If you're looking for a different approach to liven up your home decor, there's no rule that says you can't bring outside environments indoors. So why not consider turning interiors into year-round summer places. Here are some timely ideas to get you started on trendsetting new designs.
Look outdoors for color choices
Better Homes and Gardens suggests that inspiration for an interior can come from a love for the great outdoors. So when it comes to colors for sofas and other furnishings, think about earth hues and natural tones – rich brick red, blue water colors suggestive of oceans and lakes, or turquoise and other jewel tones.
Casual can be quite accommodating
Bringing patio pieces inside, like Mesa floor lamps, cubes and folding trays and even planters, can be a novel concept. You can leave the umbrella and stand outdoors, but there are plenty of other creative possibilities for utilizing all-weather furniture in comfortable new settings.
Pop in accent pieces
House Beautiful offers this idea: Employ fresh flowers, graphic paintings or vibrant dishes for a quick makeover using accessories. Also, to create contrast, lighten your lights and darken your darks. You can use pillows, too, mixing and matching various colors, patterns and textures.
Striped sensations
Martha Stewart advises decorating with stripes by doing a little do-it-yourself design, creating summery striped tablecloths or seat cushions with the help of fabric paint, painters' tape and lengths of unadorned canvas drop cloth or cushion covers.
Wicker wonderland
Long a mainstay of patio furniture, wicker also works well indoors. There is a wide variety of furniture to select from, including bar stools, dining table sets, swivel lounge chairs, love seats, sofas, chaise lounges, accent and cocktail tables, ottomans, stackable dining chairs, sectionals and more.
Bahamas-style bar
Whatever the time of year, you can imagine soft sea breezes and a gentle, warming environment when you sit down to a well-stocked bar table with an island house theme. Whip up mojitos and mai tais while lounging at luxurious bar units and tables, complete with matching stools, chairs, carts and other accessories.
Flowers and candles
Looking for tabletop decorations to tie into summertime entertaining themes? Flower and votive candle displays are visually inviting as well as subtly warming, adding a flickering floral accent to informal lunches, dinners or breakfasts.
Outdoorsy art gallery
Whether you prefer bright pastels or muted, earthy colors, single framed pieces of wall art – or an entire gallery wall – can take your decor theme a few steps further with distinctive artwork. There are numerous possibilities, including floral prints, beach scenes, nautical motifs and mountain landscapes.
Blanket benches
Seagrass baskets and rustic wood-finish blanket benches are stylish as well as functional. Even if you're landlocked, you can bring out the wraps, cozy up and indulge in a game of ocean-themed charades or beach-blanket bingo.
Table runners and linens
Sometimes the simple choice of brightly colored table linens can help add an exotic resort touch to dining sets. Look for unusual patterns, unique shapes such as leaves, floral or sequined effects or even festive striped Cinco de Mayo-type fabrics.
Paper lanterns and string lights
Light up your life with bright, upbeat illumination. As a finishing touch, envision decorating a room with colorful paper lanterns or quaintly-shaped string lights draped overhead, adding a whimsical spirit of fun and frolic to your accent lighting.
If you're furnishing or redecorating, head to Arwood's Furniture and Mattress! Family-owned and operated, Arwood's has the largest selection of Missouri furniture. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best products for your needs and budget.