We have made it to the month of June, and the unofficial start of summer is here. Visions of cannon balls into swimming pools, collecting shells on the beach, and the end of another school year are near reality.
Summer is associated with the outdoors. And why not? After long months of shoveling snow, shorter days and dark color palettes, how can one not look forward to all that Summer offers?
However, the sunny season does not have to neglect your environment inside, it is not partial to just the outdoors! As the days extend and drops of sunshine shower our faces, invite the happiness and rays to settle inside your home for the season.
Refreshing beverages and light meals are frequent in my kitchen during summer, so I always stock up on citrus fruits. Get multiples uses out of your ingredients by putting them on display! Set out your nicest serving bowl to display lemons, limes and oranges, or fill a vase to accent your table arrangements.
Displaying fresh herbs is another way to “summerize” your home. Start a small herb garden with choices that you will use often. Place the pot close to a window so that it soaks in at least six hours of sunlight during the date. Hanging planters are also a great option for keeping herbs on a porch.
Fresh flowers are one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer. I go to my local grocery store or flower market and pick out a bundle of colors that accent my home decor. Instantly, my mood is lifted, I have lighter steps and the atmosphere of my home all around seems brighter. Don’t worry about spending heavy dollars on overwhelming amounts of flowers, you only need a few arrangements. I like to put a single stem by my bedside, cut down a few blooms to fit a shorter vase for my coffee table, and then scatter the rest on my mantle and in my kitchen. Also, consider using dried flowers, like lavender, then you can reuse your arrangements again.
To illuminate the main rooms of your home during the summer months, add more white! Focus on switching out dark-shaded decorative items, such as pillows and bedding. Even add shear and light drapes or curtains to allow more sun in to transform the feeling of your environment.
Summer is a fun time of year to liven up your home. Allow the light colors, florals and outdoors to inspire your decorating, before we fall into a new season.