for Summer (Without Spending a Fortune)
In just a few more days, it’s going to be summer. And the question you should ask yourself is, “Am I ready?” Yes, let’s refresh your home!
As with Spring, summer brings in a lot of changes, some of them the urge to shake things up around the house. But nothing dramatic like pulling out the kitchen and replacing everything. No dramatic overhalls, no spending that’s gonna make your wallet shrink. We are going to dive into gentle, homey shifts to welcome the summer.
If you’re a stay-at-home mama or a woman with more on her plate than she can handle, but you’re looking for something simple and fresh (without losing the cozy feel of your space), I see you.
Life is busy, budgets are real, and honestly? A refreshed home doesn’t have to mean high-dollar spending, it can be creative with the things you already have. Move things around, make simple and small changes to make the home feel like home again.
Here are 5 simple ways to refresh your home for summer—all cozy, super budget-friendly, and completely doable.
1. Switch Out Heavy Textiles for Breezy Layers
This is a no-brainer, and one of the simplest ways to refresh your home is to swap out those cold-weather fabrics for lighter, more breathable options. Think of this as you would your closet; it’s time to put away the pretty sweaters and pull out the shorts.
Although I will say I am guilty of not changing my heavy drapes, only cleaning them and putting them back up. I find they keep my house cozy year-round, and where I’m at, it’s pretty bright, so I need them to keep the house dark for bedtime.
However, drapes are only one area where we have heavy textiles. Here are a few others you can easily switch out.
- Pack away the chunky throws and flannel pillow covers and bring out light cotton or linen textiles.
- If you’re crafty, repurpose old sheets or thrifted fabric into slipcovers or summer throws.
- Look for soft patterns—stripes, or florals in neutral or pastel tones add a subtle summer charm without being too loud.
Simply changing out a few pillow cases or layering a lightweight blanket on the back of your couch can transform your space into feeling instantly renewed.
2. Let Nature Be Your Decor
Summer is the season of relaxing and enjoying the moments of getting out there. If you’ve been working on your garden, this is the time of year when you’ll see a lot of things coming to fruition. Take a walk around your backyard, local park, or even your neighborhood and gather free decor from nature.
ps. A way to a French woman’s heart is to give her a bouquet of red roses.
- A vase of wildflowers or a small bunch of herbs in a mason jar is charming and rustic.
- Dried lavender, eucalyptus, or branches in a basket or glass bottle look beautiful and cost nothing if you already have them.
- Display fresh fruits or veggies in a bowl on your table—it doubles as decor and a healthy snack station.
I never did this when I lived back in the States, but since moving to France, I’ve learned to enjoy walks in the park or leisure strolls along the beaches. The free treasure trove you can find in nature is endless.
Refreshing your home with simple items found in nature can also inspire you to create something crafty for the upcoming fall. I am always thinking about fall!
3. Rearrange What You Already Own
You don’t need to buy anything new to refresh your home or fall back in love with it. Sometimes, the simple act of moving furniture, restyling a shelf, or clearing off a cluttered surface can make a room feel brand new.
As I’m writing this, I’m thinking about vacuuming and moving my incredibly heavy couch. Did I mention the couch is a two-man job?
- Try swapping decor between rooms—maybe that candle holder from the dining table looks sweet on your bedroom dresser.
- Give your bookshelves a summer look with lighter-colored books, glassware, or woven baskets.
- Create a new nook—move a chair near a window and add a light throw and a book, and suddenly you’ve got a cozy summer reading spot.
It’s all about playing with what you already have and seeing your home through fresh eyes. This is also a time to freshen up the paint in your house.
If your budget allows, freshen up those walls. I’ve done this and I must say it has made me feel so much better. I’ve finally covered the hideous yellow covering 98% of the house. Taupe is the new calm.
4. Add Simple, Scented Touches
Nothing says “summer” like a home that smells like summer. Scent plays such a powerful role in how we experience our space, and it doesn’t take much to shift the mood.
- Diffuse essential oils like lemon, lavender, or mint for a natural and uplifting aroma.
- Simmer a pot of citrus slices, rosemary, and vanilla on the stove for a homemade potpourri.
- Hang a bundle of dried herbs or flowers in your kitchen or bathroom—not only do they look pretty, but they gently scent the air too.
You don’t need expensive candles or synthetic sprays—just a few pantry staples and a little time.
Of course, if you’re looking for the perfect candle, be sure to check out the Rustic Boutique and get your cozy on!
5. Clear the Visual Clutter
Summer is a season of simplicity, and one of the easiest ways to create that light and airy feel is to declutter just a little. Not a full-on purge (no pressure!), just a gentle tidy-up to refresh your home.
- Clear off countertops and leave just one or two pretty, useful items—like a wooden bowl of fruit or a ceramic pitcher with flowers.
- Remove any winter decor that’s still hanging around (no shame if that snowy wreath is still in the hallway—I’ve been there).
- Open the windows, wipe down the sills, and let that sunshine in.
This step is less about perfection and more about creating space for your mind and heart to breathe. A clean, uncluttered surface has a way of making the whole room feel brighter.
Keep It Cozy, Keep It You
Refreshing your home doesn’t mean you have to toss everything out or mimic a Pinterest-perfect room. The heart of a summer-ready home is in its inviting energy—open, relaxed, lived-in, and filled with the scent of citrus and the sound of laughter.
So go slow. Choose one small thing to change each day this week, and let the joy of a refreshed space settle in.
And remember: your home is yours. Cozy can still feel fresh. Simple can still feel beautiful. You don’t need a big budget or a complete overhaul. Just a few intentional tweaks and a touch of nature, and your space will sing a soft summer song of its own.
Until Next time
Christina
