Around late May or early June, many people start to fixate on their lack of summer decor. The chunky throw blankets are still hanging around. The spring florals that felt fresh a few months ago suddenly look a little tired. Everything feels fine, but not quite right for the season anymore.
A lot of people think updating for summer means buying new decor, but that’s rarely the case. Most of the time, it’s about making a few small changes and putting a few things away.
Here’s how you can transition your spring decor into summer:
Living Room
The first thing to look at is your throw pillows. Not the pillows themselves, the covers.
Swapping covers is one of the least expensive ways to change the feel of a room, and it takes all of five minutes. You can pack away anything that feels overly floral or heavy and replace it with lighter fabrics, says a Morganville interior decorator. Linen is always a safe bet. Soft stripes work too. And honestly, sometimes fewer pillows look better in the summer anyway.
Another thing worth looking at is the rug. If you’re working with a thick wool rug that’s been down since winter, try switching it out for something with a lighter feel. Jute and sisal aren’t exactly groundbreaking choices, but there’s a reason designers keep using them. They add texture without making the room feel weighed down.
Dining Room
Though you may not think it, the dining room is perhaps the easiest room to update. Instead of overcomplicating your centerpieces, go simple in the summer and choose something like a bowl of lemons or limes, or a handful of hydrangeas clipped from the yard.
You can also take a look at anything that feels especially formal, like dark runners, heavy candlesticks, or decorative pieces you’ve had out since the holidays. Summer tends to look better when things are lighter and more relaxed.
Kitchen
Fruits, vegetables, and plants all have their seasonal darlings. In the summer, you can swap your spring greenery and foods for what’s in season. A basil plant by the window. Fresh herbs, like thyme and oregano, can go on the counter. Grocery store flowers in a simple vase. That’s it! The kitchen is one of those spaces where practical items can double as decor, making seasonal updates easy.
You may also want to consider clearing off countertops this time of year. Open surfaces make a room feel lighter, so removing a few unnecessary items can make a noticeable difference.
Bedroom
Bedrooms usually carry around more layers than they need by the time summer arrives. Between the extra blankets, heavy throws, and winter-weight bedding, you’ll want to get rid of all of it once the temperatures climb.
But you don’t necessarily need new bedding. Sometimes, folding up the chunky knit blanket and replacing it with a lightweight linen throw is enough.
Entryway
The entry is easy to forget because most of us walk past it every day, but it’s the first thing guests see. You can summer-fy it with a simple wreath, a vase of greenery, or even a bowl of sunglasses to subtly shift the mood of the space. If you have art or family photos on display, consider switching them out for summer scenes, like old trips to the beach. It also gives a personal touch without creating more clutter.
Shed Some Decorative Layers in the Summer
The biggest mistake people make with seasonal decorating is assuming they need more stuff. In reality, most homes need less! Decor in the summer should feel easy. If it starts feeling like a major project, you’re probably doing more than you need to.