Designing for Different Seasons: How to Transition Your Home from Winter to Summer
Going from winter to summer is one of the most dramatic seasonal transitions—and your home can (and should) reflect that shift. While winter calls for warmth, layers, and coziness, summer invites us to embrace openness, airiness, and vibrant energy. Here's how to refresh your home decor and mood with thoughtful swaps, color updates, and nature-inspired touches—without blowing your budget.
Let Go of Heavy Winter Layers
Start by removing what’s no longer serving you: winter's weighty fabrics, deep colors, and bulky decor. It’s time to simplify and make room for summer's light and airy feel.
Try This:
Swap flannel bedding or faux fur throws for lightweight linen or cotton.
Put away dark or velvet throw pillows and replace them with cotton or jute styles.
Trade heavy area rugs for flat-woven or jute alternatives that feel cool underfoot.
Designer Tip: Use vacuum-seal bags or labeled bins from The Container Store to store winter decor efficiently.
Go from Moody Tones to Bright, Breezy Color
Winter tones are rich and grounding, but summer is the season of vibrance and light. Transition your home’s color palette to match the warmth and energy of the season.
Try This:
Add splashes of turquoise, coral, citrus yellow, or crisp white throughout your space.
Style your shelves with coastal art, colorful vases, or a fresh stack of summery books.
Use accent pieces like striped beach towels or bold napkins to add seasonal personality.
Designer Tip: Focus on small, swappable decor to avoid overspending—think art prints, pillows, candles, and table linens.
Replace Winter Greenery with Summer Foliage
Pack up the pinecones and eucalyptus—it’s time to bring in the lush greens and tropical touches of summer.
Easy Swaps:
Add indoor plants like ferns or palms to create a vibrant, fresh vibe.
Style a bowl of citrus fruit (lemons, limes, oranges) on your kitchen island or table.
Use foraged greenery or summer flower bouquets for natural color.
Budget Tip: Trader Joe’s or your local market often have affordable greenery to refresh each week.
Change the Mood with Seasonal Scents
Your home should smell like summer too! Trade cozy cinnamon or evergreen candles for something fresh and tropical.
Try These:
Capri Blue’s Volcano scent (a fan-favorite for summer).
Create a DIY summer room spray: mix distilled water, lemon essential oil, and mint oil in a spray bottle.
Use this stovetop potpourri recipe: lemon slices, rosemary, and fresh mint.
Simple, Budget-Friendly Decor Refreshes
Even a few small, low-cost updates can make your home feel totally transformed for the season.
Switch Out Wall Decor
Try free printable summer artwork or photos from your own summer memories.
Hang a mirror across from a window to reflect more light and make spaces feel larger.
Use Natural Textures
Add woven baskets, bamboo trays, or rattan lampshades for an earthy summer touch.
Use light wood and clear glass for decorative accents.
Update the Lighting
Replace warm-toned bulbs with daylight LED bulbs to mimic summer sunshine.
String up solar-powered fairy lights on patios, balconies, or windows.
Make Outdoor Areas Feel Like an Escape
From backyards to balconies, now’s the time to make your outdoor spaces feel like a resort—even if they’re small.
Quick Wins:
Roll out an affordable outdoor rug and toss on some throw pillows.
Add a DIY herb garden or planter box for function and style.
Set up a drink station with a cart or folding table.
Moving your home from winter to summer doesn’t require a complete makeover—just a few intentional shifts in color, texture, scent, and light. With a little creativity (and a few affordable upgrades), your space will go from cozy hibernation to fresh summer escape in no time.