Refresh your living room this summer with bright colors, airy fabrics, and coastal-inspired décor. From light furniture and natural accents to cooling layouts and celebrity-inspired touches, create a stylish, inviting retreat that feels fresh and breezy.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Aesthetic Home - Image courtesy of Parker XL
As the warm months roll in, our homes often feel the shift in season just as much as we do. While winter calls for cozy textures and darker tones, summer is the perfect excuse to lighten, brighten, and breathe new life into your living spaces. The living room, being the heart of the home, deserves a thoughtful refresh that not only looks beautiful but also feels cooling and comfortable.
The good news? You don’t need a complete renovation. By adjusting colors, fabrics, layout, and a few decorative details, you can transform your living room into a summer retreat that feels like a refreshing escape from the heat. Here’s how to create a space that’s bright, airy, and cooling this season.
When summer arrives, the living room becomes more than just a space to relax — it transforms into a refreshing retreat from the heat. A seasonal refresh doesn’t require a full renovation; with thoughtful choices in color, texture, and layout, you can bring in a light, breezy feel that makes your living room a perfect summer haven.
Colors have a powerful impact on mood, and summer is all about brightness and freshness. Start with your foundation: walls, flooring, and large furniture. If repainting isn’t an option, work with what you have by layering lighter textiles and accents.
Neutrals as a base – White, cream, beige, and sandy taupe create a calming backdrop. They make any room feel more spacious and open.
Summer-inspired accents – Add pastel blues, soft greens, pale corals, or sunny yellows through cushions, throw blankets, and artwork. These shades evoke the beach, ocean, and sky, instantly setting a seasonal mood.
Quick tip – If your sofa or chairs are in darker hues, try slipcovers in lighter shades to refresh their look without buying new furniture.
Start with the basics: walls, rugs, and larger furniture. Soft neutrals such as white, beige, or sandy taupe can instantly brighten up the space. For an added summer touch, incorporate pastel shades like sky blue, seafoam green, or pale coral through cushions, throws, or wall art. These colors mimic coastal vibes and make the room feel open and airy.
Heavy fabrics may look luxurious in cooler months, but they trap heat and make a room feel stuffy. Swap them out with textiles that invite airflow and keep things light.
Curtains – Replace thick drapes with sheer or semi-sheer curtains in cotton or linen. They diffuse sunlight beautifully while still offering privacy.
Upholstery and throws – Opt for cotton, muslin, or linen covers. Lightweight blankets in neutral or pastel tones provide comfort without overwhelming the space.
Rugs – Store away wool or shag rugs and introduce flat-weave or jute rugs. They add texture while keeping the floor feeling cooler underfoot.
Heavy drapes and dark upholstery absorb heat and weigh down the space. Switch them out for sheer curtains that let sunlight filter in while keeping the room cool. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and jute not only breathe better in warm weather but also add natural texture that feels relaxed and inviting.
Summer is the season of growth, so let your living room reflect that energy. Plants not only improve air quality but also add vibrancy and life.
Greenery choices – Tropical plants like palms, monstera, or bird of paradise instantly give a breezy, vacation-like feel.
Low-maintenance options – Snake plants, succulents, and pothos thrive indoors with minimal care.
Alternative accents – For a rustic, minimalist vibe, consider pampas grass, eucalyptus, or dried flowers in ceramic vases.
If you’re short on space, hang small planters or place a row of mini succulents along the windowsill. Nothing says summer like greenery. Adding indoor plants such as palms, monstera, or even small succulents enhances the airy atmosphere while purifying the air. For a low-maintenance option, dried pampas grass or eucalyptus stems in a vase add a fresh, seasonal look without daily upkeep.
Summer living rooms should feel open and easy to move through. If your current setup feels crowded, now’s the time to rearrange.
Maximize natural light – Move larger furniture pieces away from windows so the sunlight can stream in.
Create open pathways – A more spacious flow instantly makes the room feel airy. Avoid blocking areas with bulky décor.
Lightweight furniture – Consider introducing rattan, bamboo, or wicker pieces. Their woven textures bring a tropical edge and are easier to shift around.
Even small adjustments, like rotating your coffee table or repositioning chairs, can dramatically change the atmosphere. Summer is about openness. Rearrange your furniture to create more flow and breathing room. Push heavier items away from windows to maximize natural light. Incorporating lightweight rattan or wicker chairs can also bring a breezy, resort-like vibe into the space.
It’s the little details that complete the summer mood. Choose accessories that reflect light and create a breezy atmosphere.
Mirrors and glass – Strategically placed mirrors bounce natural light around the room, while clear glass vases and trays add sparkle.
Swap out dark accents – Replace heavy, metallic objects with ceramics, light woods, or woven baskets.
Seasonal artwork – Hang prints that feature landscapes, ocean views, or botanical themes to reinforce the seasonal feel. Accessories can work wonders for setting the seasonal tone. Swap thick wool throws for lightweight cotton blankets, choose glass or ceramic vases over metallic ones, and replace dark decorative items with reflective surfaces such as mirrors or clear glass trays. These small touches enhance light and keep the atmosphere cool.
Subtle thematic décor is an effective way to bring summer indoors without overwhelming the space.
Textures – A jute rug, woven basket, or seagrass lamp instantly adds coastal character.
Patterns – Nautical stripes, palm leaf prints, or watercolor designs can be incorporated through cushions or wall art.
Accents – Seashell bowls, coral sculptures, or driftwood pieces create small reminders of the seaside.
The key is moderation — just a few well-placed accents create an inviting summer theme without appearing cluttered. From woven baskets to nautical stripes, a few themed accents can transform the mood. A jute rug under a coffee table or decorative seashell bowls on a side table add subtle nods to summer. Keep it minimal — a few thoughtful pieces go further than clutter.
Scents play a subtle but powerful role in setting the tone of a room. Switching to summer-inspired fragrances helps complete the transformation.
Fresh and uplifting – Citrus-based scents like lemon, bergamot, or grapefruit energize and refresh.
Cooling and calming – Mint, eucalyptus, and lavender promote a breezy, spa-like feel.
Ocean-inspired – Diffusers or candles with sea salt and driftwood notes evoke coastal getaways.
Pair your chosen scent with soft evening lighting, and your living room will feel like a sanctuary after a hot day. Complete your summer refresh with a scent that cools and uplifts. Citrus, mint, or ocean-inspired candles and diffusers can instantly shift the mood of the room. Paired with soft evening lighting, your living room becomes the perfect summer sanctuary.
Lastly, a summer-ready living room should not only look beautiful but also feel welcoming and practical.
Keep a lightweight throw on hand for late-night lounging.
Provide plenty of coasters and trays for cold drinks — condensation is inevitable in summer heat.
If space allows, consider a ceiling fan or a stylish portable fan to keep air moving while blending into your décor.
Refreshing your living room for summer doesn’t require a huge investment — it’s about lightening up your colors, textures, and atmosphere. With the right blend of airy fabrics, natural elements, and thoughtful décor, you’ll create a cooling escape that feels like a holiday at home.
Refreshing your living room for summer is less about big investments and more about intentional changes. By embracing lighter colors, breathable fabrics, natural textures, and seasonal accents, you can create a space that feels both airy and cooling. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply unwinding after a long day, your living room will become a refreshing retreat that embodies the essence of summer.
This season, think of your living room as more than just a gathering space — let it be your personal oasis, where comfort, brightness, and a cooling atmosphere come together in perfect harmony.
Margot Robbie - Margot Robbie’s L.A. home serves as a summer oasis—with chic tonal furnishings and a serene aesthetic that whispers coastal sophistication.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - Rosie brings minimalist elegance into her L.A. home, favoring muted tones and clean lines, which are just as refreshing and calm as a summer day by the ocean.
Jessica Alba - In her elegant home, Jessica Alba incorporates soft neutral palettes accented by pops of color—for instance, a pale blue nursery wall with bright, cheerful accents—evoking that light, summery feel.
Chrissy Teigen & John Legend - Their Los Angeles terrace is a dreamy outdoor living room by the pool, filled with plush seating and cozy layers—a perfect setting for summer relaxation and gatherings.
Gigi Hadid - Gigi’s New York apartment blends bohemian flair with vibrant art and cozy textures, offering a casual yet sophisticated spot that carries major summer energy.
