You do not have to go crazy and spend a fortune to get your summer home. A few basic changes will give you the look you want now, and will easily transform when summer is over. Come along with us and let us show you some easy ways to brighten your look.

Clear it out

Through the cold months, our home becomes a place to get cozy. We have throws draped over the corners of the sofa and chairs. We match them with plush throw pillows. It is time to pack these items away. Buy some bright throw pillows. Solids are fine or buy pillows with sunflowers or daffodils stitched on them. This is a great look if you have leather furniture. It is hard to lighten the impact of chocolate leather for a summer look.

Floors

Your hardwood floors are lovely. If you want to prepare them for summer, you will want to put a large rug on the main part of the floor. Light tan, dark cream, or even shades of green or gray can bring your room to life and protect your floor from summer traffic and the grime that comes with that. Before you begin, take a good look at your flooring. Are there scratches, scuffs, and discoloration? Regardless of whether it’s engineered or hardwood floors, if there are imperfections, have your floor repaired.

Windows

People put a lot of effort into selecting the right shape and finish of their windows. Your windows play a pivotal role in the decor of your home. This is why you should step away from department store drapes, blinds, or shutters.

Cover your windows with blinds or drapes that are custom made for your window. They will not be too short or too long. You have a huge selection of window treatments that you just can’t get anywhere else. Summer is the perfect season for wooden blinds with a matching valance. The simple act of removing fabric (just like we did in the room) gives the look of wide open space, perfect for summer. When the weather begins to cool in the fall, you can change to flowing drapes made specifically for your windows.

Walls

Wall-galleries are very popular right now. Photos of family, ancestors, and friends make your house look like a home. You can break the photos up with prints of flowers, the sea, or wildlife. Prepare a place to stage your photos. Mix and match the frames. Leave room for a focal point.

Years ago people would spend a lot of money and a lot of time, sitting for an artist to create an heirloom quality painting. Today though, services like Instapainting help alleviate this process. A master artist will then paint the image on canvas in oil paint. You can also use watercolors, pencil, or caulk. When your painting is complete they ship it to you. This makes a great gift for yourself or others.

Colors this year are more feminine. Pastels, blues and blue-gray, and neutrals are going to cover the walls. Stay away from the farmhouse look. That trend is on its way out.

Fireplace

There are a lot of very nice fireplace screens you can place in front of the fireplace. Some have beautiful metal designs. Place a beautiful metal candle holders. Lighting the candles is a safe and effective way to use the space.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most used room in the house. While you are sprucing things up for summer, deep clean as you go. This is the perfect time to paint your cabinets. Wooden cabinets painted white makes the room look larger and brighter.

Plants

Last year we were all going for a rain forest in our kitchens and bathrooms. That trend is not dead, but it is scaled back considerably. Keep your counter space open. Use hanging plant holders for the few plants you want to hang.

Of course, every cook needs a fresh herb garden. Place your herbs in small clay pots that are easily watered. But when you have watered and cared for them, place the pots into a decorative wooden crate, or a metal basket. This makes a pretty display in your kitchen window.

Patio

Grow a few plants on your patio as well. Plant some peppermint, basil, citronella or lavender. Your patio will look and smell great and all of these plants repel mosquitoes.

Add an indoor-outdoor rug. If your outdoor furniture is wicker or wooden, add a fresh coat of paint.

These are little tips that have a huge impact on the look of your home. Small things like a duvet cover and pillow covers in the bedroom, or adding mirrors to make the rooms look larger, are inexpensive while they brighten the room. Use these tips and when the weather begins to chill this fall, you will have only minor adjustments to blend your seasonal decor.