Summer has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your home’s decor to match the warmer months. Whether you’re looking to update your indoor or outdoor spaces, here are six budget-friendly summer decorating tips from designers that you shouldn’t overlook.
Display New Vases and Vessels: Use the summer season as an opportunity to purchase new vases and vessels for both indoor and outdoor display. Leah Alexander, founder of Beauty Is Abundant, suggests, ‘Pairing vibrant blooms with new unique vessels adds interest and fresh perspective.’ Maggie Clarke, founder of Maggie Clarke Interiors, recommends sourcing vintage flowerpots from estate sales or flea markets for stylish finds. For arranging pots, Clarke advises, ‘Something tall in the middle, something colorful as the second layer, and something that will spill over the side on the outsides.’ Create a Cozy Outdoor Spot: Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, reminds us that outdoor areas serve more than just entertaining; they’re perfect for lazy summer days. She loves to create cozy outdoor areas for everyday moments, such as relaxing with a glass of wine or reading a book. Jess Harrell, founder of The Styled Domicile, suggests treating your outdoor space like a living room and being thoughtful about accent pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Oholendt also recommends including cordless lamps for added ambiance as dusk falls. Bring in Lighter Colors: To make your space feel light and airy during the summer months, Brianna Untener, founder of Brianna Scott Interiors, advises putting away heavier fall or winter-like throw blankets and pillow covers and bringing in lighter tones. Purchase Colorful Drinkware: Even small home upgrades like switching to colorful drinkware can make your space feel more seasonal and festive. Alexander says, ‘Colorful drinkware is another relatively easy way to up the ante on summer energy and make cocktails, mocktails, and sparkling water sing.’ Kelsey Haywood, founder of Haywoodmade Interiors, suggests going the extra mile by adding woven coasters to dress up indoor cocktails.Designers say there are six budget-friendly summer decorating tips you shouldn’t overlook. One tip is to try area rugs outdoors. Draw inspiration from your indoor space and add an area rug to your patio or screen porch to make it feel more complete and welcoming. Alison Haltom, the founder of Design for Living by AH, mentions that there are great outdoor rug options that can withstand the elements and are easily cleaned. Their favorites are recycled polyester rugs without a lot of texture or pile for easier maintenance. It’s time for a barefoot summer! @s.u.s.a.p / Instagram
Another tip is to enjoy a new scent. Just like changing your perfume for the season, you should consider enjoying a new home fragrance during summer. Oholendt shares that changing your home’s scent seasonally allows you to introduce new notes that are more fitting for the warmer months. For example, a citrus or coastal scent can set a brighter ambiance. Oholendt says whether by a scent-dispensing smart plug-in or adding a candle to burn during summer hosting, to celebrate a clean home on a weekend, or just an average Thursday evening, switch up your existing scent routine by swapping for a new lighter, fresh scent.