Inspiration

Seasonal Decor Inspiration: Summer Edition

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1. Color Play

Refreshing your color palette can make a significant impact. Try incorporating more blues, greens, yellows, and other bright colors that remind you of summer. This doesn't necessarily mean repainting; it can be as simple as adding vibrant cushions, rugs, or decorative pieces.

Vases are a particularly great decor idea for adding outdoor elements into your space. There is an abundance of shapes, colors and textures to choose from. A few ideas below feature several different options with different materials and textures.

Ceramic vases are always a classic but look for fun organic shapes in bright colors like these Scallop Planters from Modern Science Project.

3D printing has allowed creators to design some pretty fun things like Terra DeVerdant that has a shop filled with exciting shapes and textures that are guaranteed to fit perfectly with any style of home.

The blown glass vases from Minimalist Ambush in summery hues produce beautiful reflections and shadows when the sun streams through.

2. Lighten Up

Heavy fabrics in dark, warm tones are excellent for a cozy winter atmosphere, but summer calls for a lighter touch. Switch out velvet and wool for breathable materials like linen and cotton. Swap your dark, richly colored textiles for pale hues or vibrant shades that evoke the summer sky, freshly cut grass, or ripe, juicy fruits.

Brightly colored and breezy drapes from the guestroom at the Shoreline Farmhouse.

3. Let the Light In

Summer means longer days and more natural sunlight, so allow your home to benefit from this. Replace heavy, opaque drapes with translucent curtains that let in as much light as possible without sacrificing privacy. Also, strategically place mirrors to reflect the natural light and make your spaces seem bigger and brighter. They can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or even incorporated into furniture.

Left: Greenlake Contemporary Craftsman and Right: Madrona Craftsman

4. Bring the Outdoors In

Indoor plants can drastically change your home's feel, and summer is the perfect time to experiment with greenery. Consider plants like snake plants, succulents, or pothos that are relatively low maintenance and thrive indoors. This way, you can enjoy a touch of nature in your space, with the bonus of improving air quality.

Wallingford Garden Bungalow by Atelier Drome

5. Embrace Marine Accents

Summer often evokes images of the sea, so why not bring some marine elements into your home decor? Items like driftwood can create a fun and modern centerpiece or fixtures that incorporate seashells or shell-like materials that can transport a guestroom to the seaside, like this one in our Shoreline Farmhouse.

Shoreline Modern Farmhouse by Atelier Drome

6. Create an Outdoor Living Space

If you have a garden, patio, or balcony, summer is the time to make the most of it. Create a comfortable outdoor space with comfy, weather-resistant furniture, festoon lights, and a colorful outdoor rug. Consider a DIY vertical garden or set of potted plants to add a touch of lush greenery.

Wallingford Modern Farmhouse by Atelier Drome
Bellevue Contemporary by Atelier Drome.

7. Refresh Your Artwork

Switching out your wall art is an easy way to change the mood of a room. Think landscapes, botanical prints, beach scenes, or abstract art with bold, bright colors for summer. This is also a chance to showcase local artists with anything from prints to paintings and sculptural pieces. Rotate your art seasonally to keep your home decor feeling fresh and relevant.

Left: Bold print wallpaper in our Wallingford Charmer, Right: Prints we sourced for a client from photographer Adam Wells

Painting by Mister Michelle in our Leschi House.

8. Summer Scents

Aromas can powerfully influence our mood. Use summer-scented candles, essential oils, or DIY potpourri to fill your home with the scents that remind you of the season. Think citrus fruits, fresh-cut grass, sea breeze, or blooming flowers.

The Move diffuser by Vitruvi is a great option since it is cordless, making it easy to keep it charged, refill it with water without having to unplug and plug it back in, and it can be moved to different areas. The color fog has a nice light concrete tone that will fit seamlessly with any decor, and the shape and pleasant light also offer a similar feel and appearance to a candle with a pleasant water trickling sound. (hint: this would pair well with #10 in our list below!) Try a citrus scent to brighten things up.

9. Repurpose Flea Market Finds

Flea markets and thrift stores can be a treasure trove for unique, affordable pieces. Old ceramics can be repurposed as plant pots, ladders turned into bookshelves, or antique mirrors used to brighten a room. Giving new life to these pieces can also be a fun summer project.

10. Chill Out Zone

Summer is synonymous with relaxation. Designate a space in your home for leisure - a cozy reading nook, a hammock, a corner with floor cushions, or a DIY bar cart for summer cocktails like the one below from All Modern. This dedicated space can remind you to take a moment to relax and enjoy the season.

Each of these ideas aims to refresh your space and bring the light, color, and warmth of summer into your home. The goal of seasonal decoration is not to overhaul your entire home but rather to incorporate small changes that make a significant impact so don't feel like you need to incorporate all of these suggestions at once. Start with what appeals to you most, and gradually, your home will reflect the joy and vibrancy of the season.

Note: We are not affiliated with any of the products we referenced in this article besides pieces we have sourced for clients or ourselves.