The weather is warming up and that means one thing: it’s time to refresh your home for the summer! A few simple changes can make all the difference in making your home feel new again. Plus, you can do most of these things on a budget.
Introduce the new season of summer with these simple tips and ideas, and who knows? You might be inspired to do some summer entertaining while you get your home summer-ready.
In this article, I’ll give you 10 ways to refresh your home for the summer months. Some are no-cost options and others have a low cost, but either way, they will help you achieve the look you want without breaking the bank.
When your home looks and feels the way you want it, you’ll feel better about yourself, too.
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No Cost Summer Refresh
If the budget just won’t allow for any expenditures, there are definitely some ways to freshen up your home for the summer without reaching for the checkbook. Here are five ways to create a lighter, brighter, fresher overall feel in your home.
Let the fresh air in
One of the great things about summer is that the weather is finally warm enough to open up the windows and let in some fresh air. Not only does this help to cool down your home, but it can also help to clear out any musty odors that have been trapped inside all winter.
I love the smell of the fresh air, the scent of a freshly mowed lawn, as well as hearing the birds sing. There’s nothing better in my little world.
Give those windows a cleaning while you’re at it, including the window sills. And the best part is that it doesn’t cost a thing!
Declutter
Another way to freshen up your home for summer is to declutter. Take advantage of the warmer weather to go through your closets and get rid of any clothes or other items that you no longer need or use. Not only will this make your home look neater, but it will also make it easier to find things when you need them.
Pay particular attention to the winter wardrobe, winter blankets, and other cold-weather items. If it’s time to part with them, decide whether to donate, sell, or recycle. As a last resort, toss. But, just having those heavy fabrics and dark colors out of sight will lighten up your home, and your spirit!
A good cleaning
Another easy way to change your home’s look for summer is to clean. It’s not the most glamous of tasks, but if you’re searching for low or no-cost ways to refresh your home for summer, cleaning will always be on the list.
Not only will this make your home look and feel better, but it will also be easier to clean going forward.
Remove the wintery items
Give your living room, dining room, bedrooms, and office area a long, slow look. Check out every piece of furniture and fabric in the space.
What can be removed that will lighten and brighten up the space? It could be a pair of accent pillows that are dark and heavy-looking, a dark, heavy lamp, an accent rug that speaks to the winter weather, or even some accessories that weigh the space down.
You don’t have to get rid of them completely, but store them away (similar to the holiday decorations) until the seasons change and the cooler weather moves in.
The best part is this: 99% of the time you don’t have to replace them with anything. That’s right. Just take a nice, deep breath, gaze at the space, and realize that it is lighter and fresher looking simply because a few things have been removed.
Swap out and rearrange
You can also rearrange your furniture and swap out some of the smaller pieces from one room to another, to create a fresh and summery look.
Don’t be afraid to move end tables, accent tables, nightstands, floor lamps, ottomans, mirrors, wall art, etc, to new locations in your home.
And, if you have a collection of unused accent pieces waiting patiently for you to love them again, take some time to check out your own personal furniture inventory and see what you can give new life to for the warmer months.
Mirrors can reflect light and give a room or space an entirely different look, so see what you have to work with and let the light shine in!
Have fun with it and you’ll be amazed at how fresh, cheerful, and summery you can make your house look.
These small changes can make a big difference in how your home feels this summer.
Low-Cost Summer Refresh
If you’re willing to invest a little money into your summer refresh project, there are some beautiful and simple ways to beautify your home for the summer. They can be the perfect follow-up to the no-cost options discussed in the section above.
Fresh flowers, greens, and candles
Warmer weather and longer days bring the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home with some summertime flair. Adding fresh flowers, green plants, and candles are simple ways to give your space a seasonal update.
When choosing flowers, look for blooms that are native to your area or in season. Placing a few vases around your home will instantly brighten up any room. You can also add some green by placing potted plants on shelves or windowsills.
If your area offers a farmer’s market, it is a wonderful way to support local merchants and farmers, shop close to home and find the perfect bouquets, plants, and herbs for your home. Or, head out to your local nursery and see what they have to offer.
Do a little antiquing or check out a flea market for some interesting vases and bowls to hold your blooms and greens.
For a final touch, swap out your heavy winter candles for lighter summer scents like citrus or lavender. This simple refresh will leave your home feeling light, airy, and ready for summer.
Swap out some wall art
You can easily use some new wall decor to refresh your home for the summer. You might want to start by considering what colors you want to use. Summer is a great time to use bright, bold colors. You can also find wall decor that features summertime themes, like flowers or the beach.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always look for inspiration online or in magazines. After you’ve decided on the general look you want, it’s time to start shopping around. You can find wall decor at many different stores, both online and offline.
Another option is to DIY some art using supplies you have around the house. Paintings, drawings, and photographs are all great choices for summer wall decor.
Once you’ve found a few pieces that you love, it’s time to put them up on your walls. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Hang them in different patterns or group them together to create a statement piece. With some new wall decor, you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh, summery look in your home all season long.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a peek at some of these options I’ve curated for you:
Natural textiles
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with natural materials, natural elements, and textiles in your home. Grasscloth wallcoverings can add a fresh, organic look to any room, while raffia and seagrass woven baskets are ideal for storing summer essentials like sunblock and swimsuits. Sisal rugs give an organic, casual vibe wherever they’re placed.
Linen towels and tablecloths are perfect for outdoor entertaining, and cotton rugs can help keep your feet cool on those hot summer days. By incorporating natural textiles into your home décor, you can create a space that feels light, airy, and stylish – perfect for enjoying the warm weather.
Rearrange the coffee table
One easy way to change up your home décor for the summer is to rearrange your coffee table. First, clear off the table completely.
Then, start with a base layer of books that relate to the summer season or warmer climates. For example, you could choose travel books, beach reads, or cookbooks featuring summer recipes. Next, add in a few personal items like family photos or souvenirs from past vacations.
Finally, finish up with a few seasonal accents like seashells, candles, or flowers. With just a few simple changes, you can give your coffee table a summertime makeover that will help refresh your whole home.
Switch out the accessories
Summer is the perfect time to freshen up your home with some new accents.
A couple of new accent pillows in light fabrics and bright summer colors on your sofa or bed can brighten up a room. And if you’re looking for something a little more drastic, consider switching out your winter bedding and heavy drapes for something lighter and brighter. Linen bedding is beautiful, natural, and will make your space feel lighter.
There a many sources for lower cost lamps, and they can be a wonderful way to create a light, fresh, summery look in a room or space. Flip through this LookBook of some fun and funky options from Wayfair:
Summer is also a great time to add a new rug or two. You can find rugs in every color and pattern imaginable, so it’s easy to find one that matches your style. Just a few small changes can add personality and make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!
Conclusion: Create a Fresh, Summer Vibe in Your Home
With just a few simple changes, you can give your home a summer makeover that will help refresh your whole space. By swapping out some wall art, using natural textiles, and rearranging the coffee table, you can create a fresh, summer vibe in your home that will last all season long.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! With a little effort, you can enjoy a sunny, summery home all season long.
What are your favorite tips for refreshing your home for summer? Share them in the comments below!
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Thank you Candi. I’m decluttering my house and I needed something like this
Hi Susan, I’m glad this was a timely topic for you! Thanks for taking the time to comment.