Pattern, Texture, Color & Shine: The Elements of Fresh Summer Décor

There are certain things in life that are hard. Like, really hard. Big life decisions that take weeks, months or years to commit to and execute. Things that change the course of your life and your family’s lives. 

Decorating is not one of those things. 

If you’re anything like me, you’re tempted to let decorating become one of those things. Something that feels like a real commitment. A chore or task that needs to be completed and once completed can’t or shouldn’t be changed – for outright fear of messing it all up. 

Well, I’m here to help you stop doing that – this summer, we’re going to be carefree decorators! 

We’re going to put decorating in its place, and put summer décor on our list. After a few hours of YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram research, I’ve decided that I’m going to be brave with my summer décor. Fortunately, I live at Redwood, so I don’t need to worry about outdoor décor; the grounds are always quite beautifully kept, but I do want the inside of my apartment to compliment my view of the landscaping.

Pattern, Texture, Color, Shine

The elements that are key to comprehensive, but simple interior design are also fundamental to your summer décor. Think about the patterns you’ll use, the textures you like, your favorite summer colors and how much bling you want to bring into your environment. 

During the summer, a few of these elements are already available to you…if you’re interested in using them. The most common summer pattern is stars and/or stripes – not necessarily the flag, but the idea of the flag. Summer in America is full of patriotic holidays, so there will be plenty of pillows, throws, vases, and picture frames with stars and/or stripes in their pattern available in stores and online. We’ve also been provided with an implied color palette – red, white & blue – or any variations of those three. Depending on the color of your furniture, you might be able to get away with adding a bit of red or white with some throw pillows or a set of candle holders in little vignettes around your apartment. 

Spicing up your décor for the summer isn’t about doing a full-out redesign, but it is about finding a few pieces that give you the summer vibe without turning your apartment into the Olympic Village (unless, of course, that’s your style. In which case, pile it on!). 

So, we’ve got the pattern and color figured out, how about that texture & shine? Fortunately for us, we’re talking summer décor – it’s the absolute perfect time of year to have fresh flowers in your home. Fresh cut flowers are an inexpensive way to bring in some unique textures – and the vases are an opportunity to bring in some shine. I’m going to let you in on a little secret…head over to your local thrift store to shop for vases. There are usually lots of fantastic finds waiting for you there; crystal vases, milk glass, Tiffany-style, or Pottery Barn cast-offs. All of them in different colors, shapes, sizes and with a variety of shine available, and for insanely affordable prices. The vases are also a great opportunity to add in some texture. 

My last little tip is to do your own YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram research. It’s amazing how quickly you’ll be able to find images that really resonate with you. If you’re struggling to find your style, remember to keep it simple and also remember that décor is not permanent. If you don’t like what you’ve put together, you can change it – go ahead and be carefree this with your décor this summer!

*Written by Lindsay S.