Four Tips to Get Your Home Décor Summer Ready

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy,” or so goes the George Gershwin lyrics of the opera “Porgy and Bess.” Everyone looks forward to the season of warm weather and outdoor entertaining. You’ll want to infuse the spirit of sunshine throughout your summer home décor — both in your house and backyard. The good news is this process is simple and requires easy techniques such as adjusting furniture, bringing out lighter fabrics and plants, and changing up the accessories and artwork.

“In winter, creating a cozy home where you can snuggle on cold, snowy days is a welcome reprieve,” said Katie Barton, head of cleaning and home improvements at Home Edit in Cincinnati, Ohio. “But when you’re transitioning into summer, it’s all about removing things and rearranging them for a light and fresh feel.”

Photo credit: Nipanan Lifestyle/Pexels
Here are four steps to getting your home ready:

Step 1: Declutter and clean your space

Decluttering is simple to complete but sometimes takes a bit of time. “My favorite way to declutter without overwhelm is to work in zones,” suggested Barton. “Pick one zone, like your closet, for example, and work on it until complete, even if it takes you several days.

If an entire closet seems impossible, try breaking the job into smaller task — maybe clearing off one shelve per day. An alternate way of decluttering is to use a timer, recommended Barton, which works well for unmotivated cleaners. “Pick a certain amount of time, like 10 or 20 minutes per day, set a timer and declutter as much as you can until the timer goes off,” she said. “Over time, these 10-minute decluttering sessions can make a massive difference in your house.”

In between decluttering sessions, put away thick throw blankets and any winter décor, and start your spring cleaning. Begin with a thorough scrubbing of kitchens and bathrooms, and dusting of all the furniture.

Remember to clean the high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches and countertops — and regularly gives these areas care throughout the summer. “Use a multi-purpose cleaner to wipe them down regularly,” recommended Kamil Kozorys, an interior designer and co-founder at Unique Tiles, a custom tile company in the U.K. “Your floors will also benefit from a deep clean, especially with all the outdoor traffic during summer. I recommend using a steam mop for a quick and efficient clean.”

Don’t forget the windows, too, so you can capitalize on all that natural light. “You'll feel much better about opening the blinds and curtains if the windows are clean!” said Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux, an antique store in Alexandria, Virginia.

Photo credit: Gantas Vaičiulėnas/Pexels

Step 2: Rearrange your furniture and accent pieces

Once your house becomes clutter-free, move around your furniture and decor for a fresh look. Something as simple as swapping out art in different rooms can make each area feel lighter and fresh. Wright recommended swapping out heavy draper for lighter weight linen or cotton and opting for naturally woven rugs, such as sisal, seagrass or jute, instead of wool ones.

Bring brightness onto your table with seasonal appropriate linens and fresh flowers. Replace your winter throw blankets for lighter weight and sunnier options. “You can also swap out dark throw pillows for ones with pops of color or pattern,” said Kozorys.

You should also rearrange your furniture. Create an open, airy layout by moving items to enhance flow and light penetration, suggested Sarah Fletcher, CEO of Flower Delivery. You may also want to introduce a new piece or two. “If I had to choose one must-have accessory for this summer, it would be a rattan or wicker piece,” offered Kozorys. “It's a timeless trend that brings a natural and relaxed feel into any space.”

Photo credit: Mostera/Pexels

Step 3: Bring out the plants

Nothing says summer like flowers and plant life. Some low-maintenance houseplants such as golden pothos, areca palms, the snake plant or the ZZ plant gives your home a bit of greenery — something that will bolster your mood and purify your air.

Potted herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil are also great (and delicious) additions to your home during summer, said Kozorys.

Step 4: Get your backyard ready

Once the inside space is perked up, it’s time to move toward the great outdoors. Start with your summer furniture. “Check for any wear and tear,” said Fletcher. Then clean it with appropriate solutions — mild soap for wicker and vinegar for metal pieces to avoid rust, she recommended. You can use the power washer on sturdy material.

If your furniture’s material isn’t UV protected, consider using protective covers UV-resistant sprays. “Avoid placing furniture directly under trees where bird droppings or sap could cause damage,” said Fletcher.

Do cover or bring in furniture during any extreme weather situations and make sure it dries out appropriately when it gets wet through rain or humidity.

We love the summer. Check out our other handy posts on glamping with style, making your backyard spectacular and how to create a cutting garden.