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15 ways to get your home ready for summer
Summer is officially upon us, so here’s how to celebrate the season through home décor
The weather is warmer, the nights are longer, the sun is shining. That can only mean one thing: summer has arrived.
But as lockdown and COVID-19 persist, we’re all going to be spending more time at home this summer than usual. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t celebrate all that this magical season has to offer.
Switching up your home décor for the warmer weather is one of the best things about summer, and we’re here with some of our favourite tips and ideas for getting your home summer ready.
Here are 15 tips for sprucing up your home for the summer. Let’s take a look.
Embrace the seaside
Even if you don’t live by the coast, the beach is one of the first things most of us think of when we hear the word ‘summer’. Golden sands, blue seas, clear skies – these are the things that evoke the season like nothing else.
So why not bring some of that nautical magic into your home? From navy and white stripes on your cushions to seaside ornaments and artwork dotted around your living space, even the smallest touch can help bring the magic of the ocean into your home.
You could even go a step further with a light blue feature wall, or a decadent navy rug.
Lighten up
Just as we tend to wear fewer layers in the summer, the same goes for your home. Strip back all the unnecessary items from your living space and give it more room to breathe, allowing you to see it in a new light. Throw open the doors and windows, and get rid of any pieces that are dark, fussy or gloomy. Stow away your heavy throws and knits for autumn when it’s time to get cosy again.
Destination snapshots
Even if you can’t travel right now, a few holiday snaps will give you the inspiration you need when you can finally book your next trip.
Try printing, framing and arranging your best holiday photos in a summer gallery wall. Not only will this save you money on wall art and make a great talking point, but it will also provide plenty of great summer vibes and beloved memories.
Tantalising table settings
In summer, you can afford to be a little less formal with your table settings. Think bright colours, fresh fruit, low tables and floor cushions.
Colour combinations like turquoise, pink and white draw the eye and create that fun, party atmosphere which is so intrinsically linked with summer.
The great outdoors
More than any other season, summer requires you to think hard about the look of your outdoor space as well as your indoor space. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden you can enjoy, take the time to spruce it up with plenty of plants, flowers and attractive outdoor accessories.
And remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so don’t neglect the front of your home either. Simple summer decorations like colourful hanging baskets can create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Fall in love with nature
As well as tending to your garden, you can also bring the outdoors into your home. Greenery, flowers, organic elements, fruit and cacti are all very evocative of summer, and can bring a whole new level of freshness and fun to your home design.
Tiny succulents last for a long time and require minimal care, making them the perfect addition to a summery table design. They also bring texture and interest to your living space, while big leafy houseplants draw the eye and liven up your living space.
Be bold with colour
Bold oranges, radiant greens, sunny yellows, vibrant pinks. These are the typical summer shades that you should introduce into your home. Save the deep reds and sumptuous purples for later in the year.
Find a new layout
If you’re looking to completely reinvent your home this summer, something as simple as swapping your layout around can do the trick.
For example, if your living room furniture is usually focused around a fireplace, try swapping it so you’re facing the window or a set of French doors instead. This will give your home a more open, breezy vibe, and you can always swap back to the hearth once autumn rolls around.
Shop for your summer essentials
Summer is all about colour and freshness, and that means stocking up on all your bright, bold favourites. Whether it’s fresh fruit, tangy liquors or stunning floral arrangements, these elements are there to be enjoyed on a visual level as well as a practical one. A full fruit bowl or an impressive drinks display absolutely scream summertime fun, and can add a burst of colour to your kitchen or dining area.
Illuminate your outdoor and indoor space
Lighting is a very different ballgame in the summer compared to the winter. For one thing, chances are you won’t be needing to use artificial lighting nearly as much thanks to the sunny days and long nights.
However, you should still think about the way light plays with and transforms your space – and that goes for your outdoor space too. Go for warmer, softer lighting options rather than overly bright or clinical glows. Think fairy lights strewn across your garden.
Treat your senses
Getting your home ready for summer isn’t just about how it looks. Your other senses are just as important, so be sure to fill your home with irresistible summery scents.
While gingerbread, cinnamon and evergreen are the quintessential scents of winter, ocean breezes and citric fruits will immediately bring forth all the magic of summer. Even better, scented candles make great inexpensive summer accessories for your bedroom or living area.
Updated classics
Summer is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your furniture and see what could do with updating. Try giving an old chair a new lease of life by painting it a bright, summery hue like grassy green or sky blue.
Gloss paint creates a lacquered look for a thoroughly modern edge, bringing an element of fun to your home.
Art that demands attention
When it comes to wall art, don’t be afraid to take risks and break boundaries. A large, colourful piece of art will serve as a fantastic focal point, brightening up dark walls and inspiring other summer décor options throughout the space. Look for patterns and tones that immediately make you think of summer.
Fantastic florals
We’ve already mentioned the importance of having fresh flowers in your home during the summer, but don’t be afraid to let this love of all things floral extend to your pattern choices too. Whether it’s a feature wall or a bedspread, a bold floral print is a great way to bring a fun and flirty edge to your home décor.
Mix it up and take a chance
More than anything else, summer is about taking risks, having fun and being bold with your décor choices. Using colour, pattern, textures and layout, turn your home into a space like no other – somewhere that feels quintessentially you.