After scouring the design blogs this weekend (click on the photo source link below each pic to see more!) I was noticing the annual summer design bright trend. Not all of us are equipped to update their decor seasonally, but there are definitely things you can do to punch up your summer space with cheerful brights.
- Use pillow covers. I just can’t say enough about pillow covers! This is probably the quickest, easiest way to update a space fast. In my opinion, the best place to look for pillow covers is Etsy, shops like this one have a wide and inexpensive variety of pillow covers in various patterns and sizes (I am crazy about these bright blooms!). The good thing about pillow covers is you can easily store them in the off months, you don’t need all new pillows every time. Try using more than you think you need for a luxe, overstuffed look.
- Add color pops with florals. Interior design pro Michael Formica recommends using carnations (I know, right?!) for inexpensive and easy pops of color throughout the home. Definitely don’t use the baby’s breath or ferns that usually come with them, but you can cut the stems short and scatter them around your tablescape or in unexpected spots in your home (like the bathroom) to freshen up your space. You don’t even need to have a vase, a brightly colored coffee cup (even Dollar Tree has some that look similar to Fiestaware this season) or even a clear lowball glass works great as a vase, and they last for days and days.
- Punch it up with artwork. One single canvas can brighten up a whole room. Most people don’t think of artwork as something they can change out, but it’s super easy to do. Once again, an unframed canvas print can lie flat under the bed in the off season, or stacked in a closet (flat is better because it won’t get bent) and you can bring it out after Memorial Day to freshen up a whole room. Artwork doesn’t have to be perfect either, summer is the perfect time to try your hand at a little abstract art, all you need is a canvas, some paint and a brush or two, this way, you can tailor the colors to match the rest of your perfectly. Another tip: shop for cheerful summer art at places like Homegoods in the off months, fall and winter are great seasons to find a summer art print marked down to 75% or more since everyone is in the holiday spirit and not looking for beach scenes in December!
As a designer, I know how important it is to keep your space updated, and particularly if you live in the south or anywhere there’s a super hot summer, things can really start to droop around mid-July. Punching up your space with color will give you that extra push to get through the dog days of August with a smile! For more summer design inspiration, be sure to check out my Pinterest board, Bold & Bright!
