My Top 6 Tips To Lighten And Brighten Your Home For Summer

The official start to summer is right around the corner.  (Yay for that, because it’s my favorite time of year!)  When the hot temps and high humidity arrive though, I do my best to fill my home with anything I can think of to at least give me the feeling of having a lighter and brighter home for summer.

My Top 6 Tips To Lighten And Brighten Your Home For Summer || Worthing CourtPin

Having a lighter feel to the decor in my home sort of fools me into thinking that it’s a bit cooler outside than it really is.  And the brightening part?  Well….that just makes me happy!  😀  Let me share my top 6 tips for lightening and brightening your own space for summer.

 

LET YOUR ROOMS RELAX AND BE LIVED IN

Summer is all about having a laid-back and carefree state of mind.  Ever notice how quickly your body can heat up when you allow yourself to get all worked up over something?  Now is not the time to have a “don’t touch me” vibe going on in your home!  Everything doesn’t have to be positioned “just so”.  Allow your home to be perfectly imperfect and let your rooms breathe!

Farmhouse style board and batten foyer wall decorated for summer with turquoise and green || Worthing CourtPin

 

PUT AWAY THE HEAVY, THICK THROWS AND NUBBY PILLOWS

I still have throws out for the summer and actually use them!  The house can get a bit chilly with the air conditioning running, so it’s nice to be able to cover up my legs sometimes.  I swapped out all of my thick, fluffy throws for lighter weight ones, in summery patterns, made with cotton or other lightweight fibers.  I put away all those nubby, winter’ish pillows too and pulled out the ones that have more color and just seem to say “summer”.

DIY rustic blanket ladder filled with summer throws || Worthing CourtPin

 

SPRINKLE IN A TOUCH OR TWO OF DRIFTWOOD

What does driftwood remind you of?  Being at the beach – right?  And when is the best time to be at the beach – well…during the summer of course!  I have a little driftwood sprinkled throughout my home year-round just because I love the look and it reminds me of the beach, no matter the season.  But, I always strive to reinforce the look for the summer months.  And don’t worry if you don’t have any authentic driftwood of your own.  I came up with a super-easy way to make anything look like driftwood and have used it over and over again.  I’ve used my technique on shiny gold plate chargers, picture frames, candlesticks – just to name a few.  Click HERE to check that out!

How To Make Anything Look Like Driftwood - A 4 Step Formula || Worthing CourtPin

 

BRING IN SOME OF THE COLORS OF SUMMER

I keep the majority of my home on the neutral side.  Trust me, I’m a color-loving girl, but using neutrals as the “base” allows me to use any other color that my heart might desire.  When decorating for summer, my favorite colors to add are what I call “the colors of summer” – blue and green!  I don’t just stick with one shade of blue or green either – I love mixing all different shades of the two colors together in the same room.  So much more interesting!

Late Spring Early Summer Farmhouse Dining Room || Worthing CourtPin

 

ADD ORGANIC ELEMENTS TO YOUR ROOMS

Just like greenery or flowers, organic elements make a room come alive!  Those elements can be real, fake or some combination of the two – it really doesn’t matter.  My favorite organic elements to use are branches, greenery, wicker baskets and driftwood.

Painted red brick fireplace decorated for summer with simple organic elements || Worthing CourtPin

 

ENJOY A REFRESHING DRINK

This one is a bonus for you!  Mix up some of my 5 minute, low calorie pomegranate lemonade for a refreshing summer drink.  Served over crushed ice, it will cool you right off!  In fact, I’m enjoying a glass of it right now as I type this post.  Click HERE for the recipe!

This recipe for Pomegranate Lemonade is low calorie and ready in 5 minutes. Perfect for warm weather or any time of year! || Worthing CourtPin

In case you missed it, you can take a full tour of my summer home by clicking HERE!

Farmhouse style breakfast nook decorated for summer with blue and green accents || Worthing CourtPin

These are my top 6 tips – what lightening and brightening secrets do you use in your home?

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26 Comments

  1. This is wonderful summer inspiration. I love the lightness and use of color. It is so much fun to open the windows and breathe fresh air.

    1. How do i get started spray painting a kitchen table (cost plus 20 yrs ago) that is dated oak and w six chairs? Can u recommend a tutorial? Bless you

  2. I love the summer look….so light and refreshing…..

  3. Candy Walsh says:

    Your Summer accessories look great! I love all the blues! Summer is my favorite time of year too~I hope you have a great one!

  4. Jacki Salinas says:

    Love all the blue! It does makes it feel lighter.

  5. Jacque Avant says:

    I love the idea of making my own driftwood. Cant wait to go to Ace here in Gray, Ga to bring the products needed. Love your summer home. You have done a fantastic job. Thank you for all your idea. Blue makes me happy any time of the year.

  6. Just put out my summer kitchen decor which is composed of a lot of lemon themed pieces including a lemon decorated pitcher soon to be used to serve lemonade as well as a tall apothecary jar filled with faux lemons and a beautiful platter from Pier 1 which is hand painted with lemons. Also did a vignette on a tray on my counter which includes a little lemon tree. Next month I will do some beachy decor in the family room and then just enjoy summer and being outdoors as much as possible.

  7. Your summer home is my favorite! The blue and white combination you’ve chosen along with your amazing light and bright decor just screams summer! May I ask where did you find that blue (Aqua) vase in your foyer? I want one! lol!

    1. Hi Nancie. I apologize for the delay in responding to you! We were out of town for several days and then when we returned my computer went on the fritz and had to go into the shop for repair. Anyway, I found the vase you’re asking about at TJ Maxx. Under $10! 😀

  8. Thanks for your summer inspiration!

  9. Wonderful tips for decorating for summer. I especially love #1. It is a time to enjoy the imperfections and little bit of chaos that comes with the summer months.

  10. Carol Elkins says:

    Great summer inspiration! I just love all the pops of blue that you have in your home.

  11. Heather Anne says:

    I love your summer home – and the idea of lightening tings up is just what I’m looking for right now. I want to transition our dark wood and sage green decor to more cream/ beige/ linen and white … but I still don’t have the go-ahead to paint any wood, so it shall remain to be seen!

  12. Here’s to lightening up! Love summer colors…always so bright! 😉

  13. Sharon Warren says:

    Lightening up window coverings makes a breezy summer look too. Use sheers or lightweight cotton for simple panels. Add green live plants in white or blue containers. A clear glass beverage dispenser on the buffet or island with ice water always ready is a refreshing touch. Think I’ll go get me a glass right now!

  14. Your home is lovely. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration. Relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the holiday weekend!

  15. I love the blues and greens. They just are a great pick me upper!

  16. Minnie mccoy says:

    Lived in rooms, oh boy are my rooms lived in!

  17. Freda Barbree says:

    Love your use of neutrals in your beautiful home. The addition of the blue and green for summer adds just the right touch of freshness and “cooling” color for summer.

  18. So pretty for summer! Love the blues and greens.

  19. Jane Pickett says:

    Best of all, most of your wonderful ideas are achievable. Thanks for sharing.