Hey everyone, and welcome back to Cottage on Bunker Hill! As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s the perfect time to bring that warm, breezy summer feeling indoors.
But who says a Summer refresh has to take all day? Today, I’m sharing some easy decorating hacks that can transform your space in under an hour – perfect for busy schedules and spontaneous Summer vibes.
Declutter for Openness (10 Minutes)
Let’s start with a clean slate! Dedicate ten minutes to decluttering a single room. Pack away those heavy winter throws, chunky knit blankets, and any seasonal decorations that scream “cozy cabin” instead of “sunny beach day.”
Opt for lighter cotton throw blankets for the warmer Summer weather. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, I still like to have a throw on me at night when I’m watching TV.
Do a quick wipe down of surfaces, dust shelves, and open those windows – letting in natural light instantly brightens the mood! Clean clutter off of tabletops. A coffee table piled with magazines or books just makes the room feel chaotic.
All-Purpose Cleaner
- Spray bottle
- 1/4 cup Rubbing Alcohol
- 1 1/2 Cups Water
- 4 Drops Dawn Dish Liquid
- 20-30 Drops Essential Oils
It’s amazing how a room’s energy changes with these quick & simple tasks homekeeping tasks.
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Lighten Up the Look (20 Minutes)
Speaking of light, let’s maximize it! Swap out heavy winter curtains for light and airy sheers or linen panels. This simple change allows natural light to flood the room, creating a more spacious and inviting atmosphere.
In our living room, I have room-darkening faux linen panels that look just like the more expensive ones sold at Pottery Barn. To diffuse the strong Summer sun that streams in though our windows I also have a set of sheer panels. I use a double curtain rod and metal curtain rings so they can both be opened & closed freely.
Bonus points if your curtains have a touch of summery color or pattern!
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Curtain combo
Here are the exact items I have.
Changing out your table lamps to something with a more Summer feel is an easy way to refresh your space quickly. Rotate in something wicker or glass for a lighter look.
Do you have a clear glass table lamp that needs a spruce up? Then grab a can of Krylon Sea Glass Spray Paint (Aqua is pictured below) and transform what you already have!
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table lamps
Rattan & Glass
Embrace Summery Textiles (15 Minutes)
Textiles can make a surprising difference in the overall feel of a space. Swap out your throw pillows or pillow covers for lighter fabrics in summery patterns. Think florals, stripes, or even nautical motifs for a coastal cottage twist.
For the warmer weather I packed up my velvet olive green couch pillows for a set of cotton linen ones in a similar shade (I love green!).
Add a lightweight summer throw blanket to your couch for a touch of cozy comfort that won’t weigh down the room.
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throws
Lightweight Summer throw blankets.
Pops of Color and Summer Scents (15 Minutes)
Summer is all about vibrancy! Add pops of color with vibrant throw pillows, a colorful tablecloth, or a decorative summer rug.
For Summer I switched the throw pillow covers to a set with bright reds and greens in an interesting print.
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throw pillows
Here are a few to brighten up your room!
Fresh flowers with bright hues are another easy way to bring summer inside. Don’t forget the power of scent!
Light a scented candle with a summery fragrance like citrus, lavender, or ocean breeze.
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summer scents
Quality candles that I love!
If you are looking for what Summer smells like here on the New England coast then I highly recommend Rockport Candle Co.’s seasonal candles, they smell just like a day at the beach! (Summer Girl is my personal fave!).
Finishing Touches (10 Minutes)
The little details truly tie a look together. Display a bowl of fresh summer fruits for a burst of color that only takes a minute to put together.
A beautiful seashell collection on a coffee table, mantle, or shelf adds a quick & easy coastal touch.
Swap out your winter artwork for a summer-themed piece, or refresh your gallery wall with seasonal prints.
Visit my printable library to download my Summer coastal collection to grab the blue heron design and other ideas to fill your frames on a budget.
The final way to bring a Summer feel into your home is with plants and greenery. Nothing makes a room feel alive like adding houseplants, potted flowers, or simple greenery added as an accent. Bonus, plants are easier to keep alive in the Summer too!!!
The Big Reveal: Your Summer Oasis
Take a step back and admire your handiwork! In just under an hour, you’ve transformed your space into a Summer oasis that’s both inviting and stylish. Remember, these are just starting points – get creative and have fun with your Summer decor!
What are your favorite ways to spruce up your home for the season? Share your tips and transformations in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more Summer inspiration and quick decorating ideas!
See your projects featured! If you make this or any of my other DIY projects I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
Want to see how to get a coastal look on a budget? See how I gathered thrift store finds and secondhand gems to create my Summer living room.
Jennifer
So many great tips.
Okay, I am taking all your advice and I ordered a pillow! Thank you!
Great tips, Jennifer! I’m going to mix up some of your all purpose cleaner! ~Missy
I will have to give your all-purpose cleaner a go. I bet it smells amazing.