There are some things in my home that stay out pretty much all year round.
These are decor like season-neutral collectibles, natural elements and heirloom decor pieces.
For example, in my dining room I have a beautiful Monet-inspired painting above a tall black piece of furniture with an off-white pitcher in a traditional silhouette as a simple vignette. I love how this looks and feels, so I probably won’t change it regularly or even seasonally.
Other decor items get swapped out regularly. You know, the obvious holiday-specific decor that’ll look silly out of season.
An example in my home is the mantel. Sure it’s the classic spot for Christmas stockings. It’s also a natural opportunity to change the vibe in the living room with the seasons. Last fall I placed some heavier items like vintage books, an antique binoculars case and some family portraits. After the Christmas stockings came down, I felt it was time to lighten it and so replaced them with delicate china pieces. Light, simple and elegant.
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Entering into the cooler months, I yearn to hunker down. I quite like changing out decor to a cozy aesthetic of chunkier textiles, darker colors and heavier vignettes. I find these elements make my home feel more hygge.
However, for the warmer months, I yearn to lighten things up! I want the fresh air to flow freely. I want the light to bounce around even more than it already does. And I want the visual aspects to feel lighter, too.
Here are three easy ways to lighten your home’s decor for summer:
Swap in Light Textiles
Trade out any heavy throws, dark pillows, and thick curtains for breezy linens, cottons, or gauzy fabrics in light colors like white, soft neutrals, or understated patterns. It instantly makes a room feel fresher and cooler.
Bring in Natural Elements
Add touches like woven baskets, driftwood, shells, fresh greenery, or vases of seasonal flowers. These small additions connect your space to the outdoors and give it a laid-back, summery vibe.
Use Brighter Accents
Replace deeper-toned accessories (like candle holders, art, or rugs) with brighter or coastal-inspired ones—think soft blues, coral, or sun-washed tones. Even switching your coffee table books or art prints can make a big impact.
I’d love to hear from you! Do any of these speak to you? What do you do to decorate your home and do you change with the seasons or are you more of a free-flowing as the whim takes you type of decorator?
