ShareYou may not have the budget for floor-to-ceiling renovations but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a big difference to a home’s appearance. Interior designers from across the country respond to the question: What is your favorite summer design hack on a dime? Here’s what they said.
Refresh the Color
“What works for summer—and all year round, really—is making a statement with color. A fresh coat of paint on the wall or repainting your furniture and adding new hardware offers a renewed look to any room. Don’t be afraid to try cool, summery colors; they create a tranquil mood to the space.” —Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors, Tulsa, Okla.
Move Around Accessories
“Sometimes the best furniture and fixtures are right under your nose – in your own home. Rearranging your furniture can give the illusion of a new home; all it takes is some creativity. Move your entryway chandelier to your bathroom. Rearrange artwork. Use a living room side table for seating at your vanity. The possibilities are endless.” —Mary Patton, Mary Patton Design, Houston
Add Some Finishing Touches
“Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Create intrigue and give richness to a room with bright throw blankets or pillows and add eye-catching lighting fixtures. For summer, I also like to add gold picture frames and mirrors to accentuate white or neutral walls.” —Marlaina Teich, New York-based Marlaina Teich Designs
Try Wallpaper Accents
"I'm currently loving all of the options for removable wallpaper which can make any room—big or small—look freshly renovated and without breaking the bank. For summer, consider creating an accent wall or wallpapering a powder room in shades of blue reminiscent of clear skies and beach days.” —Lance Thomas, Louisiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors
Highlight the Windows
“For the summer, consider clean, modern cellular shades that not only look great in any space, but also offer amazing interior climate control while helping to reduce energy costs. For this time of year, I’m loving crisp white and seaglass shade colors.” —James Brewer, design consultant with Stoneside Blinds & Shades
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