Transform Your Space with These 6 Simple Summer Home Decor Ideas

As an interior designer living and working in the heart of Florida, I’ve come to appreciate how a few thoughtful updates can make your home feel light, breezy, and beautifully in tune with the season. Summer is all about effortless living—doors open to the breeze, sun-kissed mornings, and evenings that stretch long into the night. It’s also the perfect time to breathe new life into your interiors with small, stylish touches that embrace the Florida lifestyle.

Here are six simple yet transformative summer decorating tips that I use in my own home and recommend to clients who want that elevated, coastal-casual feel.

Display Fresh, Vibrant-Colored Fruit

One of the easiest ways to bring instant color and energy to your kitchen or dining space is with a bowl of fresh, seasonal fruit. Think lemons, limes, oranges, peaches, and even pineapples. Don’t overthink it—fruit is a beautiful and accessible way to add life to your space. I love using oversized wooden or ceramic bowls on the kitchen island or countertop for a relaxed, curated look.

Bonus: citrus scents are subtly uplifting and evoke that clean, vibrant freshness we all crave during Florida summers.

Cut Fresh Greens From Your Yard

I’m a big believer in bringing the outdoors in. Summer is the ideal time to snip branches or leafy stems from your backyard—palms, monstera, or even magnolia—and place them in colorful vases or pitchers. This not only celebrates the lush Florida landscape but adds an organic element that’s a great alternative to traditional florals.

Don’t worry about being too perfect. Let the stems arch and lean naturally. I love pairing vibrant greens with vessels in coral, aqua, or sunny yellow to keep the mood cheerful and summery.

Swap Out Dark for Light

The key to summer decorating is lightening up—literally. Store away your darker, heavier textiles (think velvet or wool throws and jewel-toned cushions) and bring in airy options. Crisp whites, soft blues, and sandy neutrals instantly make a room feel cooler and more open. On your bed, switch out thick duvets for lightweight quilts or linen coverlets. On the sofa, opt for cotton or linen-blend pillow covers in summery patterns: stripes, palms, and subtle florals all work beautifully.

This tip alone can dramatically shift the energy of your space without requiring a full room makeover.

Incorporate Linen and Natural Textures

Summer is all about breathing room—and nothing says breathable like linen. Whether you add linen curtains that billow in the breeze, a new set of linen napkins in your dining area, or a natural-fiber runner down the center of your table, this fabric adds relaxed refinement that works beautifully in Florida homes.

Beyond linen, explore textures like rattan, jute, seagrass, and raw wood. A rattan accent chair or woven baskets for storing towels or magazines brings subtle warmth and texture to your room. These materials also wear beautifully with age, adding character over time.

Use Organic Decorative Objects

Organic objects—like pieces of coral, shells, driftwood, or sea glass—are timeless coastal accents that never go out of style. I love using these pieces in thoughtful vignettes throughout the home. A piece of white coral atop a stack of books or nestled in a wooden bowl becomes an art object with minimal effort.

Don’t limit yourself to what you buy—take a stroll along the beach and collect pieces that speak to you. These can be beautifully displayed on console tables, built-ins, or bathroom shelves for a natural, collected-over-time look.

Keep it simple—group in threes and vary textures for a curated yet casual display.

Display Coffee Table Books with Outdoor Themes

There’s nothing more inviting than a well-styled coffee table topped with gorgeous books. In the summer, I like to rotate in titles that feature outdoor living, coastal design, or travel to sunny locales. Think: surf photography, lake house inspiration, or even a cookbook focused on grilling or fresh produce.

These books don’t just look beautiful—they’re conversation starters and mini-vacations in printed form.

Stack a few next to a small plant or decorative object, and your living room will instantly feel more inspired.

My Final Thoughts

Decorating for summer doesn’t require a total home overhaul. By focusing on light, color, texture, and natural elements, you can create a space that feels fresh, welcoming, and sunny.

Looking for help designing your ideal summer space? I specialize in coastal-inspired interiors that are equal parts chic and livable. Let’s bring your vision to life.

Warmly,

Kim