As the warmer months arrive, there’s something energizing about giving your space a seasonal refresh. For apartment dwellers, decorating for summer doesn’t require a complete renovation—just a few clever updates can help your home feel bright, airy, and inviting.
Lighten Up Your Textiles
Start by swapping out heavy throws, faux furs, and dark-coloured cushions for light, breathable fabrics in sun-washed shades like sand, sage, or pale coral. Materials like linen, cotton, and muslin not only help regulate temperature during warmer weather but also add softness and texture to your space. Consider layering light curtains to replace blackout panels, or introduce a breezy new bedspread to shift the mood of your bedroom instantly.
Tip: Neutral tones mixed with soft pastels tend to make spaces feel larger, great for smaller apartments.
Bring the Outdoors In
You don’t need a sprawling balcony to enjoy a little greenery. Add life to your space with low-maintenance indoor plants, such as pothos, succulents, or snake plants. For a more fragrant summer touch, try seasonal florals like sunflowers, lavender, or eucalyptus in glass jars, recycled vases, or mason jars.
Have a balcony? Create a mini garden oasis with planters, outdoor lights, and a cozy chair—perfect for evening reads or morning coffee.
Create a Summer Scent
Summer doesn’t just look good—it should smell good, too. Incorporate summery scents using reed diffusers, soy candles, or essential oil blends in fragrances like citrus, coconut, eucalyptus, or ocean breeze. These scents can promote relaxation, lift your mood, and add an invisible layer of ambiance to your home.
Bonus: Switch scents between rooms to create distinct "zones”, such as refreshing citrus in the kitchen and calming lavender in the bedroom.
Rethink Your Layout
Changing seasons are a great excuse to reimagine your space. Rearranging your furniture, even slightly, can give your apartment a fresh feel without spending a dime. Try moving a reading chair near a window to soak up more natural light or create a more open flow in your living area to encourage airflow and brightness.
Pro tip: Use area rugs or a statement chair to define seasonal "zones" in an open-concept suite.
Update Your Wall Art
Even if you’re renting, there are plenty of renter-friendly ways to change your walls. Swap out dark or heavy wall art for lighter visuals, such as coastal landscapes, abstract pastels, or minimalist line drawings. Temporary adhesive hooks and washi tape make it easy to rotate seasonal artwork without damaging your walls.
No art? Create your own! Print free downloadable prints or use pressed flowers for a natural, budget-friendly display.
Decorating on a Budget?
You don’t need a big budget to make a big impression. Browse second-hand stores, explore local markets, or repurpose pieces you already have with a fresh coat of paint or new fabric. Minor updates—like bright dish towels, seasonal placemats, or a summery shower curtain—can make your space feel new with minimal effort and cost.
Try this: Swap out your usual coffee table books with summer-themed reads or travel magazines for added flair.
Ready to Refresh?
Your apartment is your sanctuary, and summer is the perfect excuse to let it shine. Thoughtful seasonal changes can completely shift your mood and mindset, so open the windows, welcome the light, and embrace the new season, starting right at home.
Share your summer setup with us! Tag @SterlingKaramar and use #SKPMSummerStyle for a chance to be featured.