10 Ways to Restyle Your Home For Summer

You don’t have to be a professional to restyle your home. Jump start your summer refresh without breaking the bank with these helpful hints.
As spring turns to summer we get the itch to refresh our homes. And, we know you get all itchy too, as requests for us to redesign and restyle your homes increase in May and June. It goes something like this.

1. You say to yourself, “I’m so sick of this look! ” or “I just turned around and all of a sudden my kiddos have destroyed my furniture. And… I don’t even want to know what that green sticky goo is on my favorite rug. Ugh!
2. Walking from room to room with a critical eye (deep sigh) you have an overwhelming desire to throw everything out and start over.
3. You come to the conclusion that a few new furnishings just won’t cut it if you don’t (fill in the blank) replace the flooring, paint, buy new furniture, etc.
4. You quickly realize executing 2 & 3 means digging deep into your wallet and there goes that summer vacation you planned. So you decide to just live with it and you do nothing!

Be inspired. Create an inspiration board on Pinterest or snap photos of ideas that reflect your personality. Stay focused on the look you are trying to accomplish. The goal is to create a feeling for your space. How do YOU want to feel when you walk into your home? Happy? Creative? Calm? Excited? This is your home after all, not anyone else’s, create a sanctuary that you look forward to coming home to each day.
Shop your home. It’s free! Pilfer from other rooms in your home. If you have a lot of energy, completely empty the room, leaving only foundational pieces. Then slowly gather furnishings and décor that work with your master plan. Repurpose with what you already have. That serving tray taking up space in your pantry, placed atop your coffee table with a few vases filled with greenery, is a great example.
Set a budget and shop for pieces that will create a layered look. Varied textures and textiles create warmth and help ground a room. Don’t be afraid to mix metals, woods, plants, and fabrics. Hanging macramé planters, along with wall art and pillows seems to be popping up everywhere. Who knew they would make a comeback? Add galvanized photo frames, a favorite heirloom coffee table, cream accent lamps and accessories next to a well-used leather sofa tricks the eye into focusing on the contrasting hues instead of that sofa you used to loathe. Image by Birch Lane

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​Join the “Jungalow” movement. Succulents or hydrangeas potted in driftwood planters or concrete pots are natural elements that add color to your home. If you lack a green thumb, it’s okay, treat yourself to a fresh bouquet from the farmers market or search for artificial greens that look real.

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​Lighten your bedding. Buy a duvet cover in a light color to replace your current comforter. Add pops of color with throw pillows for a crisp look.

Image by Lisa at Farmhouse on Boone

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Speaking of pillows, don’t ditch your old throw pillows. Search for vibrant pillow covers instead.

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Image by Shannon Martin at I wasn’t always like this

Add candles. Your sense of smell increases in the summer. Add light and refreshing scents that you love or that remind you of summer. It is said that lavender, citrus, and peppermint create a calming effect, increase productivity and improve your mood. Bonus! These yummy candles by Sara Morris are a best seller in our Mercantile this summer.
​Add lighting. Replace an outdated ceiling light with a show-stopping chandelier. Consider tabletop and floor lamps for soft ambient light. Paint lamp bases and purchase new shades in your color scheme for the summer.

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Add an accent wall. Contrasting hues draw the eye to a focal point. Accents walls distract from imperfections and highlight your home’s best features. Paint is always an easy solution. But what about shiplap and barn wood on the wall? Both are hot trends right now. LVT (luxury vinyl tile) found in most box stores, comes in thousands of styles, is inexpensive and relatively easy to install, even on a wall! Check out this example from Wayfair.

5.1″ Engineered Wood Wall Paneling in Cobalt

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Consider updating cabinet hardware & outdated fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms.
As you embark on your summer edits, consider the words of Salvador Dali: “Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it”. Instead, have fun and resist overthinking. Shop yard sales, thrift shops, auctions, and local retailers for fun and unique finds. The hunt for that perfect finds can be just as enjoyable as the end results.
Need some more inspiration? Check out some of our work.