Quick And Easy Living Room Decor Ideas For Summer
These are quick and easy living room decor ideas to create a Spring and Summer-ready space that is inviting and stylish. As Summer approaches (it’s here in Florida :), we have made simple changes you can use as inspiration to transition to a fresh, breezy vibe.
Speaking of Summer, I also have an outfit recommendation (that I purchased on sale) for the days when I’m poolside with the grandkids and some health tips for airplane travel.
It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
1. Embrace Light and Airy Fabrics In Décor
This is an easy change with textiles. I swapped the velvet and black colored pillow covers on the armchairs and sofas (they will be back in October 🙂 with lighter ones from Etsy and Pottery Barn (using the same cozy pillow inserts).
The new color palette makes the living room feel cooler while keeping the colorful rug and dark wood antiques and furnishings. The couches were recently recovered in performance fabric.
The wall colors are Benjamin Moore Simply White and China White on the trim. The windows are mostly uncovered to let in as much natural light as possible.
2. Declutter and Reduce Accessories
Summer is the perfect time to declutter and simplify your living room or family room decor. Interior designers recommend clearing out unnecessary items. Editing your space creates a more open plan and relaxing environment (and it’s free decorating).
On our shelves, I streamlined the stacks of books and minimized accessories.
Try using fewer pillows on the sofa (we reduced ours from four to three). Put away heavy throw blankets in favor of lighter ones. We use this ivory cashmere throw from Quince year-round.
3. Clean And Simplify Your Coffee Table Decor
Every season, take all your accessories off the coffee table to start your creative juices flowing with a blank slate. Clean and polish the table. Then, assemble things you already have.
In summer I use fewer elements with clean lines. Consider items like a box for remotes, a tray, candles, books and something fresh.
4. Bring in Natural Materials And Elements
Arrange a few potted plants or fresh cut flowers in a vase to add a touch of greenery and freshness.
The tulips here provide a bold color. Also you will notice that on our Samsung Frame Television I changed the artwork. With a Frame TV, I don’t mind so much having it as a focal point on the mantel.
5. Create a Coastal-Inspired Look
Capture the relaxed ambiance of coastal living by incorporating elements inspired by the sea.
I consolidated all our coral and shells from around the house to have more impact when placed together on the fireplace mantel. At the base of the hurricanes (with battery operated candles) are sand and coral pieces that I collected on the beach.
Pottery Barn also has some pretty white sand vase filler on clearance.
6. Refresh with Scent
Complete the summer ambiance with subtle touches like scented candles with fresh, citrusy or floral fragrances.
We like this Lemon Verbena soy candle by Lafco (nice gift). I will reuse the glass container when the candle is gone.
Our vintage (authentic high-quality hand-tied) Persian area rug was reasonably priced from Persian Rug Finds.
Shop Summer Refresh Accessories
You may also like Shop Our Home and Seven Decor Ideas To Make Your Bedroom A Retreat.
This console table with a lamp helps divide the living space. The large basket is a recent purchase for storage for blankets, throw pillows and to hide an awkward electrical floor outlet.
Swimsuit Outfit Of The Week – On Sale 40% Off
Wearing a swimsuit is inevitable for me in Florida so cover-ups are key! I just ordered this bathing suit and light wrap skirt since it’s on sale for about 40% off. I already own the raffia slides and linen top.
wide brim hat • linen shirt • statement earrings (my friend says wearing statement jewelry while in a swimsuit takes the focus off other places 🙂 • lip gloss • light cotton wrap skirt (I tried it on in the store and it will be cool yet provide coverage) • bathing suit • slides • effective sunscreen • straw tote
Healthy Tips For Air Travel
We fly fairly often for enjoyment (ah retirement!) and to visit family on the west coast. Did you know that for every hour on the plane you should drink 8 ounces of water to combat dehydration? More tips here.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
I absolutely love these decor ideas! The use of bright colors and natural elements truly captures the essence of summer. I can’t wait to try adding some fresh flowers and light fabrics to my living room for a more vibrant feel. Thanks for the inspiration!
Mary Ann, I love your summer refresh…so appropriate for your seaside home! I am curious if you have purchased the J.Crew sandals and if they are comfortable. I love them especially at 40% off!
R u on youtube? I could not find u.
Not really…but I want to do more there.
Hi Mary Ann!
Great article!! I love what you’ve changed! It looks great!
Just wondering if the swimsuit has a built in bra? It doesn’t look like it! Let me know and if it doesn’t what do you suggest?
Thanks always for your inspiration!
xo Pat
Pat, it has a shelf bra with padding and adjustable straps…enough structure for me but not as much as say my Miraclesuit.
Mary Ann—I love the summery changes to your living room decor! It has been so cold in New York, but eventually… I’ll need to lighten things up!
Eight ounces for every hour on a plane!? I had not heard that, but that does seem smart. Probably great for recovery from jet lag too!
Xx
Hi Mary Ann, l love your refreshing ideas. My hubby and l did a recent detox of family clutter and it’s so lovely to reclaim space! And bring in plants! Have a wonderful week!
Very helpful suggestions, Mary Ann!
I noticed your Cherry Blossoms tv image immediately: that and tulips really says “Spring”. Plus your ivory and light-colored pillows. I have teal blue and sage green cotton velvet chairs and sofa in a living room beyond our sunroom: more difficult to say ‘Spring-Summer’: perhaps going with natural fiber or textured cream or gold pillows…
Your swim time/resort ensemble is lovely; I have resorted to wearing draped or fluttery tankini tops (Miraclesuit) to cover the 5+ extra pounds on my tummy — I wish, and am still hoping to go back to a fitted suit ;-} I think your weight loss effort was quite successful, BTW!
Love the hurricanes…can you post a source? Thx
I got them at a shop in Paris 25 years ago and it’s no longer there…sorry! I feel fortunate that I haven’t broken them with all the moves.
MA, you have a knack for finding the prettiest pillows. Love your lighter, brighter ready-for- summer refresh. Jim would appreciate fewer pillow to wrangle too. I’m going to try the statement jewelry with bathing suit approach. Wish me luck!. xo
Great article on refreshing your decor for the season. Even though I live in Colorado , I enjoy displaying my seashells from the many times we have lived in California and Delaware. This is our retirement home but I still like the coastal look!
That is great, Maureen!!