Bring Summer Indoors

Summer is in full swing, and it’s high time your home decorating reflected the season. Capture the essence of summer by making your home bright and festive. Fortunately, it’s an easy makeover to accomplish--just follow these quick, cheap tips.

Flowers

Nothing will brighten up a home quite like fresh, colorful flowers. No need for big, elaborate bouquets; a few small groups of strategically chosen hues is enough to bring plenty of summer charm to any room. Gather up some lilacs, tulips, daffodils, or orchids and experiment with combinations in a small vase. Place your finished creations on windowsills, counters, tabletops, bookshelves—anywhere that could do with a splash of color. If you don’t have the time, fake flower arrangements will do just as nicely. Even adding some flower embroidered pillows or curtains will go a long way toward bringing the freshness of the season into your home.

  

Bright, citrus colors

What’s more summery than a sunny yellow curtain or a bright orange couch cushion? Adding citrus colors is a great way to quickly spruce up your home. The best part is you don’t have to completely redecorate to achieve a huge impact. Just replace a few cushions, curtains, dishes, towels, or small rugs for a few months. If the colors are vivid enough, your new citrus accents will totally redefine your living space, making it more cheerful and welcoming.

Seashells

Introducing a seashell motif will turn the dull house you’re used to into the exciting, relaxing vacation home you wish you never had to leave. Buy some shell embroidered pillows or shell patterned picture frames. Use large shells as charming, unexpected holders for flowers and candles. You can even scatter all those little shells you collected on your last trip to the beach around a windowsill or bookshelf. It’s your chance to get creative.

Outdoor Decoration

If you’re not spending your evenings outdoors, you’re not getting the most out of your summer. Think about investing a little in your backyard patio. Put some tiki torches around your yard. Place some candles on your patio tables--use citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away. Add some luminarias for a particularly festive mood. Also, this is a great time to make use of those floral arrangements, seashells, and citrus accents.

No need to splurge or spend all your weekends redecorating; these small additions are all it takes for your home come alive with the vigor and exuberance of summer. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation all season!