Ahhhh, the many delights of summer living. For many of us, it provides time to visit our favorite places, see our favorite people, and engage in our favorite activities. From days by the water to memorable gatherings, the adventure is everywhere. Digging into this season of sunshine can also mean embracing the summer vibes in our home spaces. 

Stellar summer living starts with a feeling of levity, one that can feel simple but at the same time, elusive. It’s partly because we tend to travel during this time of year, too. We abandon our abodes to embrace a hotel, guesthouse, or condo. But with a little attention to detail, we can return to a space that is even more inviting than the grandest resort. Or better yet, have a staycation to remember!

Here are a few of my favorite—sometimes surprising—home décor ideas to help you lean into summer living like you mean it. 

Replicating the Resort

Look around your space. Does it feel welcoming, airy, spacious, and clean? Now, consider the last vacation rental you walked into. I bet it was free of clutter, maybe with a clean, modern aesthetic. My first recommendation to embrace summer living is by culling or storing the MANY items that accumulate fall through spring. 

Stash away heavy fabrics and rust-colored décor. Rinse and repeat all over your home until you feel that sense of stillness. With refreshing room to breathe, consider adding touches (specifics to follow) here and there that add warmth and welcome. It’s time to let the light in and elevate what you love best about your home. 

Use summer’s extra hours intentionally for added fun, resort-style. In your patio or sunporch, throw a brightly patterned cloth over the table. Then, bring out the family game boards and make a dedicated drink station or coffee bar. Sit back and relax as your crew flocks to the fun zone.  

A Little Goes a Long Way

When you’re integrating warm tones and breezy textures into summer living spaces, select fewer items for greater impact. Think light, comfortable surfaces that you won’t stick to, like wicker, linen, or cotton for chairs and throws. 

You can make an incredible spatial shift by simply changing the color palette. Turn to soft but bright colors, like lemon yellows, rose pinks, and ocean teal to lift the summer living mood. Transform a tired chair or side table into a statement with high glossy paint for a fun, lacquered look. It’s time to shake things up! Think about a fresh coat of paint on the door that leads to your backyard space, peelable wallpaper to stand out on a single wall, or a nautical blue rug to make your screen porch pop. 

Collect those precious pictures from your latest summer getaway and hang a mural of memories. Your sun-kissed smiles will spur this summer’s plans into action. And all those bright pictures will light up your face every time as you recapture those happy days all over again.

Porches – The Place to Be

Summer living means melding your interior and outdoor spaces seamlessly. For New Englanders, our porch time is sacred. Often, it’s our favorite room in the house, but not accessible all year round. 

Double down on summer vibes by bringing your love of the beach home. Create a breakfast table for sipping and chilling complete with shells. Or, if you have the added space, set up a dining table with wooden lighthouse centerpieces and make the effort to eat there as often as possible. At the very least, gather a few simple chairs or hang a swing with sweet nature-themed pillows to make the most of lazy summer living. 

From the garden to our porches to our hearts—now is the time to cherish the best things in life. Summer living is just one of those times that brings it all together.