Home Decorating Tips for This Summer

You do not have to go crazy and spend a fortune to get your summer home. A few basic changes will give you the look you want now and easily transform it when summer is over. Come along with us, and let us show you some easy ways to brighten your look.

Clear It Out

Through the cold months, our home becomes a place to get cozy. We have throws draped over the corners of the sofa and chairs, matched with plush throw pillows. It is time to pack these items away. Buy some bright throw pillows. Solids are fine, or buy pillows with sunflowers or daffodils stitched on them. This is a great look if you have leather furniture. It is hard to lighten the impact of chocolate leather for a summer look.

Floors

Your hardwood floors are lovely. If you want to prepare them for summer, you will want to put a large rug on the main part of the floor. Light tan, dark cream, or shades of green or gray can bring your room to life and protect your floor from summer traffic and grime. Before you begin, take a good look at your flooring. Are there scratches, scuffs, and discoloration? Regardless of whether it's engineered or hardwood floors, if there are imperfections, have your floor repaired.

Windows

People put a lot of effort into selecting their windows' right shape and finish. Your windows play a pivotal role in the decor of your home, so you should avoid department store drapes, blinds, or shutters.

Cover your windows with custom-made blinds or drapes. They will not be too short or too long. You have many window treatments you can't get anywhere else. Summer is the perfect season for wooden blinds with matching valances. The simple act of removing fabric (just like we did in the room) gives the look of a wide open space, perfect for summer. When the weather begins to cool in the fall, you can change to flowing drapes made specifically for your windows.

Wall Galleries

Wall galleries are very popular right now. Photos of family, ancestors, and friends make your house look like a home. You can break up the photos with prints of flowers, the sea, or wildlife. Prepare a place to stage your photos. Mix and match the frames. Leave room for a focal point.

Years ago, people would spend a lot of money and a lot of time waiting for an artist to create an heirloom-quality painting. Today, though, services like Instapainting help alleviate this process. A master artist will then paint the image on canvas in oil paint. You can also use watercolors, pencil, or caulk. When your painting is complete, they ship it to you. This makes a great gift for yourself or others.

This year's colors are more feminine. Pastels, blues, blue-gray, and neutrals will cover the walls. Stay away from the farmhouse look. That trend is on its way out.

Fireplace

There are many very nice fireplace screens you can place in front of the fireplace. Some have beautiful metal designs. Place beautiful metal candle holders. Lighting the candles is a safe and effective way to use the space.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most used room in the house. While you are sprucing things up for summer, deep clean as you go. This is the perfect time to paint your cabinets. Wooden cabinets painted white make the room look larger and brighter.

Plants

Last year, we all wanted a rainforest in our kitchens and bathrooms. That trend is not dead, but it has been scaled back considerably. Keep your counter space open. Use hanging plant holders for the few plants you want to hang.

Of course, every cook needs a fresh herb garden. Place your herbs in small clay pots that are easily watered. When you have watered and cared for them, place the pots into a decorative wooden crate or a metal basket. This makes a pretty display in your kitchen window.

Patio

Grow a few plants on your patio as well. Plant some peppermint, basil, citronella, or lavender. Your patio will look and smell great; all these plants repel mosquitoes. Add an indoor-outdoor rug. If your outdoor furniture is wicker or wooden, paint it fresh.

These are little tips that have a huge impact on the look of your home. Small things like a duvet cover and pillow covers in the bedroom, or adding mirrors to make the rooms look larger, are inexpensive while they brighten the room. Use these tips and when the weather begins to chill this fall, you will have only minor adjustments to blend your seasonal decor.