Transforming Your Home for a Summer Refresh
A STYLE GUIDE TO TRANSFORMING
YOUR HOME FOR A SUMMER REFRESH
A summer refresh is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your interiors and take advantage of the warm, laid-back season. If your goal is to create a serene, sunlit environment that feels light, airy, and reflective, a few strategic styling choices can transform your space in minutes. Whether you’re updating a home or simply infusing a crisp coastal vibe into your everyday surroundings, at CAFE LIGHTING & LIVING, our summer styling tips will guide you toward a space that is both on-trend and enduringly stylish.
Embrace a Natural Aesthetic
The trend toward using natural and organic materials continues strong this season, with an emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly options like wood, rattan, and cane. Incorporating these materials will not only make your space feel more connected to the outdoors, but at the same time add warmth and texture without feeling heavy. For example, rattan pendant lights serve as simple focal points for a relaxed aesthetic feel. Use natural accent pieces subtly - such as wall decor, grass baskets, and even dining chairs such as the Astrid Ashwood Dining Chair Natural, which embraces beachside charm while adding a tactile quality to your space. 
Coastal Hues and Muted Tones
This summer, the colour palette is all about bringing the beach indoors with coastal, muted tones, which can easily be introduced with large furniture pieces, such as the Hayman 3-Seater Slip Cover Sofa, available in white and natural linen. Soft, sandy beige, light blue, seafoam green, and creamy or bright white, provide a crisp, yet calm and airy aesthetic. For a little more depth, add hints of dusty coral, light grey, or sage green to keep the look sophisticated, easily achieved using soft furnishings such as throws, scatter cushions, curtains, and rugs.
Go Big on Statement Lighting
This season, lighting doubles as decor, with oversized, sculptural fixtures taking centre stage such as the Vilano Pendant - Long or the Navarre Rattan Pendant. Choose pendant lights that are large yet crafted from light materials like woven jute, rattan, or linen to avoid overpowering the room. These not only offer functional light but also create beautiful shadows and texture, adding dimension to your space. Wall sconces or lamps in unique shapes or materials can also add a playful touch while keeping the design interesting. By investing in statement lighting, you can highlight key areas and create focal points that blend functionality and aesthetics.
Declutter and Maximise Space
Decluttering is essential for a successful summer refresh. Start by removing heavy, dark, or bulky items that can make your interiors feel cluttered or overly formal. Embrace minimalist principles by allowing more open space, which will help create a sense of freedom and relaxation. Re-organise bookshelves with fewer items, use decorative trays for small essentials, and remove unnecessary furniture to allow each piece in your space to breathe. If you have extra throw blankets or winter pillows, store these away to make room for lighter, airier summer accessories.
Add Greenery for Life and Texture
Plants are an essential part of a summer refresh, bringing the outdoors inside while adding vibrancy and texture. Opt for low-maintenance houseplants like palms, ferns, or succulents that thrive in indirect sunlight. You might also add small pots of herbs on your kitchen windowsill for a fresh and functional touch. Large potted plants in woven baskets make beautiful statement pieces, while smaller plants can be used as accents on tables, shelves, or countertops. Greenery not only enlivens a room but also improves air quality and creates a more inviting, liveable space.
Focus on Functionality and Comfort
Lastly, a summer refresh is about ensuring that your home is as functional as it is beautiful. Use multi-functional furniture like ottomans that double as storage or lightweight stools that can be easily moved for extra seating when entertaining. Prioritising comfort is key, so add soft blankets or lightweight throws that invite you to relax without adding too much warmth. Creating comfortable, inviting spaces for relaxation or hosting will make your home more enjoyable during the long summer days.
A summer refresh doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small updates, from adding soft furnishings and plants to updating lighting, accent pieces and key pieces of furniture, can create a stylish, inviting environment perfect for the season. With these tips in mind, you can create a light, airy, and effortlessly chic space that welcomes the warmth and spirit of summer. 
