Freshen Up Your Home with Bright Colors and Natural Materials for Summer

Summer has arrived which is a great excuse to freshen up the décor.

With colorful palettes and natural materials, summer interiors evoke a more casual, inviting feel. Warm summer nights and longer sunny days make entertaining more appealing as well.

For these and many other reasons, we recommend a few simple summer decorating ideas:

• Add brighter colors to your color scheme, such as lemon yellow, apple green or tangerine orange. Softer pastels work as well. Instead of repainting all the walls, try some accents such as painting your ceiling a bright color.
• Have two sets of decorative pillows – one for summer; one for winter. Summer pillows should be fresh and fun, with light florals and other patterns.
• Stow away heavy, dark tablecloths. Add a bright table runner for either your coffee or dining room table.
• Reframe personal photos in painted white frames with bright, colorful mats.
• Use slipcovers or decorative throws to bring out more pops of color and brightness.

• Flowers, plants and fresh fruit bring the outdoors in and make your home smell good – and look beautiful. Fill a simple glass bowl with apples or lemons  or place fresh flowers in a sparkling vase every few days.
• Create a summer-inspired centerpiece by filling a tray with white sand and seashells.
• For a natural ambiance, try eco-friendly materials like bamboo, hemp and jute area rugs.
• Replace heavy drapes with sheers or bamboo shades for an open, airy look.
• Clean your fireplace well and then place a plant or floral display inside for a decorative touch.
• Cover your existing comforter with a fresh new duvet. Or better yet, store your comforter and use a colorful cotton coverlet instead.

• Rearrange your furniture. It’s surprising just how spacious a room looks after doing so.
• Purchase new and colorful area rugs, which can alter the look of your room by setting the tone and color palette.
• Change out simple things like place mats, candles and other accessories.
• Less is best. Regardless of the season, it’s always nice to come home to a clean, clutter free house.

Most importantly, get outside and experience the playfulness of summer.

As always, feel free to email me or post to our Facebook page with questions, comments and pictures of your design updates.