Summer Home Refresh: 8 Tips to Transition Your Home from Spring to Summer in Style
Spring had its moment—cue the tulips and rainy days—but now it’s summer’s turn to shine. That means it’s time to swap out those cozy throws and pastel florals for something a little sunnier, lighter, and yes, way more fun. For a summer home refresh, think breezy linens, bold pops of color, and spaces that feel like a vacation you never have to pack for.
Whether you’re a summer lover in your home in Broken Arrow, OK, trying to survive the heat in your apartment in Wake Forest, NC, or are embracing the bright colors in your rental home in Spring Hill, TN, these tips will help you give your home that effortless seasonal glow-up. Ready to bring the sunshine in? Let’s get started.
In this article:
1. Swap out the heavy textures
2. Incorporate the season’s florals
3. Spend time refreshing your outdoor space
4. Bring the outdoors in
5. Embrace the coastal vibe
6. Rearrange your furniture
7. Try out a fresh paint color
8. Trade out the dark colors for lighter ones
1. Swap out the heavy textures
As the seasons shift, so should the textures in your home. Begin by stowing away those dense, wintry layers and bring in lighter, more breathable elements that echo summer’s laid-back charm.
“Try swapping out heavy throws for light, colorful cushions and add some bright flowers or potted plants for instant cheer,” suggests Julia Rumenova, lifestyle blogger at Jully’s Place. “A fresh coat of paint or a cute summer wreath can really boost your curb appeal, too.”
And don’t overlook the power of color; “White colors with a slight green tint give the sense of fresh, peaceful feeling,” says Stacey Spear, owner of S&S Painting in Mechanicsville, VA. “Accent the room with new pillows and a plant or two, and you are well on your way.”
2. Incorporate the season’s florals
Summer is nature’s way of showing off, so why not let your home do the same? One of the easiest (and most joyful) ways to welcome the season is by filling your space with fresh, fragrant florals. Whether you’re picking up sunflowers at the market or snipping a few branches from your backyard, it’s all about adding life and color in simple, beautiful ways.
“Give your space a summer home refresh by visiting your local farmers market for fresh produce and vibrant flowers,” says Richelle Wood, founder and creator of The Flower Bar Shop. “Pick up a floral wrap from your favorite local florist, or clip a few blooming branches from your yard for an effortless, organic touch.”
Remy from Labellum Flowers shares a new perspective on a weekly bouquet. “Think of a weekly bouquet as your home’s new best friend, bringing in pops of color, delightful scents, and all the good vibes. It’s like a mini celebration of the season.”
3. Spend time refreshing your outdoor space
Summer is made for slowing down, soaking up the sun, and savoring every breeze, and your outdoor space should reflect that easygoing spirit. “The best way to make your outdoor area feel like a true living room is to create a distinct space,” states interior designer Adriena Daunt at Montana-based Daunt Designs.
“Rather than patio furniture floating in your yard, make use of pavers, decking, outdoor rugs, lighting, and planter boxes to create a visual border for the ‘room’,” Daunt continues. “Then add all the accessories and furnishings you’d use in an interior space such as pillows, throws, and side tables, all in summer interior design colors and textures.”
One easy and impactful way to refresh your setup is by updating your outdoor dining essentials. “A summer home refresh can be as simple as stocking up on outdoor dining ware, think melamine plates and drinking glasses in fun colors and patterns, to get you motivated for those al fresco dinners,” recommends Christina Halverson, founder and lead designer of Allis Interiors. Swapping out your everyday dishware for pieces that are vibrant, durable, and outdoor-friendly not only adds a pop of personality but also makes dining outside feel like a special occasion.
4. Bring the outdoors in
Summer isn’t only for soaking up the sun outside, it’s also the perfect excuse to let the beauty of the season wander indoors.
To do so, Justine Thibault, founder and designer of floral design studio Jae Le Mae, suggests, “Trade heavy textiles for gauzy linen curtains that dance in the breeze, swap out dark vases for hand-thrown ceramics filled with wild, seasonal blooms, and layer in botanical prints or vintage floral tapestries.”
Justine also recommends adding small, thoughtful touches throughout your home—like bowls of fresh citrus on the counter or petite bud vases placed on nightstands, shelves, and even beside the sink—to bring a sense of effortless, organic beauty into every corner.
5. Embrace the coastal vibe
You don’t need to live near the ocean to channel those breezy, staycation-worthy, beach-town vibes at home. A few simple swaps can bring a sense of calm, sunshine, and laid-back charm to your space, no passport required.
“I like to swap out my home scent to a more beachy and coastal vibe,” says Christine, lifestyle blogger behind Tineey. “Switch out dark bedding to lighter colors, I especially love blues and whites. Using a lightweight fabric such as linen ties it all together. I like to add summer-themed decor items, think lemons, nautical or bright colors.”
Her advice is all about creating a sensory experience. Start with a summer scent, then turn to visuals: crisp white sheets, breezy linen throws, and accents in ocean tones like deep blue or sandy beige. In no time, you’ll have a space that feels like a mini vacation.
6. Rearrange your furniture
“Have an alternate furniture layout you’ve always wanted to try? Summer is a great time to shake things up,” states Dominic Competti, owner and principal designer at Competti Residential in Arlington, VA. “Reposition your existing pieces and maybe even experiment with a new rug.”
Play around with creating more open, breezy pathways that make your space feel lighter and freer. Move that side chair to the other side of the room for a fresh angle, or try shifting your sofa so it faces a different view. Don’t forget to pull your dining table closer to those sun-drenched windows, let the light in, and let your space breathe.
7. Try out a fresh paint color
There’s something magical about the way fresh paint can completely transform your home, especially when the season calls for a little extra brightness.
“For a summer home refresh, I’d consider painting,” suggests Melissa Connolly, principal designer at interior design company Authentic Interiors based in Chicago, IL. “Painting your walls can brighten your space like nothing else and painting furniture gives it entirely new life, especially with new hardware.”
Lighter tones are the perfect way to usher in the season. Charles Graves from Charles Graves Painting Company in Northern Virginia adds, “Light, airy colors like soft whites, coastal blues, or warm beiges can completely transform a space and make it feel larger and more inviting.” Whether it’s painting an accent wall, a piece of furniture, or even a door, those soft, breezy colors can open up your home, making it feel more spacious and welcoming, with just a few strokes of the brush.
8. Trade out the dark colors for lighter ones
Summer calls for lighter tones that reflect the season’s easy vibe. It’s time to say goodbye to those heavy, dark colors and welcome the brightness that makes everything feel more alive.
Maria Calleja, journalist and freelance writer, suggests, “Swap out grey blankets and rugs for vivid colored floor coverings in blues, pinks, or greens. Incorporate patterns found in the natural world on your accent pillows or on your walls to freshen up your space. Comforting green leaves or tasteful bird patterns will invigorate your space.”
Bringing in these bright pops of color and natural-inspired prints can instantly lift the mood of any room. With softer tones like seafoam green, coral, or sunny yellows, your space will feel airier, warmer, and ready for summer’s carefree energy.
Bring on the new season with a summer home refresh
A few small changes are all it takes to turn your home from spring to summer. Maybe it’s a pop of citrusy color, some breezy new fabrics, or finally getting the patio guest-ready. Open the windows, let the warm breeze in, and enjoy a space that feels as ready for summer as you are.
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