10 Easy Ways to Brighten Up Your Home for Summer

_{Summer is a season of optimistic whimsy, of heady days under a blue sky and the nostalgia of school holidays. Many people begin to embrace the outdoors with dreams of lazing on a beach or lounging by a pool, but for most of us, day to day life must go on. But that doesn’t mean the bright joyful energy of summer cannot live inside the home too. If you're looking for some easy and affordable ways to bring a little joy to your living space, look no further! Here are 10 simple ways to brighten up your home for the summer season.}

• _{Add some colourful accents:}

_{One quick and easy way to cheer up a room is by introducing accents of colour. A sprinkling of colourful throw pillows can instantly liven up a room. Perhaps swap out your plain curtains for a bold pattern. A colourful rug or some eye-catching artwork can add even more pops of colour but be sure to opt for colours that compliment the overall scheme of the space.} 

• _{Bring the outdoors in:}

_{Another way to inject a little lively brightness to your home is by bringing the outdoors in. This could be as simple as adding a few potted plants or a vase of fresh flowers to your living space. Plants not only inject a fresh and natural feeling to a room, but they have also been proven to contribute to both mental and physical wellbeing. Just be sure to choose plants that are suitable for the amount of sunlight in the room.}

• _{Use light and airy fabrics:}

_{As the weather warms up, it's a good idea to swap out heavy blankets and throws for lighter, more breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. This will help to make a room feel cooler and more summery, and can also add a sense of lightness and airiness to the space. Consider choosing light-coloured fabrics, which can help to reflect light and make a room feel cleaner and brighter.}

• _{Rearrange furniture:}

_{If you're looking for a quick and easy way to refresh a space without making any permanent changes, try rearranging your furniture. This can create a whole new layout and can change the entire feel of a room. Just be sure to create a functional layout that encourages a flow of movement through the space.}

• _{Add some pattern:}

_{Incorporating patterned items like towels, placemats, or even wallpaper can bring a lot of personality to a room. This can be a fun way to express your style and can make a space more visually interesting. While it is a great way to experiment and to get creative, be sure to choose patterns that coordinate with the overall colour scheme of the room.}

• _{Update lighting:}

_{Replacing outdated light fixtures or adding new ones can have an effective impact on the look and feel of a space. When choosing lighting, it’s important to consider appropriate sizes and functions. Different styles can be mixed and matched but be careful to maintain a cohesive look throughout.}

• _{Refresh your bedding:}

_{When the nights grow warmer, heavy comforters and blankets will be replaced with lighter quilts and duvet covers. This addition can help to make your bed feel cooler and more comfortable and can also add a sense of lightness and airiness to the space. Consider choosing bedding that is made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.}

• _{Add mirrors:}

_{Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and create the illusion of more space in a room. They can also be used as decorative elements to create a feature from an otherwise uninspiring wall. Just be sure to choose a mirror that is appropriately sized for the space.}

• _{Incorporate pops of yellow:}

_{Yellow is the colour of sunshine and its bright, cheerful tone can instantly warm up a space. Consider adding some yellow accents through items like throw pillows, rugs, towels, or even a vase of fresh flowers.}

• _{Layer in pastels:}

_{Soft, pastel colours like baby blue, pale pink, and mint green can add a sense of ethereal softness to a room. Consider layering in these colours through items like throw pillows, curtains, or even small accent pieces like vases or candlesticks.}

_{There are many easy and affordable ways to cheer up your home and incorporating the brightness of the summer season need not be difficult or expensive. Whether it's adding colourful accents, bringing the outdoors in, or updating your lighting, these small changes can make a big impact on the look and feel of your space. So go ahead and try out a few of these suggestions and bring the summer shine into your home!}

_{Looking to learn more about home design ideas? Perhaps you are considering pursuing a career in interior design? You can get your start right here at the Australian Academy of Interior Design. Contact us now to request a brochure!}