Looking for easy ways to add some summer to your home without a lot of fuss or expense? Today I’m sharing how to decorate for summer with 7 easy-to-implement ideas!
I can hardly believe it’s summer. Well, maybe not officially. But Memorial Day has come and gone and it’s June, so in my world, it’s summer! And with summer comes a strong desire to lighten, brighten and otherwise bring in the season.
Do you feel that too? Heavy decor or dark, moody colors just don’t feel right. The summer season has a lightness about it and I want my home to reflect that.
Unlike Christmas, summer decorating can take its cues from nature. It can be subtle, and easy, but still bring a feeling of freshness to your home. And that’s the goal here. Easy, breezy, but still beautiful ways to bring the season into your home!
Tip 1: Bring in the Flowers!
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that one of the first things I do when decorating for summer is bring in some fresh flowers!
I always love fresh flowers, but they seem especially essential this time of year. I think because nature is blooming and blossoming outside, it’s nice to reflect that inside, too. 😉
Peonies and hydrangeas are always favorites, of course. And I’ve got tips on how to help keep both of these popular flowers last longer! Find tips for peonies here, and hydrangeas here.
But actually, any inexpensive grocery store flower will do. It’s really just about bringing nature inside.
And if you don’t want to spend money on cut flowers, buy a few inexpensive potted flowers from the local grocery store. They’ll last all summer and be well worth the few dollars spent!
Tip 2: Bring in Some Summer Color
Now for me, this is definitely blue!
I can’t think of a color that feels more summery than blue. To me, it represents the sea and days spent at the shore, but if your idea of summer is bright yellows and oranges, or a pop of hot pink, go for it! Whatever colors represent summer to you will work.
Blue and white ginger jars are one of my favorite ‘blue’ decor items!
Tip 3: Add some Seasonal Touches
One thing I usually do as each summer rolls around is bring out some shells and coral. They are something I’ve loved and collected over the years, but I don’t have them displayed rear round so it feels special to bring them out each time the season rolls around.
You don’t need to go overboard with this. The trick is not to have them all over the house, but rather in just a few key spots. Here I displayed some starfish under a glass cloche to elevate them in the vignette. But some collected seaglass gathered in a glass jar would be equally pretty.
Or display a mass of shells in a giant bowl! This makes a great focal point on a coffee or dining table and the shells can be collected, or easily found at stores like Michael’s or even ordered on Amazon.
Tip 4: Lighten Up
Are you someone who changes out your bedding or pillows for summer? Sometimes it’s nice to lighten up the mood by switching out pillows, rugs or even sheets. Wool blankets, heavy fabrics or dark rugs can really feel heavy during summer. Give your home a lighter feel by using lighter fabrics like linen, or switching to natural rugs like seagrass.
Even my candles get switched out this time of year for a fragrance that’s light and refreshing! This Salt + Sea scent is a new one for me and I’m loving it, and this one is so gorgeous you’ll want to keep it out all year!
And of course, changing out throw pillows is a must for me! Here pale blue pillows bring some summer color to the living room sofa.
Tip #5: Bring the Outdoors In
This is probably my personal favorite when it comes to ways to decorate for summer!
When I say bring in the outdoors, I’m talking about things like using patio accessories or decor inside rather than just outside. Here I brought a garden bird statue inside to convey that summery feeling. I love how it looks indoors, and it’s a great contrast to the marble table.
Terracotta pots brought inside (these are especially pretty), or cast iron urns that normally decorate your outdoors are also ways to bring the outdoors in.
Tip #6: Add some plants or greenery
This is probably my number one tip once spring comes along! And if you didn’t add some plants a couple of months ago, now is definitely time to bring in some green!
Tip #7: Spruce up the Outdoors
You might think this is obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this. Just the simple act of cleaning and tidying your backyard patio or front porch can make such a difference!
Just sweeping out the cobwebs, scrubbing our front door and adding a few potted flowers really brightened up our porch!
And of course, if you can, adding an outdoor rug or a few new pillows adds some color and freshness to any outdoor space.
I hope these seven easy tips gave you some ideas on how to decorate for summer. And it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive! A few flowers and plants and lighter colors and fabrics can make a big difference in the feel of your home. And if all else fails, a good clean up goes a long way toward making any space feel fresher and brighter!
And I’m sharing some of my favorite summer accessories below!
Shop the Post
*affiliate links added for your convenience*
Happy Summer!
Sheila
xo
Colette says
Love the terra cotta pots! Where did you get them?
Very subtle changes really does give a refreshing look.
Absolutely stunning!
Sheila says
Hi Colette and thank you! The terracotta pots are linked right underneath the photo (and the little photos can be scrolled and shopped at the end of the post, too!)
Here’s the link again: https://rstyle.me/+DNEM9GHeHkhcigmZoND1fA and these are so pretty too! https://rstyle.me/+ZU5J83k52Mx0K9i7NbAJew
Hope that helps!
Sheila
Deana Autry says
Where did you get your brass/marble coffee table? Love it!
Sheila says
Hi that table is discontinued but I’ve linked several very similar ones in the Shop my Home part of the blog. Go here to take a look:
https://maisondecinq.com/shop-my-home/living-room/
Hope that helps!
Sheila
Colleen Pastoor says
Great tips – especially, “Bring the outside in” – I’ve found this to be the best way to add in seasonal decor on a budget! Your peonies and florals are gorgeous!
Sheila says
Yes!! Couldn’t agree more Colleen! Thanks so much for your kind words and for stopping by!
Sheila
Rachelle says
Great tips Sheila. I just cut my last peonies but thoroughly enjoyed them for the month of May.
Love the soothing colors for your summer decor. It’s always fun to see what you do for each new season.
Happy summer!
Sheila says
Thank you so much Rachelle! And I’m jealous you can grow peonies – they’re my fave!
Happy Summer to you!
Sheila
Danielle says
Such wonderful tips! I’m about to pin this post like mad! LOVE your blues, your shells and your flowers. What is the plant in tip number 6 (second photo). It’s beautiful and I love it in the terra cotta. Thank you for the lovely tour. I really enjoyed seeing your home and tips. Hope your summer is off to a beautiful start!
Sheila says
Aww thank you Danielle – you’re so sweet and I appreciate that so much! Happy Summer to you!
Sheila
xo
Jenn says
Great tips! I’m totally with you on the blue and all the flowers!! Hope you have a wonderful summer.
Sheila says
Thanks so much Jenn! Happy summer to you as well!
Sheila
xo
JC says
Love the fresh touches that you’ve shared. I can’t get enough of flowers during any season but especially this spring/summer! I didn’t see your outdoor lumbar pillow shared on the source list. I may have missed it. Where did you purchase those? Thanks and enjoy your refreshed spaces!
Sheila says
Hi JC thanks so much for your kind comment! And I’m sorry for the confusion! I linked the square that is the same pattern as my lumbar pillow. Here is the actual lumbar pillow link: https://rstyle.me/+sdRzKq8m7aA_HseSso1J0A
Hope that helps! And thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Krista says
So charming, beautiful, and welcoming Shiela! Perfect for summer! Thanks for sharing and being part of this series1
Sheila says
Thanks so much Krista! Thank you for having me! 🙂
Sheila
xo
Cassie Bustamante says
Love all of the seashells and florals added throughout. Your home is so soft and feminine and lovely!
Sheila says
Thanks Cassie! 🙂
Sheila
xo