How to Create 'Summer' Decor in Your Home
In northern climates when the sun comes out (even if it's only for a few months of the year) many decor-savvy individuals like to freshen the look of their rooms. Bring summer indoors in full force - without losing the comfortable and cozy furnishings you desire in the cooler months.
How can you transform your home into a summer retreat? It's easy!
"Let the SUNSHINE In..."
Summertime is all about light. Put the heavy drapery away and make the widows a focal point. While the light is great during the day - especially if you don't need to turn on interior lights - you may dislike the cavernous black holes that they become late at night. For privacy and appearance, keep up the retractable blinds during the day and put them down at night behind a sheer curtain.
Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. This doesn't mean a major change in your decor but you may find moving a large mirror to a different wall will optimize the light reflection in the room. Try it across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution.
Open Up the Room...
While some people change their furniture arrangement all the time, others rarely consider it. Moving the furniture into a 'summer arrangement' can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel.
If you normally place the living room furniture to focus on the fireplace consider turning them to face away. This can open up the space and make it more inviting for summertime get togethers. If you barbecue you might even switch the dining and living room area around if it will give you a better flow for entertaining and enjoying the evening sun during meals.
Roll up the area rugs, leave the table bare and get rid of excess blankets, pillows and other 'comfy' materials that tend to warm up the space.
If you find that look is too plain, consider buying or making covers for the pillows that compliment your summer scheme. Celadon green, aqua blues, a hit of orange or even nautical navy and white stripes work great. You might also throw in a rattan or bamboo covered pillow (for looks - not comfort!).
If you have plenty of storage space (you've packed away all the winter clothes and drapery so you should be fine) you might like to use white cotton or canvas slipcovers on the furniture. Not only will it brighten the room, but they can come off easily to be cleaned so you needn't worry about stains - which is never a good look!
Bring the Outdoors In...
A large tropical with palm leaves will give an instant injection of summer to your rooms. Adding some colorful cut flowers will add further summer appeal. However, too much of anything is not good. Don't clutter your rooms with so many plants it feels like a conservatory.
Using one or two of these suggestions will be sure to help you take full advantage of summer - while its here! | 
