Summer is the perfect time to spruce up your home! With the kids on a break, you want your space to feel more comfortable. Plus, you want to have an inviting atmosphere for all your social events and holiday celebrations. Consider these tips to give your home that fresh summer look.

1. Let the Light In

One of the easiest and most cost-effective decorating options is simply opening your windows. This brings in natural light and cools down your house on warmer days. Additional light can also make your home feel more open. Mirrors are another good surface to reflect light from. Consider placing them in poorly lit areas like entryways. Another alternative is to add roller shutters to help keep light out when it’s night for privacy, but still bright and airy in the day time.

2. Put Out Scented Candles

Candles are an excellent way to freshen up your home and showcase your unique style. They are also an additional source of light. Consider placing them in your bathroom, on your bedside table, or on top of your fireplace.

Here are some seasonal scents to try out:

• Sea salt

• Grapefruit

• Pink citrus

• Cedarwood

• Floral scents

3. Hang Artwork

Decorate your wall with summer-themed artwork! Consider hanging photographs or paintings of the beach and ocean landscapes. This way, you can have a view of the water without ever leaving your home. Paintings lined up along the walls create an illusion of depth, making the space feel more expansive.

When decorating your bedroom, consider putting the artwork directly over your bed or on the opposite wall. Go for larger-sized pieces and hang them at eye level. For the frames, remember that simpler is better. You want the picture to be the main focus.

4. Use Natural Textures

When picking out decor for your walls, consider pieces with natural material. Natural fibers, such as seagrass, are an excellent option for rugs. They help give your space a more relaxed feel. The material is also durable, versatile, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.

Wood is another natural material that can bring in that summer vibe. Consider picking more light-colored tones, such as maple, for your furniture pieces. Add wooden tables or cabinets to create a beach house atmosphere.

Besides its natural beauty, wood has other benefits, too. It’s a durable and insulating material that is sustainable.

5. Incorporate Woven Patterns

Woven patterns are typically seen in tropical areas. Raffia is becoming a trendy material in home design. It’s a type of palm native to Africa. Consider adding some raffia-style furniture to create a more natural, outdoorsy feel.

This material works well for chairs and light fixtures. Woven baskets are also a great way to increase your storage while keeping that summer vibe.

6. Add Clear Pieces

Decor made from transparent material, like glass and acrylic, creates an airier vibe. Since it reflects the light, it makes the room feel more open and inviting. Consider adding a glass coffee table or dining room table. The material also blends into your design, making the area less visually cluttered.

7. Decorate With Lighter Colors

White and blue is a good combo for your wall paint and trim. Having lighter colors provides you with a sense of calmness. The blue can also remind you of ocean waves.

Consider using pastels, such as greens or pinks, for your accent pieces. Pillows and rugs are excellent options for incorporating that pop of color. Along with colors, stripes are fun patterns for your throw pillows or blankets.

To complete your beach-themed decor, consider adding a stylish folding beach chair in a matching color or pattern. It not only provides functional seating but also adds a touch of coastal charm to your space. Choose a chair with a sturdy frame and comfortable cushion to ensure maximum relaxation during those long summer days.

Decorate for Summer in Style

Summer is time to relax and soak up the sun. However, if you can’t get away, revamping your house can be the next best thing. To give your home a summer makeover, consider these decorating tips.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison