As seasons change, the home takes on different functions and needs to fulfill different needs. This is especially true in the Florida heat. Summer is an exciting time that represents an opportunity to revamp your home and reveal different facets of your personality and personal taste.
From large renovation projects to tiny tweaks, there are a million and one things you can do to have your home feeling fresh, stylish, and totally season-appropriate. The below summer interior design tips represent just a fraction of the changes you can make.
After the summer the world was dealt last year, it will come as no surprise that this summer, socializing and having guests over will be high on the agenda for many people. Family coming in from out of town, summer BBQs, garden parties, this summer it's all about being with the people you love.
If you'd like to create the perfect sanctuary for summer soirees, read on for five simple yet practical interior design tips for this year's summer season.
In the fall and winter months, there can be an inclination to batten down the hatches, block out the darkness outside, and get nice and cozy. When the nights are longer and the days are short, this makes perfect sense. But come summer, these instincts should no longer have any place in your design choices.
Instead, summer should be all about keeping things as light, bright, and airy as possible. There are a number of ways to introduce more natural light into your home.
Choose lighter window treatments—do away with any heavy drapes or blinds. Leave all your windows as open as possible, if you need added privacy, choose a light gauze. You can also add more mirrors and other reflective objects into a space: this gives the illusion of space and light even when these elements are limited.
Another way to make your home feel lighter for summer is to choose a lighter color palette for your rooms. White is an enduringly popular interior design choice for summer—and with good reason. Dark colors absorb heat while white colors reflect it, so keeping your house light and also help to keep it cool.
The great thing about white is that you can almost never have too much of it. White bedding, white furniture, white wood: it all ties into that summer aesthetic you're looking to achieve.
If white is a little too sterile for your tastes, you can try only introducing pops of it in more of an accent role. You can also opt for other light colors—like beige, taupe, or pastels. Just be sure to ditch the dark and heavy decor for summer.
Adding new textiles in a room is a subtle change you can make for summer, but when done thoughtfully it can have a big impact. This point echoes the above advice about keeping things light and bright for summer. Think about the textiles you currently have in your home—are they bright and airy or heavy and homey?
Swap out fluffy cushions for floral ones, exchange a big, woolen blanket for a lighter cotton throw. These small changes can make all the difference in a space.
You should also think about the bedding in your home. If you're having visitors, the last thing you want is for them to be sweating through the sheets. Try using linen bedding instead of cotton or synthetic, and consider getting a lighter-weight comforter.
Summer is all about indoor-outdoor living, hence why it's the perfect season to get your outside space in order. You want to create an area that's conducive to socializing and fun to be in. Whether you have a small balcony or a big beautiful backyard, it's all about making the most of what you've got.
If you have a small balcony, introduce plants, make a seating area, and hang string lights to create an intimate and inviting space. If you've got a deck or larger backyard, there's no end to the things you can do. Invest in a new patio set, add in a grilling area or fire pit—you can even create your own outdoor cinema.
If you don't have any outdoor space in your home, don't worry. There are still ways you can bring the outdoors in. Try having more glass installed—roof lights are especially effective—or creating a reading nook beside a window.
One of the best things about summer is that it's when many of the most gorgeous plants happen to be in bloom. Whether you want to plant new bushes, a herb garden, or your own vegetable patch, summer is the perfect time to try your hand as a gardener. Filling your home with beautiful plants adds a touch of life and vibrancy to your living space.
In terms of veggies and herbs that can handle the Florida heat, you've got basil, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and rosemary, to name just a few. If you'd prefer fresh flowers, the Canna, Jacobinia, and Oyster Plant are all great options.
If you're not much into gardening, great news! You don't have to let that stop you. Artificial plants have come a long way in recent years, and as long as you pick the right kinds, you can have the perfect flowers decorating your home all summer long.
Hopefully, these summer interior design tips will provide sufficient inspiration for you to transform your home into the perfect summer hangout. If you're still seeking some guidance on the best way to switch up your home this summer, we would be happy to help.
Get in touch today to see how we can help to make your design dreams a reality.
1001 Brickell Bay Dr
Suite 2700 N-3
Miami, FL 33131