I asked interior designers how they refresh their homes for summer – these are the 9 summer decor ideas they use to instantly brighten up a room

There’s something about switching up my home for summer that always feels like a mini reset. And summer decor ideas have got to be the most joyful.

As soon as the sun starts streaming in a little earlier and staying a little later, I find myself wanting to pack away the heavier layers and bring in lighter textures and brighter colors. Whether it’s a vase of freshly cut flowers or swapping out dark cushions for soft linen ones in pastel hues – there are endless small tweaks that you can make to your home to update it for summer.

The beauty of summer decorating is that it doesn’t have to mean a full makeover. I asked a few of my favorite designers to share exactly how they style their spaces for summer. From clever swaps to styling tips that celebrate the season, these summer decor ideas are simple, joyful, and surprisingly impactful, no matter what your interior design style is.

1. Flowers, flowers, and more flowers

When it comes to summer decorating, fresh flowers are non-negotiable in my home. There’s nothing quite like the joy of arranging a bunch of just-picked blooms or grabbing a spontaneous grocery store bouquet to brighten up a corner.

'In my house, summer is about relaxing with the kids and finally taking a break from the holiday decorating gauntlet that runs from October through April. To that end, I like to keep things incredibly simple and cut stems from my garden to bring indoors – we have bounteous mophead and oak leaf hydrangeas, stargazer lilies, and peonies – put the bar tools out on the porch for our frequent neighborhood "porch drinks" and kick back and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors,' agrees designer Bethany Adams.

Additionally, adding floral room decor ideas like throw pillows, table linens, or even pretty wallpaper ideas can bring the same energy indoors. 'Florals never go out of style,' says interior designer Rebecca Hughes. 'A botanical wallpaper is perfect for introducing color, personality, and organic beauty into a space. You can embrace a vintage-inspired English country look with ditsy florals or create a bold look with a chinoiserie scene – the design possibilities are endless.'

Whether real or printed, flowers are a recurring theme in my home all season long.

2. Introduce some playful prints

Summer always feels like the right time to have a little more fun with prints. When I want to shake off the more serious tones of winter, I start by creating a summer living room vibe by layering in some new prints like gingham, stripes, florals, or citrus, fruity motifs.

'Stripes continue to reign, and I love how versatile they’ve become. They ground a space while adding a sense of energy and have this incredible ability to feel both timeless and fresh depending on how you use them, and that’s exactly what makes them a favorite this time of year,' says David Harris from Andrew Martin.

For summer, I always recommend leaning into prints that feel seasonal while keeping your color palette cohesive so the look feels curated, not chaotic. That goes for small decor items as well as bigger scale transformations, like reupholstering or wallpapering.

3. Make the switch to lighter textiles

It is time to say goodbye to velvets, chunky knits, and heavyweight weaves in favor of linen, cotton, and gauzy muslins that help to keep a home cool this summer.

'I love layering in textures with soft throws, colourful rugs, plump cushions, and beautifully table linens; it is all those thoughtful details that instantly add warmth and charm where guests will naturally gather,' says Tasha Green, founder, Weaver Green. 'Every textile should be breathable, quick-drying, mould-resistant, and fully washable.'

'When it comes to summer window treatments, swapping heavier linens or wool for sheers is a thoughtful update,' adds Chloe Wills of Interiors by Chloe. 'Sheer fabrics allow light to bounce around the space while letting in a cool breeze. If budget permits, I’d recommend a summer Roman blind and a winter alternative. Each serves its own purpose. Thicker materials help to retain heat during colder months, while sheers provide airflow and softness when the weather is warmer.'

4. Make small but significant switches

I’ve learned over the years that updating my home for summer doesn’t require a big budget or a complete overhaul – it’s the little changes that often have the biggest impact. Swapping out a moody piece of artwork for some summer wall decor with a lovely coastal landscape, switching your candle scents to something fresh like citrus, or replacing accessories with rattan or terracotta pieces.

'With summer just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to breathe fresh life into your home. One of the simplest ways to refresh your space is by updating the coffee table decor,' suggests designer Jennifer Walter.

'Swap out the heavier, darker accessories for lighter, more airy pieces. Light pottery or glass vessels filled with fresh summer flowers (or silks) and lush greens can instantly brighten up a space and make it feel light.'

5. Lighten and brighten furniture choices

When it comes to summer decorating, I’ve found that even furniture can benefit from a seasonal refresh – though I’m not talking about buying a whole new sofa.

Instead, I look for simple ways to visually “lighten” the furniture I already have. Whether it’s bringing in a new whitewashed side table, replacing a dark ottoman with a rattan coffee table, or even giving the room layout a rejig, these changes go a long way in lifting the overall look of a room.

'Rearranging your furniture to allow for a better flow can help you make the most of your space, especially since we spend less time in front of the TV and more time enjoying the outdoors during these months,' adds Jennifer.

'When we design for summer, we always consider decor and furnishings that support the full, active lifestyle the season brings with it,' agrees Laetitia Laurent, founder of Laure Nell Interiors. 'Clear acrylic furniture does a great job of standing up to the elements, from weather to wet bathing suits. It also feels light and airy, helping to mitigate heat and allowing for the visual focus to be on the summer colors.'

6. Decorate in sunshine shades

'Color is another simple yet effective way to shift the mood,' suggests designer Lauren Gilberthorpe. 'Fresh sunny yellows and warming oranges are a timeless combination that adds gentle vibrancy and a sense of clarity to a room. They feel uplifting and are particularly suited to the summer months.'

Decorating with yellow is guaranteed to bring summer magic into your home. An instant mood enhancer, it will put a spring in your step whatever the weather.

'There is a real desire for joyful, welcoming and optimistic shades which has been reflected in the rise of sunny and energetic hues such as 'Indian Yellow' and ‘Giallo’,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene. 'Try pairing it with bold green ‘Hopper’ and a burst of deep summer sky blue for a vibrant and inviting interior.'

'Whisper-soft sage green also makes for a beautiful backdrop, creating spaces that are simultaneously relaxed and sophisticated,' adds Rebecca Hughes. 'The hue also serves as a connecting element from interior to exterior – making it the perfect choice for an inviting family space.'

7. Try your hand at tablescaping

In my opinion, indoors or out, hosting at home is the true meaning of summer. One of my favorite summer rituals is creating a pretty, seasonal tablescape, even when it’s just for a midweek dinner at home.

There’s something so joyful about setting the table with summer table decor like colorful linens, mismatched plates, fresh flowers, and maybe even a few seashells or sprigs of herbs from the garden.

'Tablescaping is one way to honor summer decor ideas, and you can create a beautiful setting for a summer tea party by layering up patterned linens, colored glassware, and plenty of fresh flowers,' suggests fabric designer Pippa Blacker.

‘I love using my fabrics when entertaining and often choose a strong color for the tablecloth, perhaps with a pattern that has a feeling of flow and movement to it. I then layer up with linen napkins using a smaller print and softer colors. The look comes together by adding flowers, colored glass, and if appropriate, colored candles too. I love a colorful, relaxed, and fun summer table.'

8. Enhance the connection to the garden

In the summer months, I find myself wanting to blur the lines between indoors and out as much as possible. Whether I’m flinging open the patio doors first thing in the morning or styling up some cuttings from the garden, strengthening that connection to nature helps my whole home feel fresher and more alive.

If you’re lucky enough to have direct garden access, treat the indoor space leading to it as an extension of the outdoors. For example, you can style up a sunroom for the warm weather with some rattan chairs, plenty of plants, botanical prints, and maybe some fresh linen drapes or airy chik blinds.

'Bringing the beauty of the natural world into your interior doesn’t mean you have to use green,' adds Ruth Mottershead. 'Warm neutral tones such as ‘Portland Stone’ and gentle white ‘Flint’ will deliver a cocooning, restful feel that will act as a backdrop to exterior views. For a cohesive feel, add planting to create a visual transition between indoors and outdoors. Pair with natural materials such as stone, wood, wicker, and rattan finishes to fully embrace the calming, nurturing beauty of the natural world in your home.'

9. Change up your bedding

In summer, it’s all about creating a sleep space that feels light, breathable, and serene, so you want to switch up your thicker linens, pillows, and blankets for lightweight materials.

'This change creates a breezy, cool atmosphere in the bedroom and adds a touch of laid-back sophistication,' adds Jennifer Walter. 'Don't forget to swap out your throws for lighter fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to complete the look. Consider updating your rugs too – opting for natural fibers or brightly colored pieces can make a significant impact.'

'Good bedding is always worth investing in. High-quality cotton or linen allows the skin to breathe and makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep,' suggests Chloe Wills. 'A lightweight linen throw can add texture and provide just the right amount of warmth for cooler evenings.'

Lauren Gilberthorpe also adds: 'Summer decorating is about creating spaces that feel light, airy and beautifully relaxed. A cotton canopy above the bed introduces a delicate softness that suits the season, adding an effortless sense of romance and ease.'

Shop summer decor

There are lots of ways you can refresh your home for summer. For a lasting impression, try painting rooms in mood-enhancing, vibrant shades such as yellow, leafy green, and hot pink, or decorating with bold floral and botanical wallpapers – both will bring instant summer magic and will spark instant joy.

Alternatively, for a quick update, try styling up your kitchen with a joyful tablecloth, statement floral cushions, and filling your home with plenty of fresh flowers. 'Bring in that feeling of summer by using joyful colors and patterns through your table linen and flowers,' says Molly Mahon. 'I love to mix and match my tablecloths and napkins to add as much interest and color as possible.'