Ah, summer – the season of sun, warmth, and a desire to breathe new life into our homes. As the days grow longer and the air becomes more inviting, it’s the perfect time to lighten and brighten your living space. And let me tell you, I’ve got some easy-to-implement tricks up my sleeve that are sure to make your home feel like a summer oasis.

Reviving the Front Entry

You know, when it comes to seasonal decorating, I’m all about the minimal effort, maximum impact approach. And the front entry is the perfect place to start. I did something a little different this year – I removed our front door wreath. Yep, just took it down, and you know what? It made such a difference. The glass panels and open door now allow so much more natural light to stream in, instantly lightening and brightening the space.

But don’t worry, I didn’t leave the entry bare. Nope, I’ve added some colorful, natural elements to keep that summer vibe going strong. A few carefully placed flowers, plants, and branches from the garden (or the local farmers market) can work wonders. And let me tell you, I’m really trying my luck with a maidenhair fern this year. Fingers crossed it sticks around!

Swapping Textiles for Summer

Now, when it comes to seasonal decorating, my decorating trifecta of pillows, trays, and throws is always the first place I look to add a touch of summer flair. I recently snagged this square woven tray for the coffee table in our great room, and I love its loose weave and texture – it’s just perfect for the warmer months.

And speaking of throws, I’ve had to reluctantly put away those cozy faux fur numbers that protected our sofa all winter (from, you know, the usual suspects – dogs, cats, spills, and the occasional husband). But don’t worry, I’ve got my trusty light-weight, light-colored throws at the ready. Those ivory matelassé coverlets are a summer lifesaver, and I use two twin-sized ones to cover both sides of our sectional.

Dressing Up the Dining

Now, when it comes to the dining table, I like to swap out the heavy tablecloths for something a little lighter and brighter. Enter the table throw – smaller than a tablecloth, but still adds a touch of seasonal flair. I recently snagged an embroidered floral number that’s going to carry me through the summer, but a solid linen option in a summery light or neutral color would be just as lovely.

And let’s not forget the pillows – while I don’t tend to change them up too much seasonally, I couldn’t resist adding these velvet lumbar pillows from Misto Lino Home to the mix. They add a little luxe touch without overwhelming the space.

Freshening Up the Bedrooms

Alright, let’s talk about the guest room for a moment. Summertime means kids coming home from college, friends popping in, and overnight guests galore, so it’s the perfect time to freshen up the bedding. I’m loving our Serena & Lily duvet covers, sheets, and pillowcases – they’ve got such a beautiful, vacation-inspired vibe. And with their tent sale going on, it’s the perfect time to snag some deals on their gorgeous but not-so-budget-friendly bedding.

Now, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the LL Bean pima cotton percale sheet set and Target’s Threshold 400 thread count sheets are both fantastic choices, according to the experts at Wirecutter. And you can’t go wrong with classic white sheets – they’ll keep you feeling cool and breezy all summer long.

Lighting it Up

Last but not least, let’s talk about lighting – because, let’s be honest, it’s the easiest way to lighten and brighten your space for summer. My favorite summer room is our back patio, and at night, it’s an absolute dream. Those overhead string lights are total game-changers, and I’ve layered in all sorts of lanterns, hurricanes, and votives to create a magical, flickering ambiance.

And let me tell you, those solar-powered path lights I snagged on a recommendation from my friend the Contessa? Absolute perfection. We scattered them along our garden path, and they add such a whimsical, twinkly touch to the space. It’s like having our own private summer oasis, right in our own backyard.

So there you have it, my friends – a summer refresh that’s easy to implement and sure to lighten and brighten your living space. Whether it’s swapping out your textiles, dressing up the dining room, or lighting up your outdoor spaces, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference. And remember, you can find all sorts of summer-inspired decor and accessories right here at Sofa Spectacular – your one-stop shop for seasonal refreshes that’ll have your home feeling like a summer oasis in no time.