How to Refresh Your Home for Summer — The Interior Designer’s Way

We wait all year for Summer. Longer days, lighter evenings, open windows, and that feeling of everything slowing down just a little. But here’s the thing: your home should reflect that seasonal shift too.

If you’re still wrapped in velvets, dark tones, or heavy accessories, it might be time to lift the weight and let your space breathe. And no — we’re not talking about a full makeover, just some slight changes that will be so impactful to your home.

At Lynne Kelly Interiors, we believe in thoughtful seasonal styling — small changes that make your home feel lighter, brighter, and more intentional for the time of year.

Here’s how to refresh your home for Summer — the interior designer way.

1. Swap Out Heavy Fabrics for Light, Airy Textures

Think of it like your wardrobe — you’re not wearing wool or chunky knits in July, right? Your home deserves the same attention.

Start by switching out anything that feels too warm or dense:

• Velvet cushions

• Thick knit throws

• Heavy woven textures

What to use instead:

• Linen & cotton blend cushions (perfectly breathable)

• Light bouclé for texture without weight

• Lightweight throws in cotton gauze or brushed linen

• Layered textures that still feel tactile, but not stifling
  

2. Let Your Windows Breathe

There’s something about sheer curtains slowly blowing in the breeze that just feels like summer.

If your current curtains are blocking the light, consider swapping them for lighter materials, especially in living rooms, kitchens, or any sunlit space.

Try this:

• Linen or voile panels for a soft, airy finish

• Wave or pencil pleat headings for a relaxed drape

• Neutral tones like soft ivory, oatmeal, or stone to reflect sunlight beautifully

  
  

  Need help choosing fabric? Our sister company Lynne Kelly Curtains, Made-to-Measure Curtain service is tailored to help you get it just right.

3. Introduce Fresh Colour (Yes, Even if You Love Neutrals) into your Summer Interior

If you usually keep things minimal, Summer is the perfect excuse to add a little something more into your interiors.

You don’t have to go bold — just intentional.

Colour combinations to try:

• Sage green, blush pink & ivory

• Pale blue, warm beige & natural wood

• Mustard yellow, white & leafy green accents

Start small:

• A few patterned cushions

• Light artwork or prints

• A ceramic vase in a statement tone

• A botanical lampshade or lightweight rug

  Not sure where to start? Explore our Inspiration Mood Boards for colour palettes and styling pairings that work beautifully together.
  

4. Bring the Outdoors In

Nothing says Summer like natural textures and botanical influences.

This doesn’t mean turning your home into a greenhouse but it’s amazing what a few well-placed elements can do.

Try these:

• Add woven pieces (like a seagrass basket or rattan lampshade)

• Style a natural wood tray with a light diffuser and greenery

• Layer in jute or coir mats by doors or patios

• Introduce nature-inspired wallpapers — we love leafy prints, florals, and soft botanicals

  
  

5. Refresh the Finishing Touches

It’s the little things that bring the seasonal shift into focus and you’ll feel the difference instantly.

Summer-ready swaps:

• Candles and diffusers in citrus, linen, neroli or floral scents

• Glass or ceramic accessories instead of darker, weighty decor

• Change out your artwork or photos to something lighter or travel-inspired

• Light throws draped loosely across your bed or sofa for a relaxed, laid-back look

Even just restyling your shelves with natural textures and lighter tones can transform the feel of a room.

Bonus Tip: Create a Summer Interior Styling Kit

Pull together a small collection of your Summer interiors swaps. Think throws, candles, accessories and store your Winter pieces in a basket or linen bag. This way, you’re ready to rotate everything again come Autumn without the overwhelm.

I've put together a Summer Styling Checklist for you to go through when getting ready for the different seasons:

• ☐ Swap heavy textures for linen, cotton, and light bouclé

• ☐ Let in natural light with sheer or linen curtains

• ☐ Add fresh colour with soft accents and patterns

• ☐ Layer in natural materials: rattan, jute, wood

• ☐ Update accessories with ceramics, glass, or greenery

• ☐ Rotate your scents to something clean and summery

• ☐ Browse our Inspiration Mood Boards for summer styling ideas

• ☐ Visit our showroom for inspiration or to talk to our team

Refreshing your home for Summer doesn’t mean changing everything, it just means adjusting your space to match the way you want to feel this season: lighter, calmer, and more connected to the world outside.

And when your home supports that feeling? It really shows. Explore our Summer-inspired soft furnishings, visit our showroom, or reach out for help with a personalised styling consultation — we’d love to help you create a space that feels as good as it looks. Love Lynne Kelly Interiors x