Spring is in full swing, and it will soon be time to take down the heavy drapes and inject your home with that fresh summer feeling. The right seasonal makeover will not only take advantage of gorgeous weather, but it will appeal to all your moods and rejuvenate every aspect of your life. The home is where the heart is, after all.
Here are some tips for decorating your home in the summer:
1: Lighten up.
Replace those thick, heavy curtains with something light and breezy. Trade your quilts for cool sheets. Remember, now that the weather is warming up, you'll be spending more time with the windows cracked and the doors perpetually open to the pool. You don't want anything in your home that will absorb heat - you'll get enough of that without even trying!
2: Be thorough.
Go through every room in your house and add a little something special: fresh fruit in the kitchen, decorative rocks in the bathroom soap dish, etc. If you're really committed to a makeover, try repainting your den or living room with fresh, cheery colours. (Darker walls may be cosier when you're all huddled together in winter, but they look downright gothic against summer sunshine.)
Whatever you do, try not to concentrate all your efforts on one place. If you spend all your time and energy sprucing up just one room of the house, you'll be plunged right back into winter when you need to spend time elsewhere. What good is a sunny kitchen if your bedroom is a chilly tomb?
3: Don't forget the outside!
When you're all caught up in interior decorating, it's easy to forget that the outside of homes need attention, too. Not only will they reflect your place in the neighbourhood, but if you plan on spending any time outdoors, you'll want to be comfortable!
If you are one of those living in new build homes you're likely to have a very simple lawn. Try planting a garden full of vibrant, colourful plants. Throw some casual decorations on your patio, like hanging lanterns or wicker chairs. Keep them lightweight so they can be tugged all around the lawn whenever you have a barbecue or family baseball game.
4: Stay practical.
Decorating is about more than looking good - it should be functional as well. Make sure you invest in things like window screens, bug zappers, and non-poisonous fertilizer.
Summer doesn't have to be a hot, miserable experience. With the right decorations and a little elbow grease, you can revitalize your space and bring the sunshine right into your home.
Credit: Photo from Traditional Home
