Home Décor Ideas to Bring Summer Inside

December 3, 2004

A change in seasons doesn't require a major interior overhaul. A few quick design modifications could give you a fresh perspective, and you'll be amazed how much a difference these simple techniques can make.

During a free weekend, set aside a few hours to bring summer inside your home. Here's how:

Window Treatments

Change out heavy drapes and replace them with sheers or lighter curtains to let in as many rays of summer sunshine as possible. If you like your current drapes, try changing the valences and tie-backs to a lighter color.

Slipcovers

Re-invent chairs, sofas and ottomans by slipping on slipcovers in summery colors or patterns. Many furniture brands have "one size fits all" slipcovers. Others can customize based on measurements.

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Plants

Begin a small herb garden on a windowsill or patio ledge. To get started, read our herb garden how-to, Herbs are Superb. Terrariums (table top gardens) are popular right now, too. These tiny biospheres are low maintenance and require minimal water.

Another idea: Make a habit of displaying fresh-cut flowers in pretty vases, baskets or other creative holders. Arrange the containers on tables, shelves, bookcases, countertops or ledges all over your home. Or display faux flowers or greenery in a fireplace, which isn't being used anyway.

Not inspired yet? Get creative with twigs, branches and flora collected from your own backyard. A current trend is to display one large leafy branch or flower in a single, oversized vase.

Bedding

Replace dark toned duvet covers and heavy blankets with cotton sheets and throws made in pastels. Consider light floral prints or sharp stripes, too.

ubr body ed img 01 ar052 Making your own duvet cover is easier than you may think. Simply use two large sheets that will fit the size of the comforter or duvet you plan to insert inside (queen, king, etc.). Then sew the sheets together using 2” ribbon around the outer edge leaving an opening to insert a fluffy comforter or duvet. Personalize your duvet cover further by adding a stencil of your initials or other images. Use a stencil shape and craft paint mixed with fabric medium to apply your images.

Lighting

Replace dark lampshades with lightly colored or printed ones. Or hang a mirror adjacent to a window to reflect sunshine and bring in the color from outside. Also: Soften a room's glow by using several light sources instead of relying on just one.

Hangings

Hang seasonal/holiday flower wreaths or greenery baskets on your front door, in your foyer or around your entryway. For example, check out Fabulous Front Door Décor For Fall and modify this wreath to fit a summer holiday. If smaller pieces are more your style, find some container-like, wall-mounted sconces. Disconnect from any electrical sources and re-decorate with faux flora.

Frames

Dark, moody paintings are so November. Change them out for a few months with white-framed mirrors. Or go antiquing and look for white frames made from a variety of materials and styles. When back at home, create a work of art by hanging the frames (sans pictures) as a family on a focus wall or in a long space, gallery style or in an artistic grouping. The result will be your very own eclectic arrangement of summer style.

Simple and easy, these stress-free fixes fit the personality of the season. Get ready to love your new, breezy, summer space.

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