We at John McClain Design are ready for a complete rejuvenation — a mid-year summer refresh! Our expert design team has put together our best tips to get your home updated and ready for the summer season.

Rework the Room: Less Is More

When it comes to summer vibes, center on creating an atmosphere that feels fresh, airy and soothing. As the saying goes “less is more” and nothing rings more true in the summertime:

• Create a more functional, open & fresh feeling.
  Rearranging furniture based on traffic patterns of the season can be a fantastic way to get your home summer ready. If your sofas are currently blocking the pathway to the patio, try splitting the sectional in half to offer easier access to the most used area of the season. Hanging up mirrors is another great way to add the appearance of openness because of their light-reflecting ability. Optical illusions? Yes, please!

• Dare to go bare.
  In the fall and winter seasons carpets create a cozy and intimate feeling, but for summer it’s all about being breezy and comfortable. Removing rugs is an easy way to keep things fresh, giving you the added bonus of less cleaning! Another effective but often overlooked interior design hack for summer is to open up the windows — go ahead and invite the outdoors indoors!

Swappables – Simple & Effective

A simple and effective means of changing the look of a room, “Swappables” can be stored away until you’re pleasantly surprised by your excitement for them again next season. Take a peek at our favorite swappables:

• Pillows & Bathroom Towels
  Throw pillows and bathroom towels offer an effortless way to add a new pop of color to a room without changing the room’s actual footprint. Have some fun with it! Replace those rich velvet throw pillows with some floral embellished ones.

• Linens, Duvets & Drapery
  Summer equals warmer temperatures. Stick to breathable fabrics that are sheer and linen. Lighter colors also reflect more sunlight and aid in keeping you cool. For bedrooms, a simple trick is to fold down or change the duvet covers.

• Accent Pieces
  Photos, artwork and foliage are all accent pieces that give a room that final touch, so why not make them coincide with the season? Get the kids involved and go seashell scouting! Or break out some old beach photos and put them on display. Whatever reminds you of fun summer memories, go ahead and feature it.

Make It Your Own

Don’t forget to make your home your own by choosing a summer theme that represents your vibe. Dreaming of the open waters? Choose a nautical blue and white palette complete with bursts of red accents. Have a flair for drama? Bold hues of sunshine yellow or emerald green are excellent summer colors. Girly chic? Experiment with pastel colors, like lavender gray, mint green or pale pink.

Whichever vibe you choose, be sure to implement the John McClain Design team’s tips to keep your mid-year summer refresh simple, budget friendly and, most importantly, enjoyable.

Till next time…
Happy Designs!