Summer Decor Made Simple: 23 Easy Ideas to Spruce Up Your Home

Summer presents a wonderful opportunity to infuse your living space with a renewed sense of vibrancy and joy. To help you create a sunny paradise, we carefully curated 23 easy and stylish ideas to inspire and uplift your spirits. We've got you covered, from playful pops of color to breezy textiles. So sit back, relax, and join us on a delightful journey toward transforming your home into a summertime sanctuary that radiates tranquility and bliss.

1. Paint the Front Door

📷 hannahscolourfulworld

“Liven up your entrance by painting your front door in a vibrant summer hue,” suggests Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight. One easy and affordable way to refresh the look of your home is by painting your front door. Choose a color that reflects your personality and creates the desired atmosphere. Whether you prefer a bright and energetic yellow, a bold and daring red, or a soothing turquoise, adding a splash of color to your entrance can bring a sense of happiness and comfort to your doorstep.

2. Add Summer Flowers

📷 Agi Raw

“Fresh-cut flowers can significantly impact a room if you want to add color. It's incredible what a vase and blooms can do for a space,” suggests interior designer Alexandria Kochinsky. Whether you opt for warm and inviting color arrangements or go all out with bold and vibrant hues, flowers have the power to instantly lift the mood and make any room cheerful, bright, and playful. Don't limit yourself to real blooms - incorporate floral prints, paint, or even wallpaper to create a garden-inspired ambiance. Not only do flowers add visual appeal, but they also fill the air with a delightful scent, creating a truly sensory experience.

3. Hang a Hammock

📷 vineandvintage

Whether you hang it indoors or outdoors, a hammock is the epitome of relaxation. “Use it to read a book, take a nap, or simply enjoy the warm summer breeze and create a peaceful and relaxing space that's perfect for the summer season,” says Joy Tan of Joy Tan Mindful Living & Design. Imagine swaying gently in the breeze, surrounded by nature, or nestled in your favorite corner indoors. Summer or winter, day or night, hammock hangs are always a good idea.

4. Liven Up with Greenery

📷 Tina Von Neulich

There’s a green friend for everyone, whether it be lush potted plants, hanging baskets overflowing with cascading vines, or cheerful floral arrangements. Not only does incorporating plants into your home decor create a refreshing and lively ambiance, but it's also a fantastic solution for those who can't easily access nature. Whether you have a spacious garden or a tiny apartment, adding leafy companions to your living spaces is a surefire way to elevate your summer vibes.

5. Make Your Backyard Perfect for Entertaining

📷 Christine Higgs

Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to transform your backyard into the ultimate entertaining hotspot! Jennifer Astrop of HA Modern encourages you to “consider how you’d like to use the outdoor and patio space for gathering, dining, socializing, and entertaining” and to “seek outdoor pieces that reflect the same style, grace, and elegance as your indoor spaces.” Set a welcoming glow with lanterns and string lights as the sun sets, creating a magical ambiance for your guests. Don't forget to set up a designated play area with games like cornhole or a volleyball net for some friendly competition.

6. Add Summer Colors

📷 _colorfulhome_

Embrace the soft and delicate charm of pastels, creating an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. Dive into nature-inspired hues, like warm earthy tones and leafy greens, bringing the outdoors in and connecting with the beauty of the natural world. If you're feeling adventurous, go for bright and bold pops of color that instantly energize any space. Adding summer colors is a fun and refreshing way to give your space a lively makeover and breathe new life into it.

7. Go Coastal and Nautical

📷 Emily McAden Interiors

Dive into the summer season with coastal and nautical-inspired decor that will transport you straight to the beach. Embrace soothing seaside blues and pops of ocean colors to infuse your space with a refreshing vibe. Incorporate woven and jute natural materials for a touch of coastal charm, while beach natural elements like seashells bring a hint of the shore indoors. Opt for soft, airy fabrics that allow the gentle summer breeze to flow through, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.

8. Repurpose Old Furniture

📷 houseofedencourt

Repurposing old furniture can be a fantastic way to tell a unique story. “Statement Vintage pieces like the Pepsi chairs here and old vintage pots will add so much character,” states Genie of @houseofedencourt. “Sometimes my budget only allows a little shopping, so I get creative and repurpose items seasonally,” says interior designer Alexandria Kochinsky. “We tend to purchase items and assign one use to them, but it's amazing how creative we can get if we stretch our imaginations.” Don't underestimate the power of "shopping your home" either – sometimes all it takes is moving a piece from one room to another to breathe new life into it.

9. Declutter and Minimalize

📷 interioroverdose

Summer is all about a bright and airy ambiance that instantly lifts your spirits. Opt for clean lines and simple furniture pieces that exude a sense of calmness. Let soft, natural light flood the rooms, and consider painting the walls in neutral tones, like soothing whites or gentle pastels. Embrace the art of decluttering and aim for a clean and organized space where every item has its purpose and place.

10. Update Door Mats

“Upgrade your door mats, both inside and out," mentions Dana Feagles of Revelry Interior Design. "Your door mats probably saw a lot of use after a long, cold winter. The summer is the perfect time to stash those away and bring out fresh door mats that are cleaner, thinner, and visually lighter." You could also some fun prints, bold colors, and unique shapes to personalize your entryway. 

11. Bring in Earthy Textures

📷 Rachel Valente

Bring a touch of nature indoors this summer by incorporating earthy textures into your home decor. Think of materials like jute, rattan, and wood that bring a touch of nature indoors. Earthy colors such as browns, greens, and beige further enhance the organic feel. To amplify the effect, incorporate patterns and prints that mimic the textures found in nature. Pillows, blankets, and art featuring these elements will instantly infuse your space with a relaxed and down-to-earth vibe.

12. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

📷 bohome.plantry

Make the most of sunny days by finally reading those books and magazines you've been meaning to dive into. Then, elevate your reading experience and interior decor by carefully choosing a collection of books to display on your coffee table or bookshelves. Romalyn of @bohome.plantry encourages, “Get your most colorful ones and display them where it stands out!” To complete the ambiance, pair your reading materials with some lush greenery and cozy seating.

13. Add Personality with a Rug

📷 Casa Josephine

Spice up your space with a rug that screams personality! Adding a rug with vibrant colors, playful patterns, or eye-catching prints is an easy way to inject life into any room without overwhelming the space. Whether you opt for a chic checkered rug to create a timeless yet stylish look, a handwoven Moroccan rug for a touch of exotic elegance, a lemon-shaped rug to add a whimsical twist, or a unique and abstract colored rug to make a bold statement, the options are endless. Let your floors be the canvas for creativity, and use rugs for character and charm.

14. Cultivate your Dream Garden

📷 sixat21

Summer is undoubtedly the perfect season to establish a picturesque garden in your backyard. For one, the warm weather provides an ideal environment for flourishing plant life. Additionally, gardening lets you bask in the great outdoors, tending to your plants. Furthermore, your garden can serve as a serene sanctuary where you can unwind, escape from the pressures of daily life, and relish in the splendor of nature. And imagine plucking fresh herbs and spices from your very own backyard to elevate your culinary creations' flavors.

15. Shop Vintage And Second-Hand

📷 Beata Heuman

Step into thrift and local stores, where hidden gems await your discovery—a magnificent antique mirror that adds a touch of elegance or a quirky vintage lamp that becomes the centerpiece of conversation. Decorating with these unique finds adds a touch of individuality to your space, making it truly stand out. It also promotes sustainability by giving new life to pre-loved pieces, which aligns perfectly with the natural and eco-friendly themes of summer interior design. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and create a summer haven that is both timeless and environmentally conscious.

16. Color with Nature-Inspired Summer Hues

📷 Lane McNab

Take inspiration from this dining room by Lane McNab of @lanemcnabinteriors. “Bring the outside in with the natural colors of summer!” says Lane. “Green is the perfect neutral any time of year, but especially in the summertime when you can open up to the outside and let the sunshine in. Take your decorating cues from nature.”

17. Welcome in Natural Light

📷 Simon Zimmermann

“Reposition furniture and rugs to get the most from your morning and evening light,” says Dana Feagles of Revelry Interior Design. “I like to rearrange my layouts to minimize direct sun while maximizing the beauty that natural light can provide.” Consider adding sheer curtains or opting for lighter window treatments to maximize the sunlight's reach. Don't forget to strategically place mirrors to reflect and amplify the natural light, creating a dazzling effect.

18. Incorporate Natural Scents

📷 Intimate Living Interiors

Transform your humble abode into a sensory wonderland with the power of natural scents. “Using natural scents like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint can create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere in your home. Use essential oils, candles, or diffusers to add a touch of fragrance to your space and create a sense of calm and relaxation,” recommends Joy Tan of Joy Tan Mindful Living & Design.

19. Fill the Outdoors with Happiness

📷 happynestinthetropics

Bernadette of @happynestinthetropics explains that “bright, happy colors like pink, green, orange, yellow, green bring out that happy summery vibe” along with “bright patterned textiles” and fun fabrics. Whether you have a green thumb and envision a vibrant garden filled with blooming flowers and lush foliage, or you prefer a cozy lounge area where you can relax with a good book and a refreshing drink or even a charming dining space to host memorable gatherings with loved ones, the key is to decorate what makes you happy.

20. Swap Out Bedding

📷 Bed Threads

As the temperature rises, it’s time to trade in your cozy winter sheets for a summer makeover! Embrace the season by choosing light and airy fabrics that create a breezy and comfortable feel. Pick soft, gentle materials against your skin, allowing you to sink into a cloud of relaxation each night. And don't forget to incorporate warmer colors into your bedding, like sunny yellows or calming pastels, to infuse your space with a touch of summer cheer.

21. Change Cushion Covers

📷 Kate Rose Morgan

“An easy way to refresh your home for summer is by swapping out your cushion covers,” points out Yasmin of @interioroverdose. “Choose covers with floral patterns or in spring-like colors such as pastel pink, lavender, or sky blue. These colors instantly add a fresh and airy feel to your space.”

22. Create a Napping Space

📷 manufaktura_marthy

Ah, the joys of summer—warm weather, long days, and the perfect excuse for indulging in those glorious afternoon naps. Transform your space into a napping nook with options like daybeds, hanging seats, lounge chairs, or even a gently swaying hammock. Embrace the summer breeze as you drift off to the soothing melodies of nature. Because, let's face it, this is the season for slumber. So, grab your favorite book, sink into your comfy spot, and let the summer siestas begin!

23. Decorate with Memories

📷 Megan Nicole

Summer is all about embracing the great outdoors, embarking on exciting travels, and collecting memories that make us smile. “One of the easiest ways to add personality and character to your space is to create a gallery wall,” says Joy Tan. “Gather up your favorite summer memories, from beach photos to vintage postcards, and display them on a wall using colorful frames.”

As you embark on your summer decor journey, don't be afraid to let your creativity shine and have fun with it! For those wanting to take their home transformation to the next level, we suggest downloading the DecorMatters app. Design your dream summer home with ease using this great tool at your fingertips. Unleash your inner designer and transform all of your design ideas into reality. Happy decorating!