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As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it's time to welcome the refreshing vibes of summer into your home. Whether you're a fan of beachy blues, tropical greens, or vibrant yellows, summer decor is all about embracing the colors and elements that evoke a sense of warmth, relaxation, and fun.
Light and Airy Color Palettes
One of the easiest ways to infuse your home with summer vibes is by updating your color palette. Swap out heavy fabrics and dark tones for light and airy colors that reflect the brightness of the season. Think crisp whites, soft pastels, and pops of bright hues like coral or aqua.
Color Palette and Fabric Changes:
Easy Change:
For an easy and summer update, consider switching to a light and airy color palette. Replace heavy curtains with sheer white or pastel-colored curtains that allow natural light to filter through, creating a bright and refreshing ambiance. Incorporate lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen for cushions and throws in soft shades of blue, green, or yellow to evoke a beachy vibe.
Bolder Update:
For a bolder summer statement, opt for a more vibrant color palette and playful fabrics. Replace your current curtains with bright and colorful ones in patterns like tropical leaves, stripes, or bold florals. Choose cushions and throws in bold hues like coral, turquoise, or citrus tones to add a pop of color and energy to your space. Consider updating your Luv Sac covers to match the theme, such as a tropical print or a bold geometric pattern for a fun and lively summer look.
I absolutely adore my Luv Sac couch! Its versatility in rearranging into various configurations has been a game-changer for our living space. The easy-care material is a dream, especially with fur babies around, and the ability to switch out covers for a fresh look or replace damaged ones has made maintenance a breeze.
Bring the Outdoors In
Summer is the perfect time to bring a touch of nature indoors. Incorporate natural elements such as woven baskets, seashells, driftwood, and potted plants to add a breezy, organic feel to your decor. Consider creating a beach-inspired vignette on your fireplace mantel or shelves with a collection of shells, a rattan tray, and a few succulents. Bringing in a Touch of the Outdoors:
While adding natural elements like plants can enhance your summer decor, it's essential to be mindful of house pets and young children. Some plants can be toxic if ingested, posing a risk to the safety of your furry friends and little ones. To create a safe yet beautiful indoor garden, consider the following precautions and alternatives:
Cautionary Note:
- Avoid placing toxic plants such as lilies, philodendrons, pothos, and certain types of ferns in areas accessible to pets or children.
- Keep toxic plants out of reach or opt for hanging planters or shelves to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Educate yourself about common household plants that are harmful to pets and children and take appropriate measures to safeguard their well-being.
Recommendation:
- Opt for faux plants as a safe and practical alternative to live plants. High-quality faux plants look incredibly realistic and require no maintenance, making them ideal for busy households with pets and young children.
- Choose faux plants that mimic the look of popular houseplants like succulents, ferns, palms, and flowering plants. These faux plants can add a touch of greenery and freshness to your decor without the worry of toxicity.
- Place faux plants strategically in areas where you want to bring in a touch of the outdoors, such as shelves, mantels, or tabletops. They can create a vibrant and natural ambiance while ensuring the safety of your loved ones.
By being cautious about toxic plants and opting for faux alternatives, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor greenery without compromising the safety of your house pets and young children.
I love the quality of faux plants at Pottery Barn. This gorgeous faux potted olive plant or this Faux Mixed Delphinium Bundle will look amazing on an entry table, next to the fireplace or on a console table.
Play with Textures
Texture plays a crucial role in creating a cozy yet summery atmosphere. Mix and match textures like lightweight linens, rattan or wicker accents, and cotton throws to add depth and visual interest to your space. Consider adding a woven rug under your coffee table or layering textured cushions on your sofa for a relaxed summer look.
- Lightweight Linens: Incorporate lightweight linens into your decor, such as linen curtains, bedding, or slipcovers for furniture. Linen's natural texture and breathable quality make it perfect for summer, adding a touch of elegance and airiness to your space.
- Rattan or Wicker Accents: Introduce rattan or wicker accents to bring a coastal or tropical feel to your decor. Consider rattan chairs, wicker baskets, or side tables with woven textures that add warmth and a relaxed vibe to your living space.
- Cotton Throws: Add cotton throws in soft, summery colors like pastels or light neutrals to your sofa or armchairs. Not only do cotton throws provide comfort on cooler evenings, but they also contribute to the cozy and inviting atmosphere of your home.
- Woven Rug: Place a woven rug under your coffee table or in the center of your living room to anchor the space and add texture. Choose a natural fiber rug like jute or sisal for a casual yet sophisticated look that complements the summer theme.
- Textured Cushions: Layer textured cushions on your sofa or seating area to create depth and visual interest. Mix and match cushions in different patterns, textures, and sizes, such as knitted, embroidered, or printed designs, to add personality and a relaxed summer vibe to your seating area.
By incorporating these texture recommendations into your decor, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that reflects the relaxed and airy feel of summer. Experiment with different textures, colors, and patterns to achieve a personalized and stylish look that suits your taste and enhances the summery ambiance of your home.
This throw from Pottery Barn provides the perfect finishing touch with its beautiful patterns and colors, adding a touch of elegance and style to any space.
Embrace Coastal and Tropical Themes
For a true summer vibe, consider incorporating coastal or tropical themes into your decor. Hang a beach-inspired artwork above your mantel, display a collection of tropical plants on your shelving units, or add a few pineapple or palm leaf decor accents to your tabletops. These elements will transport you to a seaside paradise right in your living room. How to keep continuity throughout the house when refreshing décor:
Strategically placing coastal elements throughout your house not only brings continuity and airiness but also provides an easy theme to carry out throughout the home. Here's how you can do it effectively:
Start with the Entryway:
- Create a welcoming coastal vibe right from the entryway. Place a driftwood mirror or a framed beach print on the wall.
- Add a woven basket for keys and mail, and place a small potted palm or succulent near the door to introduce greenery.
Living Room:
- In the living room, focus on light and breezy colors for walls, furniture, and accessories. Use a neutral sofa with blue or green throw pillows.
- Incorporate coastal elements like a rattan coffee table, seashell or coral decor on shelves, and a sisal rug for texture.
- Hang sheer curtains to allow natural light to filter in, enhancing the airy feel of the space.
Dining Area:
- Carry the coastal theme into the dining area with a wooden dining table and chairs. Add a centerpiece of beach-themed items like a glass bowl filled with sand, shells, and candles.
- Use placemats or table runners in blue and white stripes or sea-inspired patterns for a subtle nod to the coast.
Kitchen:
- Keep the kitchen bright and fresh with white or light-colored cabinets and countertops. Display coastal-inspired dishware or artwork on open shelves.
- Hang woven pendant lights above the kitchen island or dining table to add a touch of natural texture.
Bedroom:
- Create a serene coastal retreat in the bedroom with a white or light-colored bed frame and bedding. Add blue or green accent pillows and a cozy throw blanket.
- Incorporate beach-themed decor such as a driftwood headboard, seashell-shaped lamps, or framed beach photography on the walls.
Bathroom:
- Keep the bathroom light and airy with a coastal color palette of blues, greens, and whites. Use a shower curtain or bath mat in a beachy pattern.
- Add coastal accents like a seashell soap dish, beach-themed wall art, or a woven basket for storing towels.
Outdoor Spaces:
- Extend the coastal theme to outdoor spaces like patios or decks. Use outdoor furniture in natural materials with blue or white cushions.
- Add potted plants like palms, succulents, or flowering coastal plants to create a lush and inviting outdoor oasis.
By strategically placing coastal elements throughout each room, you create a cohesive and harmonious theme that enhances continuity, airiness, and the relaxed vibe of coastal living throughout your entire home.
Our coastal decor fits beautifully in various spaces, including the fireplace mantel, living room coffee table, entry table, and more, adding a touch of seaside charm to every corner of my home.
Lighting and Accessories
Don't forget about lighting and accessories to complete your summer-inspired look. Opt for light, sheer curtains that allow natural light to filter through, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Add lanterns, string lights, or colorful candles to your mantel or shelves for a cozy evening glow that complements the summer mood.
When picking lanterns and string lights for the mantel, consider the following tips to ensure they complement the overall decor and create a cozy atmosphere:
- Style and Theme: Choose lanterns and string lights that align with the style and theme of your mantel decor. For a coastal theme, opt for lanterns with a weathered or distressed finish in blue, white, or natural wood tones. String lights with seashell or starfish accents can also enhance the coastal vibe.
- Size and Proportion: Consider the size and proportion of the lanterns and string lights in relation to your mantel. Avoid oversized lanterns that overpower the space or string lights that are too long for the mantel. Opt for lanterns that fit comfortably on the mantel without overcrowding it.
- Lighting Effect: Pay attention to the lighting effect you want to achieve. Lanterns with clear glass panels or open designs allow the light to shine through, creating a warm and inviting glow. Choose string lights with soft, warm white LEDs for a cozy ambiance.
- Placement: Arrange the lanterns and string lights strategically on the mantel. Place lanterns at varying heights for visual interest, using books or risers to elevate smaller lanterns. Wind string lights around the lanterns or drape them along the mantel for a charming effect.
- Seasonal Elements: Consider incorporating seasonal elements into the lanterns and string lights for added versatility. For example, during the summer, you can fill lanterns with beach sand and small shells or place LED candles inside for a beachy feel. In the winter, add pine cones, faux snow, or miniature ornaments for a festive touch.
- Safety: Ensure that the lanterns and string lights are safe to use indoors and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and usage. Use LED lights for energy efficiency and to avoid heat-related issues, especially if the mantel is near flammable materials.
By considering these factors and selecting lanterns and string lights that complement your mantel decor and personal style, you can create a beautiful and inviting focal point that enhances the ambiance of your living space.
Consider these lanterns from Wayfair, with their varied sizes and versatile design, are a beautiful addition suitable for various decor styles, perfect for showcasing your favorite candles.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the season. By refreshing your home decor with light colors, natural elements, playful textures, and thematic accents, you can create a space that embodies the carefree spirit of summer. Embrace the summer vibes and let your home become a sunny sanctuary for relaxation and enjoyment.