Easy Updates: The Best Spring/Summer Decorating Ideas For Instant Impact

When the last of the chill in the air recedes and the evening commute is no longer in darkness, our thoughts turn to the freshness of spring. Welcome its arrival by shaking off winter’s hibernation, and make every room in your home breezy and bright with our pick of spring/summer decorating ideas.

Kitchen & Dining Room

Table decorations are the easiest way to add some seasonal changes. White cotton and some pretty vintage pieces can work perfectly with a blue and white theme this coming summer. Add a bud vase or some wild flowers or tropical plants as a centrepiece for some fresh playfulness after the heavier, formal floral displays that tend to adorn a winter table.

Sitting Room

Summer home decorating ideas need careful planning for maximizing the emerging light but also for controlling it. Cushion covers are a cost-effective yet instantly effective update that can have a big impact. Capture some of the vibrant floral energy of this season’s very hot botanical trend; from the large, tropical and bold, to the more subtle drawing prints inspired by beautifully drawn natural history images, this trend will have a longevity long past its first bloom. A bold plain wall, or natural wood blind in a hue picked up in the print will bring the look together.

Bedroom

The earlier sunrise makes it easier to jump out of bed in the spring and summer as the light naturally triggers our body clock to spring into action. The disadvantage here can be that 5am may be a tad too early for most of us. (Plus the attendant issue of getting small children to bed when the sun is still tempting them to play.) Choose stylish room darkening blinds to keep the light at bay until you're ready to greet the day.

Conservatory, Outdoors & Garden

Even small gardens and conservatories can be made more inviting with the simple introduction of outdoor decorations for summer. Hanging lanterns in jewel hues will add a hit of bold colour whilst you wait for the garden to come into full flower and the glow of tea lights in the evening will encourage you to tarry a while longer as the nights draw out.

Try outsize pots in a combination of terracotta, concrete and woven plastics which can be moved in and out of the conservatory whilst the weather is still transitioning – so you don’t have to rely on the British weather for your taste of the outdoors. Keep the sizes, texture and scale variable to add interest and visual depth.

Walls & Colours

The big colour trends for 2016 are ideal for adding some spring warmth and energy. Warm pinks and and golds not only add some softness and work well with the harder, brighter light of spring but also are soothing and cocooning when autumn returns.

Use black highlights in paintwork or furniture to make the walls pop or add a touch of glamour with a soft pink venetian blind.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our inspiration gallery for ideas for every room and window.

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