When the warm weather arrives, you trade your heavy winter garb for breezy summer dresses, and swap out heavier winter dishes for grilled summer fare, so why not do the same for your home? We asked some of our favorite designers how they breathe new life into their homes for summer.
"I cover accent tables with ivory linen tablecloths and put blue hydrangeas in white porcelain vases in the center of each table. I like the clean aromatic scent of garden tomatoes in the kitchen. I pick a portion of the vine and place it in a simple white bowl on the kitchen counter. The deep cardinal red of the tomato against the fern green vines adds an amazing contrast in the white bowl. It not only smells fragrant but looks divine - and then you can eat it!" -CHRISTINA SULLIVAN
"I lower the wattage of all the lights: Dark equals Cool. Then, my New York City apartment doesn't allow air conditioning! So, I pull out the many antique fans I've bought over the years from the Fan Man in Dallas, Texas [fanmanusa.com]. They're vintage, with metal blades, so they can be enormously dangerous, but they look and work great. They also make a lot of noise, but it's very rhythmic, which I find soothing." -JOHN DANZER Here's another option for cooling your home the natural way.
"Change the bedding, both the weight and the colors. Brighter colors lighten the mood. I change the carpets, too. Flatter weaves and bright colors instantly make a home feel like a summer house." -SARA BENGUR
"I buy plants and fill my window boxes. I plant two with especially fragrant herbs. When the breeze blows over them, the house is filled with scent. I also load up bowls on my kitchen counter with fresh produce from the farmer's market, so I can just grab something fresh to eat - it looks wonderful, too." -CLODAGH Get inspiration from these gorgeous gardens.
"I have a mini changing-of-the-guard. I don't redecorate, but I always have more flowers, bring out different linens for entertaining, and stock the wine fridge with my favorite white wines and rosé champagnes. Even the music I play has a little more pep in its step. Summer is a playful season, and it's fun for a home to reflect that spirit." -JAY JEFFERS
Get more summer decorating ideas!
Do you have summer rituals for your home? What are they?
More from House Beautiful:
- One-Day Home Makeover: Before and After Photos
- Brilliant Ideas for a Tiny Kitchen
- Eye-Popping Headboard Designs
- Bedroom Designs We Love
- Get More Creative Ideas for Your Home: Subscribe to House Beautiful Magazine
