When you hear the word, “summer,” what comes to mind? Possibly vacation, likely at the beach? Or maybe a sudden urge to sip a frozen drink by the pool. Smells of the charcoal grill burning hot, a pitcher of lemonade, running through a sprinkler, catching fireflies…summer evokes all these and more. One thing these summer highlights have in common? Being outside.
But summer isn’t always fun in the sun. Sometimes it’s downright HOT. Summer storms, mosquitos, sunburns…even with all the outdoor awesomeness that summer brings, sometimes it’s better to be indoors…in the air conditioning…sans the mosquitos.
So bring the beachy summer feel indoors! Here are seven ways to create a coastal cool summer look in your home, even when you don’t live at the shore.
Step 1: beach basics
Cool blue tones are to summer like red and green are to Christmas. Not only are blues calming, but they look fantastic almost anywhere. Swap out some wintery tones like cranberry, or spring pastels, for some blues. Anything from the lightest aquamarine, to the richest, even denim blue tones will bring a beachy vibe to your decor.
Consider seaside stripes in a beautiful new area rug, like this Monterey Stripe area rug from Mohawk Home. A classic combo of blue hues and whites always says summer.
Step #2: summer reading ready
Everyone loves a good book to enjoy on the beach, so get those beach reads ready at home.
Stash some favorite magazines or novels in an accessible spot to pull out on a hot summer day and read it in the cozy cool of your favorite reading nook at home.
Step #3: throw in the beach towel
Vibrant colors are big in the summer. Think beach towels, the colors of swimsuits scattered along the shore, a box of popsicles, the bright yellow of the rising sun, the brilliant colors of a summer sunset. Echo those tones indoors.
Display your beach towels in a pretty basket. And don’t forget to have a lightweight throw on hand to cover up when the AC is cranked a bit too high.
Step #4: summery scents
Not beachbound this summer? Bring the beach to you! There are so many light summery scents in candles and potpourri these days.
Warm weather florals like jasmine, honeysuckle and lavender are great summer scents. Or opt for essential oils like gardenia or lilac to infuse throughout your house.
Step #5: pillow power
Do not underestimate the power of a couple of throw pillows. Pull in some pattern in shades of blue to up the coastal charm.
Step #6: blue blossoms and simple seagrass
Blooms of blue look stunning in the summer. Place a few loose hydrangeas in a simple vase.
Nothing too fussy. Remember that the best summer vibes are casual and cool.
Sample some seagrasses to go with your blue and white scheme; Jute baskets, sisal placemats, and even driftwood decor all say summer in the most natural way.
Step #7: shore things
Coastal tchotchkes are abundant. Don’t take it over the top. You don’t need nautical flags, starfish, anchors, a rope mirror, coral door stopper and pillows that says “BEACH” in all caps to let people know you’re going for a seaside decorating scheme.
Be subtle. Place summer citrus in a beach glass bowl. Highlight cane chairs and furniture with natural woods and finishes.
Throw in a sea shell here and there, but don’t take it to the extreme.
Play it cool, because that’s what the coastal decorating style is all about. And we all crave a bit more cool during the high summer heat.
Enjoy the summer! I “shore” hope these tips help you to introduce a bit of surf into your home turf.
