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Summertime is approaching—time to let in the sunshine! And that means updating your home both inside and out with the best summer decorating ideas. These are all easy DIY projects that you can do no matter your skill set. Think: updating throw pillows, picking some wildflowers, and refreshing your table settings. Or if you want to spend a little more time, you could craft some new artwork or add some floral wallpaper.
Maybe you want to add a pretty summer wreath to your front door to greet your guests, or maybe you want to repaint your chairs to fit with the rest of your patio décor. Choose one idea or use them to upgrade a whole room! That's the beauty of this list: You can mix and match or make a day of it with summer crafts. Otherwise, go all out with the patriotic decorations. After all, you've got both the 4th of July and Labor Day to celebrate, so you could lean into red, white, and blue colors all season long.
There are lots of bright colors that feel like a touch of pure sunshine, and of course, a few sunroom ideas to let in all the natural light. Living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms―they all deserve an update that's affordable and easy to change once fall rolls around.
Why stop there? Keep scrolling through these fun ideas:
Freshen up your everyday meals and summer gatherings with vibrant dinnerware! Think: bright colors and pretty florals. Pair them with colorful napkins and playful glassware to elevate the look even further.
With a few simple decorations, you can make any windowsill a cheerful spot perfect for soaking in those sunny views! Along with breezy curtains, add touches of greenery in pretty vases, candles, books, figurines or even seasonal seashell arrangements.
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Create a Centerpiece
Sugar & Cloth
There's no better way to highlight the essence of summer than with florals. They also make for a fabulous centerpiece! Combine fresh-picked blooms, colorful wildflowers, or tropical leaves in a bold vase or rustic basket to set the summertime tone.
Boho is trending big this season! Embrace the look with earthy tones, macramé hangings, geometric patterns, woven rugs, and rattan furniture for a cozy and carefree feel. Layer in colorful throw pillows and leafy plants to add even more personality.
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Utilize Seasonal Scents
Walmart
Fill your home with the scents of summer for a refreshing and relaxing touch! Opt for candles, diffusers, wax warmers, or potpourri with fragrances like floral, citrus, coconut, or fresh linen to really make your space feel like a summer escape.
Take a cue from Ree and bring rustic charm to your summer spaces with farmhouse décor! You'll want to add distressed wood accents, galvanized metal planters, and soft neutral tones paired with pops of color and greenery. For even more summer flair, include mason jar flower arrangements and vintage signs.
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Try Seasonal Textures
The Turquoise Home
Bring on the breezy, beachy vibes with summery textures such as rattan and wicker! From woven baskets and light fixtures to chic furniture and tablescapes, these natural materials add warmth and charm to any space.
Here's an easy, delicious way to freshen up your kitchen or dining table courtesy of The Pioneer Woman. Pretty ceramic bowls, woven baskets, or glass dishes fill with fresh lemons, limes, oranges, or even tropical treasures like pineapples and mangoes will add both a pop of color and a lovely aroma.
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Bring Out New Bedding
Room for Tuesday
It's time to swap out heavy blankets for crisp, breathable linens or cotton in bright colors and playful prints. Add a few throw pillows in summery hues and a lightweight quilt for the perfect balance of style and comfort.
Planters are perfect for patios, windowsills, and cozy corners that need a seasonal refresh. Mix and match plants with tropical vibes, cascading vines, or sunny blooms for bursts of color.
Don't you love that colorful artwork on the wall? Well, guess what? It's actually the TV! That's right, you can easily download artwork and have it displayed on the screen when you're not watching your favorite show.
Spruce up your stairs with a splash of color or a playful pattern! Use removable wallpaper for an easy upgrade—when you're ready for a new look, simply peel it off.
Wait, plants in the bathroom? Yes! You'll likely add some gorgeous greenery to your indoor and outdoor space this summer, so don't forget the bathrooms. It's an easy refresh, and plus, watering them will take no time at all.
Whether you get a hanging egg chair or a freestanding one, the open construction will feel airy and yet cozy at the same time. Curl up on your porch or snuggle up with a great book in your living room. Either way, go with an egg!
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Swap Out Your Placemats
Walmart
You don't need to swap out your dinnerware to change up your tablescape. Nope, just add a few new placemats like these jute bestsellers, and you'll have a new, vibrant look in just a few minutes!
Taking your existing pieces and putting them in a different spot really can do wonders. Plus, it's super affordable! Just make sure you buy whoever helps you move the furniture some dinner as a thank you.
Match the energy of your plants with a colorful planter! This DIY soda crate has such vintage summer vibes and basically just requires a little paint to create.
Pick a pretty summer pattern and cover your dining room or kitchen chairs. It's a relatively quick way to update your color scheme without having to replace your furniture.
Make sure you always have a little staycation ready by creating a colorful reading nook. Add it to a patio or maybe in a spare room, giving you a place to escape even if you're at home.
Be it a bath mat, door mat, or kitchen mat (or all three!), swapping your existing options for something bold is a quick way to add color. You can buy one, of course, or you can have some fun and DIY a loop mat yourself.