something made of sisal or seagrass and your heavy drapes for soft, billowing sheers. You may even want to consider changing out something as simple as a shower curtain. It really doesn’t have to take much effort. Just think about what’s most practical for you and then go for it!
5. Bring the outdoors in.
Using outdoor furniture inside or adding coastal-like accessories throughout the space are other avenues to explore. There are so many styles of furniture to choose from these days, which give you the indoor-outdoor option. Not only are these styles good-looking, they are durable, making them extra perfect for those who have busy households. When it comes to accessories–nothing says summer like some driftwood adorning a tabletop or a glass bowl or bottle full of sand and shells!
If you are looking for upscale, designer fabrics near you in Sugar Land, TX, we have just what you need! Come by either of our locations in Houston where you will find everything from comfortable cotton fabric, to luxurious dupioni silks and even some of the best faux leathers!