We’re already living it, but if you’re in the beginning stages of celebrating summer vacation, check out these 15 easy ways to get your home ready for the season. Pick and choose a few of these summer home decor tips or use some variation of all of ’em!
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1. Remove heavily textured throws and pillows
Mainly the chunky cable knits, furs, and flannels. Linen and crisp cotton are always a safe bet!
Sources: Sofa | Green Linen Pillow | Windowpane Check Pillow | Bone Linen Pillow
2. Add live greenery
Or faux in a pinch. But, my favorite green moments are live — you can grab the bitty green plants from TJs for just a few bucks. Also, while I love live greenery, the full on rainforest vibe with ALL the plants has subsided a bit.
Sources: Console Table | Fluted Side Table | Plant Basket (similar) | White Ginger Jar
3. Change up your candles and air fresheners to warm weather scents.
My first way to welcome/prepare for a season. Always.
Candles: Midnight Blue Citrus | A Thousand Wishes | Sweet Orange & Agave | Champagne Toast | Sugared Lemon Zest | Pink Apple Punch | Blue Orchard Skies | Sundrenched Linen | Coconut Pina Colada | Peach Bellini | Cactus Blossom | Beach Weather | Black Cherry Merlot
4. Remove excessive layers from your bedding
TBH, the foot of my bed is often on the heavier side, but I did lighten things up a bit in terms of color, and the weight of the linens I sleep with are perfect for summer. If you still like a super plush bed, maybe just pay attention to the colors you’re using and if you typically sleep with a duvet, switch to a quilt for the warm months. You can see my full recent bedding change out HERE.
Sources: Belgian Flax Linen Duvet Cover and Shams (white) | Belgian Flax Linen Quilt (soft gray) | Striped Throw Pillows (left and right) | Checked Throw Pillow (middle) | Chunky Knit Blanket | Bed (similar) | Glass Lamp | Grey Three-Drawer Chest | Rattan Tissue Box Cover (similar) | Area Rug | Sherpa Storage Bench | White Bead Chandelier
5. Change out dining centerpieces to airier and simpler arrangements
Nothing too fussy, formal, or frou-frou.
Sources: Wood Bead Chandelier | Dining Table (48′ Diameter) | Dining Chairs (pebble) | Sideboard | Primrose Mirror (gold; 5′) | Round Jute Rug (7 x 7′) | Large Black Bowl | Terracotta Beaded Garland | White Stoneware Vase | Faux Magnolia Branches | Brass Candle Holders (similar)
6. Switch out hand towels
Start crisp and clean for summer with tassels and fringe. As you probably already know, THESE are my favorite and most are $4-$5 and ship straight from Turkey!
7. Clean out the fridge and freezer to make room for lighter grocery fare
Get ready for salad makings and big bowls of cookout leftovers!
Sources: 10″ Lazy Susan | Reversible Beverage Mat | Handle Bin | Lidded Egg Crate | Salad Spinner | Stackable Wine Holder | Narrow Bins
8. Ready your fruit bowl/basket
Make sure you have a fruit bowl or basket ready and on the counter for fresh tomatoes and fruit and a berry colander in the fridge for summer berries.
Sources: Woven Leather Backless Counter Stool | Rattan Bowl | Runner (2.5’x10′) | Backsplash Tile | Drawer Pulls (champagne bronze 6 5/16″) | Drawer Pulls (champagne bronze 5 1/16′) | Cabinet Knobs (champagne bronze 1 5/16″) | Dutch Oven (7.25 qt) | Dutch Oven Gold Knob (large) | Textured Spoon Rest | Utensil Crock | White Cheese Board | Olive Oil Bottle | Olive Wood Salt Keeper | Counter-Depth Refrigerator | Range Hood Insert
Sources: Scalloped Wooden Bowl | Black Bowl (similar)
9. Polish that silver
If you have it, that is 😉 Wipe that patina and tarnish away that makes it feel more of a hibernation house, and make your metals shine like new for summer. THIS is the polish cream my family has always used and it’s never let us down 😉
Sources: Framed Art Print (40″x30″; gilded wood frame) | Dining Chairs (similar) | Viburnum Centerpiece | Rug (natural; 8’x10′) | Chandelier | Faux Tree | Reindeer Moss | Lamps | Dining Table – RH (similar)
10. Switch out family photos on display to summer family memories
It’s guaranteed to put you right into vacay mode! It’s also an easy way to switch up seasonal memories (just keep the photos behind one another in the frame!) and is an affordable way to decorate wall space. For 10 ideas in decorating large walls, visit THIS post.
Sources: 11 x 14″ Picture Frames with Mat | Felt Heart Wreath (similar)
11. Add in the woven woods
Rattan and wicker decor is great for this time of year. If you have it, switch to it! It’s even an easy way to warm up (and disguise) functional things like tissue boxes and remote control holders.
Sources: Rattan Tissue Box Cover (similar) | Round End Table
12. Reinvent what you already have with a paint job
If you have decor pieces you love but don’t love the color/finish, give them a fresh coat of lighter paint. My favorite versatile spray paint is THIS primer & paint in one and I most often use the flat and satin finishes!
Remember…shop from your home first if you are making any changes.
13. Breathe easier with a full house clean!
Include baseboards, wall smudges, light switch plates, door tops and hinges.
Sources: Turntable – 12″ | Clean Freak | Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner | Clear Bins from The Home Edit 8-pc Organizing System | Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths | Silver Polish | Magic Erasers | Riser Shelf | Label Maker
14. Minimize & Simplify Your Surroundings
If it feels like there’s too much going on, it’s the perfect time to pare down by removing some of your decor. Start on your surfaces and prioritize all the functional items. You can find a full post on what/how to minimize to lessen the physical and visual clutter HERE.
Sources: Iron Chandelier | Area Rug | Sofas | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Leather X Bench | Coffee Table | Round Accent Table | Lidded Basket | Cement Vase on Hearth | Faux Magnolia Stems (7 in this arrangement) | Brass Party Bucket on Hearth | Large Wood Wall Art | Green Linen Pillows | Striped Pillow 1 (similar) | Striped Pillow 2 | Rattan Tray | Rattan Tissue Box Cover (similar) | Clock | Fringed Throw | Teddy Bear Throw
15. Get Your Outdoor Storage In Check
Getting your house ready for summer extends beyond the indoors! You can see all the ways I’ve corralled our outdoor and pool storage in THIS post, full of professional and DIY ideas.
Sources: Storage Box
Have you made any changes (tweaks, major, or otherwise) for the summer season? I hope it’s off to a great start for you all!
Hello Kelly!
Could you please tell me what color your kitchen cabinets and wall color are? Beautiful home! Thanks
Hi Melissa, Thank you for visiting! My kitchen cabinets color is Agreeable Gray and the wall color is Alabaster. Here’s a link to my kitchen makeover reveal post with lots more details and pics.
https://kelleynan.com/agreeable-gray-kitchen/