A simple summer guide to refresh, brighten, and elevate your space
As designers, we’re often asked how to make a home feel refreshed, without knocking down walls or committing to a major renovation. And the truth is, you don’t always need a construction crew to dramatically transform the way your space looks and feels.
With the right styling updates, your home can feel more open, refreshed, and in tune with the lightness of summer.
At Essence Designs, we believe that thoughtful design should evolve with the seasons and reflect how you want to live. Summer invites us to open the windows, simplify our surroundings, and embrace a more relaxed pace of living, and your home should reflect that shift. If you’re craving a seasonal refresh, here are our go-to styling strategies to elevate the space you’re already in.
Lighten Up Your Textiles
Start with the layers that define your space: curtains, pillows, throws, and bedding. Swap out heavy knits, velvets, and dark linens for light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or gauze. Sheer curtains let in more natural light while keeping things soft and airy.
In living spaces, consider lighter-toned pillow covers or a textured, neutral throw draped across the sofa. For bedrooms, layering in crisp white bedding with linen shams or a relaxed coverlet is a quick way to shift from cozy winter warmth to cool summer calm.
Rethink Your Accessories
To create an airy, bright summer atmosphere, start by simplifying what’s already in your space. Remove visual clutter, pack away heavier or darker accents, and create breathing room on open shelves and surfaces. Once cleared, reintroduce accessories with seasonal materials like woven trays or baskets, white or textured ceramic vases, and natural stone, terracotta, or glass decor. Keep groupings light and intentional, think odd numbers, varied heights, and mixed textures. Embracing simplicity with lighter materials creates a light and harmonious feel throughout the space.
Play with Colour in Small Doses
Summer is a great time to introduce soft colour into your space, but it doesn’t mean you need to repaint the walls. Focus on accent pieces like throw pillows, tabletop decor, artwork, or even a hand towel in the powder room. Consider muted tones like Sage or olive green for a fresh, earthy vibe, Terracotta or clay for a warm, Mediterranean feel, Coastal blues for a soft, beach-inspired palette, and Muted coral or blush for a subtle pop of energy.
Designer Tip: Use colour intentionally by repeating the same tone in two or three areas of the room to create a harmonious and cohesive design.
Let the light in
One of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to make your home feel more summery is by maximizing natural light. Start by swapping out heavy blackout curtains for airy linen sheers or raising your blinds higher to let sunlight pour in. Consider moving bulky furniture away from windows to prevent blocking the flow of natural light. To further amplify natural brightness, place a mirror opposite a window or incorporate reflective materials like glass accents, polished ceramics, or light-toned woods into your decor. Letting natural light flood your home not only brightens the space but uplifts your mood, creating that fresh, airy feeling that makes summer so special.
Incorporate Nature Inside
Bringing the outdoors in is one of the easiest ways to align your home with the summer season. Incorporate low-maintenance greenery like eucalyptus, monstera, olive branches, or even faux stems. Fresh-cut flowers, vibrant fruit bowls, or sculptural branches can also add a natural element to your space. This simple connection to nature brings warmth, texture, and a sense of calm to your space, making it feel more vibrant and welcoming throughout the summer months.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to create your dream home? Let’s turn your vision into reality with professional interior design services that prioritize your needs and aspirations.
Get in touch with Essence Designs today, and let our expert team of designers create your dream home. From concept to creation, we’re committed to making your space uniquely yours. Don’t wait – reach out now and embark on the journey to your dream home!
You can book a one-time in-home design consultation to discuss some of the solutions to update their space cost-effectively. Book your consultation here!
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your home! Sign up now to receive an exclusive 10% discount on designer lighting, furniture, & home decor from LightHouse Co. Take advantage of this special discount and start your journey to a beautifully curated home today!
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