10 EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

1. Switch to Breezy, Lightweight Fabrics

This is one of the first things I do when I’m refreshing the house for summer. I’ll pack away anything heavy—like thick knits—and bring out all the light linens and cotton throws. Curtains, bedding, table runners… I go through the whole house.

Right now I’m loving soft whites, faded chambray blues, and natural textures. The kind of fabrics that feel like sunshine and ocean air. They move with the breeze and give every room that relaxed, beachy feel.

New on my radar is a set of these iris floral curtains for my dining room.

2. Blue and White—Always a Good Idea

You already know how much I love blue and white—it’s classic summer to me. Whether it’s a pretty iris floral pillow, or even just some blue-trimmed napkins on the table, this color combo always brings in that effortless, timeless charm.

It reminds me of beach towels, summer houses on Nantucket, and my favorite coastal grandmother looks. You really can’t go wrong with it!

3. Bowls of Citrus or Shells—Simple & Sweet

One of my favorite quick tricks! I’ll grab a big bowl, fill it with lemons or limes (or both), and set it on the counter or kitchen island. It looks fresh, it smells great, and it instantly gives the room a pop of sunshine.

When we’re spending time by the water, I’ll sometimes swap the citrus for shells we’ve collected. It’s such a sweet way to bring a little memory home with us.

This collection of shells is from my summer getaways on Nantucket.

4. Woven Accents for That Easy, Coastal Texture

I’ve been loving rattan, seagrass, and wicker more and more each summer. There’s something about woven pieces that just softens a space and adds that natural, beach house vibe.

Think rattan chairs for the dining room table, a little seagrass basket in the entryway, or even just a wrapped vase on the shelf. It adds that cozy, casual charm we all want this time of year.

5. Summer Candles Are a Whole Mood

Candles are one of my favorite ways to create a feeling in a room, and in summer, I go straight for those beachy and clean scents. Coconut, sea salt, clean linen, driftwood… anything that makes the house smell like vacation.

Right now, I’m burning one that smells like sunscreen and salty skin after a day at the beach, and I swear it just puts me in the best mood. Highly recommend!

6. Coastal Wall Art That Tells a Story

Whether it’s a vintage photo of a sailboat or a painting of ocean waves, adding a piece of art with coastal flair instantly changes the vibe of a room. I love switching out framed prints seasonally—it’s such an easy way to refresh without having to redo the whole space.

I always look for pieces that feel like summer—something nostalgic, peaceful, or sunny. The kind of art that makes you pause and exhale.

7. Coffee Table Beach Reads

Every summer, I like to make my coffee table look a little like a vacation spot. I’ll stack a few books—maybe a coastal home design book, a beach novel, or even just a favorite magazine—and top it with a piece of coral or driftwood.

It feels laid-back and welcoming, like the room is saying, “Hey, come sit for a while.”

8. Natural Materials = Instant Summer Energy

From jute rugs to bamboo frames, adding in raw, natural textures makes your space feel grounded and warm. I think this is a big part of why coastal interiors always feel so calm—they pull from nature, and they don’t try too hard.

Even something small, like a wooden bowl or a woven placemat, can add that organic touch that makes the whole space feel more alive.

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9. Fresh Florals, Always

I love popping by Trader Joe’s floral market and grabbing whatever looks happy and seasonal—hydrangeas, garden roses, peonies, hyacinths. I’ll trim them down and put them in beautiful vases I love to collect all over the house.

It doesn’t have to be a big fancy arrangement. Just something that says, “Summer’s here and life is good.”

10. Lightweight Bedding Is a Game Changer

If you’ve never switched your bedding for the seasons, this might be the summer to try it. Linen or cotton sheets, a light quilt, and maybe a couple of striped pillowcases? Dreamy.

I love crawling into bed after a long day and feeling the cool, breathable fabric. It’s such a small luxury, but it makes a huge difference. One brand I love has the best sheet sets that we sleep in every night!