Summer is (finally) approaching and as lockdown restrictions are eased, some of us will be looking forward to hosting guests again, or simply enjoying the longer days in the comfort of our homes and gardens. Refreshing your interior to reflect the season is an easy way to bring new life and energy to your home. This doesn't have to be expensive either; with a few clever updates, you can transform a room into a fresh, seasonal space. If your home needs some TLC, read on for easy tips on getting your home summer ready.
Store fall &winter items
Think about what you do and don't need for the season now that the weather is warmer. Now is the time to put away winter items such as candles, fluffy blankets, draft excluders, bed blankets, and any bulky winter furniture. Do the same with winter clothes and boots, organize them in the hallway and under the stairs and store them under the bed or in the wardrobes in handy storage boxes. If you have a lot of boxes, it's worth labeling them so you can easily find them when you need them again.
Make a few small furniture changes
A really easy way to bring a seasonal interior into your home is to swap the cushion covers for crisp summer linen and neutral cotton. Likewise, a raw linen table runner can bring an instant summer pick-me-up to your dining table. Swap out any dark-colored bedding for lighter versions and swap out dark, heavy rugs and curtains for lighter materials that feel cooler and let in natural light. Summer is less about nesting and being cozy, but more about letting the light in and keeping it cool, so make smart switches to reflect this.
Change your art
If your art or frames don't work in a particular space or room, just move them around to see if they can be better placed in a different location. It can take some time for items to look their home in a new place, so resist the temptation to put them back right away if you're unsure at first. If you have a gallery wall, switching up your prints, adding more or even removing it is an inexpensive way to completely refresh your wall – it will bring you joy every time you see it in all its glory.
Outside space
Whether you have a balcony, patio, courtyard or garden, your outdoor space should be an extension of your home and put to good use. Think about how you use your green spaces before making any changes:if you plan on hosting guests, a cozy seating area is ideal; if you prefer to read a book in the evening and have a glass of wine, you can make a cozy corner with pillows, blankets, lighting and a fire pit.
Painting the gazebo, fencing and gates is inexpensive but effective. Pull weeds, prune overhanging branches and mow the grass. If you need outdoor furniture, check second-hand websites for items before buying anything new. It may need a little TLC to come back to life, but this also means you get a more unique piece of furniture. Solar-powered outdoor lighting provides a soft atmosphere during (hopefully) balmy evenings; drape string around trees for maximum impact.
Front of the house
Elevate your look by brightening up a cluttered front yard. Sweep the patio, trim hedges, add some plant pots (symmetrical laurel trees on each side of the door provide an instant boost), repaint the gate and fence, and make sure the area stays spick and span. You can also repaint the front of the house, clear the gutters and even install wooden shelving or storage areas for outdoor boots, trash cans and bicycles – just make sure it's completely weather and theft proof.
