The good vibes of summer are unlike any other time of year, urging you to get outside and soak in every minute of the warm weather. Kent Larick, our Visual Merchandiser, described it as wanting to “celebrate and feel like you are on a vacation or at a beautiful resort.”

Even when you’re at home, you don’t want the celebration to end. Luckily, you can bring that energy into your space. With a little help from Kent and our Merchandising Manager, Laura Nickerson, you can transform your home into a relaxing summer oasis. Read more below!

Home design for the summer season: indoor living

Giving the inside of your home a refresh can help you ride that summer high all throughout the season, even on rainy days. To start, you may want to consider the overall feel of your space:

“It’s nice to scale back and pare down spaces if possible, giving a less heavy look and keeping things light and airy,” Kent said.

When it comes to furniture, materials like wicker, rattan, and bamboo that are commonly used outdoors can also work indoors. As for decor, Laura suggested:

“Fresh colors in your decor, such as new pillows, throws, or table top accessories (bud vases, bowls, or a set of coasters for your cocktail table), are easy to add with minimal expense. Switching out art can be an easy update as well: fun colors, seasonal landscapes or seascapes, and the color or wood tone of the frame can lighten and brighten a space with little effort.”

Greenery is another option that helps maintain that light, airy feel while decorating your home with natural elements.

“I love adding in more plants: some potted palms (like a majesty or cat palm) and vases of fresh cut flowers,” said Kent.

Home design for the summer season: the great outdoors

If you have an outdoor space, it’s likely that this is your go-to spot during the summer. Similar to the inside of your home, it should reflect your lifestyle and personal taste. It’s also an opportunity to expand upon your interiors or lead out into your backyard so you have an open area for entertaining.

“Outdoor spaces have evolved to include more luxury furniture pieces like fully slipcovered seating with an array of toss pillows, outdoor rugs and lighting, and accessories like garden stools, floor pillows, and throws,” explained Laura. “Updating your outdoor space to be as comfortable as your indoor living or dining room will expand your living area and you will truly enjoy your time spent outdoors.”

Design elements for outdoor spaces

As you’re preparing your patio, balcony, or deck for the summer months, you’ll want to consider its size and intended purpose. Groups of seating or a dining set may be necessary if you like to host, and additional chairs or loungers are ideal for reading, tanning (safely!), or just hanging out. Another option is to create a fire pit area with seating and small tables to place drinks on so you can kick back and relax on summer evenings.

Similar to indoor furniture, you can purchase outdoor sets in a variety of materials and finishes depending on the look you want to achieve (you could even match your indoor and outdoor pieces for a cohesive look).

Lighting is another element to consider, whether in the form of string lights, sconces, or decorative lanterns. Taking advantage of the natural light is always a plus, but you may need additional light once the sun goes down.

Next, you can incorporate color and pattern using throw pillows, outdoor serveware, and rugs. Umbrellas for a dining table or outdoor drapery for a porch or covered space can also add color while providing shade from the hot sun.

Shop now: Outdoor Seating and Outdoor Dining and Occasional

Summer themes: beyond the beach

When it comes to decor, themes can help guide what sort of colors and accessories you use in your space. There’s the obvious nautical/beach theme, but maybe you’re looking for something different that still has a summer vibe:

“Gingham, candy stripe, and scalloped edges are making a comeback,” shared Laura. “Classic patterns that have typically been seen in blues and pinks are popping up in updated colors like peach and soft green.”

Kent offered additional themes:

• Tropical: Bright colors, bold patterns; lots of palm trees, flowers, and planters.

• English Garden: More traditional with metal or wrought iron furniture, light layers and softer colors, and letting your gardens be the focal point.

• Boho/Global: Bamboo, rattan, fun patterns, low seating, lanterns, plants, hammocks, umbrellas, and pillows.

Design your ideal summer space

Come visit us in one of our design centers and chat with a Design Consultant about giving your home a summer makeover. Whether indoor, outdoor, or both, you’ll enjoy summer living in style!