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Sprucing up your space for the summer doesn’t have to involve a hefty budget or a ton of your time. Sometimes the tiniest tweaks — such as swapping in lightweight throw pillows or incorporating breezy, organic textures — can make your home instantly feel more fresh and “of the season.” Plus, when you subtly reinvent your space, it helps you fall in love with it all over again.

Not quite sure where to start? Follow these interior designer tips on how to make your home feel cool and fresh all summer long.

1. Put heavy blankets in storage.

Heavy cable knit throws and thick blankets feel cozy in autumn and winter, but they’re likely unnecessary in the warmer months. Tuck them away through summer. And if you like the feeling of cuddling up with a blanket, then consider swapping in a lighter muslin or linen throw.

2. Bring in fresh greenery.

“One of my favorite ways to welcome a new season is to update accessories and bring in fresh, seasonal greenery,” notes interior designer Heather Fujikawa. “Because the kitchen is one of the most high-traffic areas in your home, sprucing up this space will really make a difference in your day-to-day life.”

3. Hang breezy drapery.

Take down thick and heavy drapery and drop them off at the dry cleaner for a deep cleaning. In their place, hang breezy drapery “to enjoy the fresh air and movement when you open windows,” says Ami McKay, president and principal designer of Pure Design. If you want to help keep heat out of the house, choose a lightweight but dense fabric that helps block out more sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

4. Ditch heavy rugs for lighter materials.

A plush, heavy rug feels nice under bare feet in the middle of winter, but come summer, it takes away from that cool and fresh environment you're looking to create. Put that heavy rug in storage — and consider getting it professionally cleaned first — and swap in lightweight or flat-weave rugs made from cotton or jute.

5. Incorporate summer scents.

Visual changes can make a big impact, but don’t neglect your other senses. Candles and diffusers in citrus, floral, or beachy scents can create a sense of lightness versus the heaviness that accompanies sugary or woodsy notes.

6. Connect the indoors and outdoors.

Maximize your square footage by bringing the indoors outside and vice versa. The key to making your patio or deck feel homey is to incorporate comfortable seating, cushions, rugs, and lighting via outdoor furniture. Consider creating an intimate al fresco dining area that invites you to dine outside all season long.

7. Display seasonal blooms.

Showing off a bouquet of bright, seasonal flowers can be just what your home needs to look perked up and summery. And you don't have to spend a fortune to get 'em! Look to your local grocery stores for inexpensive blooms (Trader Joe's usually has a great selection) and then arrange them yourself when you get home.

8. Switch out your throw pillows.

If your sofa or bed currently has throw pillows that feel heavy or cold-weather adjacent, switch 'em out for covers that are bright and cheerful or light and airy. Stripes and linen both scream summer, as do shades of blue and white, for a beach-y vibe.

9. Add a cute fan.

A lot of fans aren't exactly...attractive, and can be a bit of an eyesore. But finding a sleek, modern one can add a summery pop to your space while also having a practical function.

10. Plant herbs.

Start a little window herb garden! Not only does this add some greenery and more life to your space, but the lovely scents will also keep your home smelling summery and fresh.

11. Paint your front door.

So this one may be a little more of a lift, but adding a pop of color to your front door can immediately make your home feel more summertime-ready.

12. Swap out your doormat.

Speaking of your entryway and exterior, a new doormat is a great way to freshen your space up and add a more summertime-appropriate texture or color. Once fall starts back up, you can easily swap it back out — easy peasy!

13. Add some climbing plants.

Climbing vines, especially those that flower, always feel especially warm-weather appropriate. Plant some in your backyard to liven up even the most blah fence or wall. Bonus: your garden will smell even more fragrant if you plant something like jasmine!

14. Hang a hammock.

Nothing says relaxed summer days like a hammock. Hang one in your backyard or porch — there are a ton of options for stands if you don't have suitable trees. If you have the space, you can even add a hammock indoors!

15. Add string lights to your yard.

The perfect lighting is key to outdoor entertaining in the summer, and a lovely, soft glow from string lights will take your backyard to the next level. If you don’t have a way to hang them, you can easily get portable stands from Amazon that will do the trick!

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.