How to Decorate for Summer
The ultimate guide to prep your space for warmer weather, longer days, and brighter colors.
Popsicles, sunscreen, swimming, sunshine, long days…summer is right around the corner!
I’m a big fan of this seasonal shift when it comes to freshening our spaces because it allows for more fun. And, there are so many ways we can incorporate summer themes and summer decor into our existing spaces - vintage sport and surf memorabilia, striped poolside decor, the list goes on!
Whether you associate summer with late night dinner parties, traveling to a seaside destination, or spending hours at the pool with friends, this guide shares the best ways to add a bit of summer magic into your home.
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1. Play with sunshine colors
Nothing says summertime like shades of yellow and white. I like to swap out linens around the house during major seasonal shifts in small places that still make a big impact. For neutral spaces, opt for muted tones to complement your existing color scheme. If your room is painted a darker moody color, don’t be afraid to go bold with a saturated or neon hue.
This lightweight quilt is ideal for cozy nights. Plus, it’s a breathable throw that won’t make your sleep schedule full of hot flashes.
My obsession with these gingham tomato napkins continues to make an appearance!
Love the hues in this golden yellow basketweave throw blanket.
This bronze striped linen pillow is summery and still elegant.
2. Make hydration fun
Last summer, when our apartment’s window AC unit was already working overtime, my boyfriend and I found a way to stay cool by inventing what we like to call Watermelon Slushie Summer. Almost every day, we’d blend frozen watermelon cubes with pink lemonade for the perfect summer sip. This year, I’m committed to making cooling down even more fun with glassware that brightens hot days.
This green striped ceramic pitcher and light pink glass are perfect for my aforementioned watermelon slushie recipe. No notes.
I may not be in Greece, but I sure will pretend to be with this air bubble glass pitcher and evil eye glass.
An olive glass pitcher and textured amber glass are the perfect hues for neutral decor lovers with a twist.
3. Swap entryway decor
Getting outside as much as possible is my priority these days and by incorporating the essence of summer in our entryways, the transition between indoor and outdoor living is made all the more seamless. Let’s prep for the spontaneity and spirit of outdoor activities this season.
It wouldn’t be summertime if we didn’t keep towels rolled up and ready for beach day right next to our front doors. This striped pool towel is my fav of the season.
This ceramic table lamp is embossed with geometric squares and reminiscent of Mediterranean design.
Hanging vintage tennis racquets gives a nod to the nostalgia of summer camp.
This green onyx dish is the ideal catchall for keys, wallets, and tubes of sunscreen.
An apple green marble candle doubles as a sculpture and elevates any entryway.
You can feel the joy coming from this art print by Mark Feijão Milligan II.
4. Highlight summer-esque coffee table books
Rearranging the coffee table books in your home is an easy way to make the space feel refreshed. If you already have travel or nature-related books, set them front and center on your coffee table or display them on a bookshelf. Otherwise, hit up your local flea market for a vintage treasure or shop our favorites directly.
Yes, I’ve lived in California for 10 years and no, I still haven’t ever surfed. Maybe this surfing coffee table book will change that.
In Los Angeles, it’s pretty much summertime year round. This Los Angeles portrait book showcases LA’s history, beaches, pools, and culture.
Don’t we all need a great escape to Italy? I think so. Mentally check out or find inspiration for your next trip with this Italy coffee table book.
If you’ve ever wanted to read 568 pages about palm trees, now is your time to shine. Botanists unite!
Clearly, I have a Mediterranean vacation on my mind. This Greece coffee table book highlights stunning hotels and breathtaking scenery. Swoon.
5. Make fruit the centerpiece
It’s fruit season people! A large serving bowl filled with seasonal fruits is all you need to decorate your dining table. It’s simple, practical, and allows the jewels of the season to shine. Extra points if you arrange your fruits in the dish by color (IYKYK).
A pop of yellow! A pop of yellow! This yellow speckled bowl is finished with a perfectly imperfect semi-matte glaze.
As Dakota Johnson once said “I love limes. I love them, they’re great.” Put your limes in this whitewash wood salad bowl.
This 100% recycled green glass bowl reminds me of searching for sea glass on the beach.
A hand-painted blue serving bowl is perfect for storing avocados and also pasta salad! You can’t keep pasta salad out as decor but I digress.
This woven rattan scalloped bowl adds texture and dimension.
This aquatic serving bowl captures the essence of childhood summers by the shore.
Don’t forget to put on sunblock! That’s all for now, see you next month! xx
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