How to Design Your Space to Match the Summer Vibes
There’s something magical about summer—the longer days, golden light, and that irresistible pull to slow down and savour the season. So why not bring those same joyful, laid-back vibes into your home? At aIDyl, we believe your space should reflect the rhythm of the seasons, and summer is all about light, life, and effortless beauty. Whether you’re hosting garden drinks or just enjoying a quiet morning with the windows open, here are our top tips for designing a space that feels fresh, sunny, and totally summer-ready.
Let the Light In
Summer is all about sunshine, so make the most of the natural light you have. Swap out heavy curtains for light, airy fabrics like cotton or linen. If privacy isn’t an issue, go for sheer panels that let the light flood in while still softening the room.
Top Tip: Can’t commit to new curtains? Try tying existing ones back with a ribbon or cord for a more relaxed look.
Use a Light and Breezy Colour Palette
Refresh your space with a palette inspired by summer—think soft whites, sandy neutrals, sun-washed blues, citrusy yellows, or even blush pinks. You don’t have to repaint a whole room; a few well-placed accessories in the right colours can completely shift the mood. Swapping out dark colours in your room with light will mean the furniture won’t absorb the light so your room will feel cooler.
Easy updates: swap cushion covers, throws, vases or wall prints for summer tones.
Bring the Outdoors In
Greenery is a must. Houseplants thrive in summer and instantly lift a room. Mix trailing plants like ivy or pothos with upright ones like fiddle leaf figs or palms for variety. For a low-maintenance option, eucalyptus or faux stems in a glass vase can still feel vibrant and fresh. Plants also help clean up the air, if you haven’t read our previous blogs, furniture can off-gas with harmful chemicals, introducing plants in to the space will help absorb those toxic gasses.
Top Tip: Add herbs like mint or basil in pretty pots to your kitchen windowsill—they smell amazing and are practical too!
Add Natural Textures
Incorporate tactile materials that echo the outdoors: think rattan, jute, bamboo, or woven seagrass. These natural textures are perfect for summer and work beautifully with light-toned interiors.
Ideas: Swap a lampshade for a woven one, roll out a jute rug, or add a rattan tray to your coffee table.
Swap Heavy Bedding and Fabrics
Put away thick duvets and dark blankets and switch to lightweight bedding in breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. Choose light, muted tones or crisp white for that hotel-fresh feel.
Top it with a waffle or lightweight knit throw for cooler evenings.
Style with Summer-Inspired Decor
Think seaside touches, citrus prints, Mediterranean pottery, or colourful glassware. A few subtle nods to summer go a long way without turning your home into a beach hut.
Try: a bowl of lemons on the table, coral-patterned cushions, or a terracotta pot on the windowsill.
Create Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Blur the line between inside and out. Style your patio or balcony with the same care as your living room. Add outdoor cushions, a few lanterns, and even a rug to make the space feel like an extension of your home.
Even if you don’t have outdoor space, open windows wide, hang breezy curtains, and add a summery scent like coconut, fig, or citrus.
Keep Things Light and Uncluttered
Summer design is all about ease and space to breathe. Put away visual “heaviness” like extra blankets or dense ornaments and embrace a clean, open feel.
Top Tip: Store off-season decor in a pretty basket or box so it’s easy to swap back in come autumn.
Designing your home for summer doesn’t require a major overhaul—just a few intentional swaps and some fresh seasonal inspiration. At aIDyl, we love helping people create beautiful, relaxed interiors that reflect their mood, lifestyle, and the season they’re in.
Whether you’re re-styling your living room or simply updating your table decor, these small changes can make your home feel like the perfect summer retreat.
Need a little help refreshing your home for the changing seasons? With our Design Your Own service, available on our services page, you can choose exactly how much support you need—tailored to your style and budget.
Not sure what to include in your design package? Book a free discovery call, and we’ll guide you through it.
