Decorating for summer is my favorite. It is simple, quick, and unfussy. Today, I’m excited to share my summer home tour with you! Keep reading to learn 15 simple summer home decorating ideas to put into action today.

15 Summer Home Decorating Ideas

This year, my summer decor ideas are all about simplicity. After a few months of remodeling, I find myself craving simplicity. As I considered how I wanted to decorate for summer, I kept being pulled to removing decor rather than adding it.

So, today I’m sharing some very simple summer home decorating ideas that anyone can do. These don’t depend on having a similar design style as mine. Anyone can implement these ideas to freshen your home for summer.

1. Simplify and Declutter

The first step to simple summer decor ideas is removing the visual weight.

After the winter and spring season full of cozy layers, summer can feel sparse at first. However, once you’ve decluttered and simplified, give yourself time to adjust before adding decor back in. You’ll likely find that the simplicity becomes like a breath of fresh air!

2. Use Practical Items as Summer Home Decor

Right alongside my first tip comes the incorporation of practical items AS decor. This helps reduce the clutter.

Many people stow away items like blankets and books, only to be brought out when needed. In my opinion, those items we use everyday should be easily accessible. So why not use them as decor?

Hang or fold blankets out in the open or display books as coffee table decor. Then you will create a beautiful display without adding more traditional summer decor.

3. Summer Home Decorating with Plants

Obviously, plants are a big part of outdoor decorating. You can tour our 38 acre property in this video if you want to explore how we use our land!

But indoors, plants are just as important! They bring freshness and life to a home. You can check out some very easy beginner plants with my free download if you’re new to plant care.

4. Bring in Cuttings for Fresh Arrangements

If you don’t want to commit to long-term indoor plants, try adding a fresh arrangement!

The immediate focal point in this room becomes the flower arrangement I cut from my quince. It’s simple, fast and free!

If you don’t have flowering plants, don’t overlook tree clippings or even pretty weeds. Queen Anne’s Lace is technically a weed, but even weeds can be beautiful when grouped in a dramatic bundle!

5. Lighten Your Color Palette

Another way to change up your summer home decorating is through a fresh color palette.

Whether you change your wall color, re-paint furniture, or just freshen up pillows, a softer color palette feels fresh and light for summer. This doesn’t mean everything has to be white. But softer colors tend to open up a space and give breathing room.

6. Use Happy Bold Accent Colors

Once you’ve lightened the majority of your color palette, it gives space to pop in happier and bolder colors.

Coral

Yellow

Tangerine

Lime Green

Pink

Red

These colors are fun accents for smaller pieces like pillows, dishes and linens. They will immediately bring a fun atmosphere to your room! You can shop my bedding here.

7. Soften Textures

Another option for summer decorating is to soften your textures.

Transitioning from heavy wools to light linen blankets not only makes sense practically, but also softens a room visually.

I also like to soften textures like woven baskets and wood tones. Thick, nubby baskets get swapped out for a softer weave. And rustic dark woods can be swapped for smoother and lighter wood tones.

8. Minimize Layers

One way to create a cozy atmosphere is to add layers. I especially love to do this in the fall and winter.

However, come spring and summer, I am ready to ditch the layers for a more minimal look.

I love simplifying my table decor in the living room for summer. I also fold up the majority of my blankets so only one is hanging. It feels fresh, but still cozy.

9. Lighten Window Coverings

Another option for simple summer decor is to lighten your window coverings. If you have heavy drapes, opt for cotton or linen instead.

It can also be as simple as a color change, from a darker tone curtain to a more neutral option.

10. Create Indoor/Outdoor Living

Here in Michigan, summers are the best time of year. We finally escape the cold and dry out from the spring.

I love to create indoor/outdoor living by opening up the windows and doors. You don’t have to have a full-blown sliding wall to get the same feeling! Pop open your window over the kitchen sink, slide open a slider or crack the front door.

Just feeling that breeze is enough to freshen your home.

11. Add Nature Inspired Art

Another tip to create a summery feeling home is to use nature inspired art.

I do that with botanical art and landscapes. I prefer art that is nature inspired year round as well!

12. Rearrange Furniture for Summer Entertaining

One free option for summer home decorating is simply rearranging furniture. Similarly, you can also swap decor from room to room for a fresh look.

After our flooring update I redecorated my entire house with this method and gave it a whole new look. I love reusing items in a new and different way!

13. Have Relaxing Reading at the Ready

Summer is supposed to be about slowing down and smelling the roses. So why not have relaxing reading materials quick at hand?

14. Create a Summer Reading Nook

You can take it one step further and actually create a reading nook!

Whether that is something you physically build, or a temporary reading corner, creating this intentional space will beckon you to rest. This is a great option for kids as well to carve out a quiet time space for the summer.

15. Set Up a Summer Game Station

However, summer is also for fun! So be intentional about setting up a summer game station.

If your family likes board games, create a game table. If they like outdoor games, have everything organized for easy access in the garage. There’s always room for game night.