Summer is officially here, and whether that means you have kids at home, vacations booked or enjoying/escaping the heat, we have helpful tips to make the most of your summer. There are ways to make your home feel summery, and also ways to make your home functional for summer activities and weather. We will start with some functional tips because if you are looking for solutions, you probably need them fast!
Dripping with Regret
Rain, kids after a swim, dogs after a walk – what do these all have in common? The ability to ruin your hardwood floors. Summertime means increased foot (or paw) traffic on your flooring. If that traffic happens to be dripping wet, it’s important to take safety measures. First, replace any old or worn-out rugs with newer, waterproof options. Next, create drop zones near entryways for wet shoes, towels, and pool toys. Lastly, consider having someone out to check windows, door seals, and gutters to make sure you are ready for increased rainfall in your area.
If the problems listed above are a pain point for your family, you may want to consider adding in a mudroom or more functional side entry with durable flooring to dodge damaged floors.
Gone to the Beach
Summer is all about vacations. This means your beloved home is either left empty, or you have a house/pet sitter keeping watch. If it’s the former, take proper precautions to protect your home while you’re away. Take care of any running toilets, leaky faucets, or drips. These small items could spell big trouble when you’re gone for extended periods of time. Aside from the normal to-do’s (holding your mail, setting lights on a timer, and asking a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things) you may consider installing cameras for an added layer of security.
If you have a pet or house sitter staying, you can let your inner-hostess soar by making your guest room inviting for the season. Adding a small basket of toiletries is also a nice touch. Be sure to leave any cleaning supplies they might need for pet messes easily accessible.
Beat the Heat
Maybe the most common summertime problem is dealing with (and defeating) the heat. We recommend installing smart thermostats that will learn your habits and your preferred temperatures. They are also energy efficient and will save you money in the long run. Still dealing with original fans in your home? You won’t believe what upgrading those will do for your quality of life. Not only are newer fans beautiful to look at, they just work better at moving the air. We recommend replacing inside fans and adding patio or deck fans where possible. Outdoor fans keep you cool and keep the bugs at bay.
Those are a few practical tips, now on to the fun stuff! When it comes to decorating for summer, the key is to find a method that works with your existing decor and style. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel as the weather changes, a few swaps will make a huge difference to how your home feels.
Light Layers
An easy and quick step is to swap out any heavy blankets with light linen that is still comfy but adds a lighter texture. We recommend a gauzy throw or loose-knit quilt to add layers to your sofas or chairs. Think about the texture of your furniture and choose something that contrasts with it enough to add interest, but not so much that it feels like a bad fit. Even though color is important, the texture and weight of your linens make a huge impact on the feel of the space. Don’t forget bathrooms and kitchens too! A beautiful Turkish hand towel makes a great addition to any powder bath. You can find clean, white tea towels or a fun floral pattern to brighten the kitchen. You might also consider changing warmer duvets and bedding for something more appropriate for the warmer weather. These easy swaps will help your home feel light and airy for summer.
A Summer Garden
Bringing the outside in is always a good idea. In summer, it’s a must! What’s great about the warmer temperatures is that there is no shortage of pretty foliage outside. Cut yourself some blooms right from your yard to make your house feel like a home. Have a black thumb? That’s okay! Cut branches from a tree to use instead of blooms. If you want to avoid faux plants, many designers and shops now sell dried lavender and other plants. They won’t die on your but are as low-maintenance as the fake stuff.
Setting a Summer Table
Summertime is the perfect season to host and dine with friends. Don’t forget your dishware and tablescape though! Swapping out your everyday dishes for something fun will make your events feel even more special. We love finding vintage-inspired glassware and dishes to mix in with crisp white platters and wooden boards. If you want to have a collected or layered look, mix items from various sets to make for a more interesting table.
We hope you found a few tips and tricks to incorporate into your home this summer. Let us know if you use any of these or have some tips of your own!
Need help getting your home ready for all the seasons? Our team can help you design and build the home of your dreams. Contact us here to learn more!
Happy Summer!
-Laurel
