Summer is the season of sunshine, openness, and effortless charm. It is also the ideal time to breathe new life into your living space. Whether you’re welcoming guests, working from home, or enjoying slow, sunny mornings, a few intentional design updates can help you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and in tune with the season.

Here are 8 thoughtful design tips to help you brighten your home for summer!

1. Give Your Home a Summer Deep Clean for a Fresh Start

Before you bring out all your fresh summer decor and seasonal accents, it’s essential to hit the reset button with a thorough summer deep clean. We know many (if not most) people don’t like cleaning, but this foundational step sets the stage for your home to feel refreshed, inviting, and ready to embrace the brighter, lighter energy of the season.

Key Areas to Focus On

Wash Your Windows Inside & Out
- Sunlight streaming through spotless windows creates an immediate mood boost. Use a good glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution and a microfiber cloth to remove streaks and grime
Vacuum and Clean Under Furniture
- Dust bunnies and debris collect under sofas, beds, and cabinets. Move what you can and vacuum thoroughly, paying special attention to corners and baseboards
Declutter and Organize Drawers and Closets
- Summer is a great time to purge items you no longer use or need. Forgotten or overstuffed storage areas create a feeling of chaos even if they aren’t in sight. Sort through clothes, linens, and miscellaneous items
Refresh Upholstery and Fabrics
- Deep clean sofas, cushions, curtains, and rugs

In summer, aim for a bright, inviting entrance with these small but impactful touches:

Clean or replace your doormat

Choose one with a cheerful pattern or summery vibe

Clear clutter

Keep shoes, bags, and outdoor gear organized or tucked away

Add a small seasonal touch

A fresh potted plant, a bowl for keys, or a summer-themed welcome sign

2. Embrace Light and Airy Fabrics

Thick and dark textiles can feel heavy in warmer months. Instead, opt for breathable, flowy fabrics like cotton and linen to let your space feel more relaxed and breezier. You can drape white linen curtains, switch to a light summer duvet cover, or swap in slipcovers for sofas and chairs. Neutral or pastel tones work best to reflect light and keep the room feeling open.

3. Opt for a Soft, Sun-Kissed Colour Palette

Summer interiors should feel like a breath of fresh air. Brighten your space by shifting to a lighter colour scheme that represent beachy landscapes and coastal tones.

Palette Inspiration: Use sand-toned neutrals, soft coral, sky blue, seafoam green, and creamy whites. Accent with small touches of terracotta or butter yellow for warmth and personality.

4. Maximize Natural Light with Mirrors

Mirrors are your secret weapon for enhancing brightness. They reflect light and give the illusion of more space - especially helpful in smaller or darker rooms. Acting almost like a second window, a well-placed mirror can significantly increase the natural light in a room and visually double the sense of space. By reflecting natural sunlight (or ambient light from lamps and fixtures), mirrors brighten a room without adding a single bulb.

Oversized Statement Mirrors
- Great for minimalist or modern interiors, a single large mirror can become the focal point of a room. Choose one with a thin frame or arched silhouette for a contemporary yet airy feel
Gallery Wall of Mirrors
- Combine various mirror shapes and sizes for a playful, artistic statement. This works particularly well in boho or eclectic spaces and adds brightness and character. Position them opposite windows or near light sources for maximum effect

5. Incorporate Nature-Inspired Decor

Bring the outside in with natural textures and organic elements. This connects your home with the vibrancy of summer landscapes.

Ideas to Try:

Style a table with fresh citrus in a bowl
Use woven textures like rattan, cane, or bamboo
Scatter houseplants like pothos or fiddle leaf figs

6. Declutter for a Clean, Minimal Look

Summer calls for simplicity. A clean, open space feels more refreshing and helps natural light travel farther. Reevaluate surfaces, clear excess decor, and leave room for your space to breathe.

Reassess Every Surface
- Take a critical look at tabletops, shelves, and countertops. Are they crowded with miscellaneous items or outdated decor? Remove everything non-essential. Keep only what brings you joy, adds texture, or serves a purpose
Replace Excess Decor with Intentional Statements
- Consider a few impactful pieces that elevate the space:
  - A statement lamp: Choose one with a sleek design or a bright summer tone, which functions as both art and lighting
  - A single vase of fresh flowers or greenery: A vibrant bouquet adds colour, life, and a natural scent
  - Thoughtfully stacked coffee table books: Select a small collection of books with appealing covers or topics you love. Arrange them in groups of two or three to add height and visual interest

Don’t feel compelled to fill every empty spot. Negative space is essential in design - it gives your eyes a place to rest and enhances the impact of your decor. A well-balanced room with breathing room feels calm and inviting.

7. Declutter for a Clean, Minimal Look

The ambiance of a space is about more than just sight. Introduce tactile and aromatic elements to create a full sensory experience.

Ideas to Try:

Add light throws or jute rugs for texture
Use essential oils or candles with notes of grapefruit or coconut
Incorporate light wood accents (pine or white oak) for a fresh, beach-house feel

8. Add Pops of Seasonal Artwork or Prints

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to refresh your home for summer is by updating your artwork and prints. Art has a unique power to instantly transform the mood of a room - and swapping in seasonal pieces is a creative way to celebrate the carefree, vibrant spirit of summer without committing to permanent changes.

Choosing summer-inspired prints or paintings can bring the essence of summer indoors.

Beach scenes: Soft sandy shores, turquoise waves, or coastal landscapes

Botanical illustrations: Fresh leaves, tropical flowers, or greenery in watercolour or line drawing styles add a natural touch
Abstract art: Vibrant splashes of yellow, coral, turquoise, or lime can energize your space with a modern and playful vibe

Use lightweight or clip frames so you can swap artwork with the seasons. Art ledges or gallery walls are great for rotating summer-themed prints. Incorporate your seasonal artwork with complementary elements like woven baskets, ceramics, or textiles in summer colours. This creates a cohesive and immersive look that ties the room together.

Small Changes, Big Summer Energy

Updating your home for summer is about creating lightness - in look, in feel, and in energy. By using lighter fabrics, nature-inspired decor, fresh colour palettes, and maximizing natural light, you can turn your home into a bright living space.

Whether you’re hosting weekend guests or enjoying quiet summer mornings at home, your refreshed space will feel just right.

Ready to learn more?

Please feel welcome to email or call Bethany (Sales Manager, mistral Communities):

8 Design Tips for Brighter Summer Interiors