A few small changes and improvements can make your home warm weather ready.
Decorating your space for summer doesn't require a big budget or a lot of time. Sometimes the smallest changes, like ditching the light cushions or using airy organic fabrics, can make your home look fresher and more seasonal. When you subtly reinvent your space, you can fall in love with it all over again.
"When the birds start chirping and the flowers are blooming, I know it's time to start thinking about remodeling my home for spring," says Amy McKay, president and chief designer of Pure Design. "For example, last week a painter came and whitewashed the walls in my living room, prompting me to rearrange and arrange the furniture."
Don't know where to start? Follow these interior designer tips to keep your home cool and fresh all summer long.
Remove heavy blankets
Cozy knits and thick blankets are useful in the fall and winter, but probably not needed in the warmer months. Save them for the summer. If you like to snuggle up in a comforter, consider switching to a lighter muslin or linen comforter. In addition to light fabrics, McKay recommends choosing lighter colors because they help visually cool the room.
Take fresh herbs with you
"One of my favorite ways to welcome the new season is to update accessories and add fresh seasonal greenery," notes interior designer Heather Fujikawa. "Since the kitchen is one of the busiest areas of your home, sprucing it up with a few simple seasonal updates will really change your routine." Fresh flowers or herbs will not only add color and earthy atmosphere, but will also help freshen up your home.
Add ground textures and patterns
Color and texture play an important role in seasonally updating your home. Fujikawa says, “In summer, we love natural fabrics like jute and tweed, as well as playful prints like stripes and flowers, because they feel light and fresh. Pillows, throws and art are an easy and inexpensive way to incorporate seasonal textures and colors into your home. Replace heavy textiles and winter details with more season-appropriate accents.
Hang a fresh curtain
Remove thick, heavy curtains and take them to the dry cleaners for deep cleaning. Instead, hang light curtains "to enjoy the fresh air and exercise when you open the windows," says McKay. If you want to protect yourself from the heat, choose a light but dense fabric that blocks more of the sun's rays during the hottest hours of the day.
Remove heavy rugs and replace them with lighter materials
A soft, heavy rug is comfortable under bare feet in the cold winter, but in the summer it deprives you of the cool, cool atmosphere you want to create. Remove the heavy carpet - and have it professionally cleaned first - and replace it with lightweight or flat rugs made from cotton or jute.
Burn the flavors of summer
Visual changes can make a big difference, but don't neglect your other senses. Candles and diffusers with citrus, floral or beach scents can create a sense of lightness compared to the heaviness of sweet or woody notes.
“Some of the items we need for this simple update are a large round sausage cutting board, a pretty glass vase, a fun printed kitchen towel, a fresh candle and lastly, a pretty fruit bowl . seasonal". Fresh," says Fujikawa. "Incorporating the tastes, scents and colors of the season, you'll feel refreshed and inspired for the season ahead."
Update your reading materials
If you're looking for a good excuse to visit your local bookstore, this is it. "I like to collect a bunch of new design magazines and some novels that I really want to read," says McKay. "It helps me take my time and sit down." Also, consider updating the books on the coffee table and everything on the dresser.
Related Topics: 20 Books to Read in the Summer of 2023
Share your summer memories
Summer is a time of travel and adventure, and it makes sense to display those cherished memories at home. "Whether you're displaying vacation photos, layering seashells, or using coastal textures like reeds, rattan and vines, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these special souvenirs and keepsakes that will make you happy and inspired." says Fujikawa.
Combine indoor and outdoor
Increase the square footage by moving the room to the street and vice versa. The key to creating a comfortable patio or yard is to have comfortable seating, cushions, rugs and lighting. Consider creating a comfortable outdoor dining area that will encourage outdoor dining at any time of the year.
"You can also move plants outside to create a magical garden space," says McKay. "For these areas, choose perennials like hydrangeas and lavender, or an arbor full of vines so you can watch them grow and mature year after year."
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