With so much thought going toward your outdoor living spaces come summertime, it’s easy to neglect your interiors. But this is the perfect opportunity to infuse
your rooms with some casual chic to celebrate the season. There is no better
way to set the tone for those long summer nights that make you embrace a more
laidback lifestyle than to create that very same vibe inside.
Just as many of us adjust our wardrobes to suit the season, we can accomplish
the same transformation in our homes. Make a sweep throughout your spaces and
take note of anything that seems too heavy or dark. Look no further than the
following tips for ways to lighten your load and take advantage of all that
summer has to offer.
Living Room
Rid your living room of anything that feels too formal for this time of fun in
the sun. Slipcovers change the look of your furniture in an instant, and there
is nothing like the crispness of white, especially during warm-weather months.
Pick a new accent hue to make the look of the room pop, such as a daring shade
of orange or a yellowy citrus tone. Lastly, add something playful to the mix,
such as a lively pattern of bold polka dots or brightly colored stripes. This
can be achieved with an area rug or an accent piece such as a lamp.
Kitchen
Every room should have a little something that makes you smile. This is
especially true during summer, when our spirits seem to be lifted by brighter
days and warmer temperatures. Low-rimmed woven baskets make lightweight trays
for fresh fruit and vegetables. Consider spray-painting a few for fun. Clearing
away your everyday clutter will make a difference in your kitchen overnight.
This is a great way to celebrate the simplicity of the season that encourages a
less-is-more philosophy. Swap some existing artwork for affordable pieces that
feature an outdoor theme. You might also decide to switch to plates with a
nature motif as an ode to summer.
Family Room
Make use of outdoor elements inside, where they take on a whole new look and
feel. Materials such as wicker and rattan create a casual vibe, while colorful
pillow cushions provide comfort. Garden ornaments give the illusion of an
outdoor environment when strategically placed within your space. An old
birdbath can double as a candy dish, while some flowers and branches from your
garden form a natural habitat that blurs the lines between inside and out.
Bedrooms
Make a commitment to change your bed linens to something more summery. Whether
you drape your headboard with a slipcover or quilt or simply switch your sheets
to something less fussy, it’s easy to establish the essence of summer in your bedroom with a few simple
adjustments. The same can be said for window treatments. Forgo heavy draperies
for something a little lighter and more carefree. Hang some wind chimes inside
for a touch of the unexpected.
Bathrooms
If you like to entertain, don’t be afraid to make a big impact in small spaces. Give your guests something to
talk about with a bold color or a unique theme in a powder room. Invest in a
few seasonal pieces, such as a shower curtain that speaks to summer with a
bright motif. The same can be accomplished with affordable touches like towels
and other accents. Kick things up a notch with a sporty little area rug that is
not necessarily intended for a bathroom. Even a tissue holder made from
seashells or stones can help get your message across.
Dining Room
Put away those ornate tablecloths and adopt a whole new seasonal theme. You
might even consider covering your table with a roll of paper that tones down
the formality and allows you and your guests to doodle in the dining room.
Remove winter window treatments in favor of linen curtains that billow in the
breeze. Add colorful cushions to your chairs to encourage long conversations
for those sultry summer nights.
Foyer
Summer can mean rain in many regions. The best solution is to add a little
sunshine to your surroundings, beginning with your entryway. Yellow is said to soothe the soul. Introduce it in small doses with a
bouquet of flowers to greet all who enter, or choose an umbrella stand in
another happy hue. Make your first impression a lasting lesson in summer
living. Written by Jeanine Matlow.
