Bring a sense of summer into your home with these ideas:
Be Transparent
Clean all your window, mirrors, and any other glass items so they sparkle and shine. Clean windows let more sunshine in and placing mirrors where they will reflect more light will brighten even the darkest space. Add mirrors if needed. Clear glass decorative items will also make a room feel airier, so replace solid pieces with clear or lightly tinted glass. A clear bowl filled with summer fruit also makes a nice touch.
Flowing Fabric
Cover heavy pieces of furniture with light, bright fabrics. Use table runners or try placemats on smaller tables or surfaces. Turn a heavy wooden bookshelf into covered storage quickly, by adding a floral fabric or other material in a bright, colorful design by adding elastic to the fabric. Measure the length of elastic (make it shorter than needed, you want to stretch it and then have it snap back into place). Fold over the top edge of the fabric, insert elastic, and secure with stitches, fabric glue, iron on seam tape, or safety pins. Turn it right side out and slip it over the bookcase. You don’t have to cover the entire piece, just have fabric going across the front. Use narrow elastic if you do it this way so the uncovered elastic won’t stand out.
Lighter Fare
Remove heavy throws and pillows made from heavy fabric, or cover the pillows with something lighter. Pretty scarves can be tied on for a no-sew quick touch. Choose a delicate throw or make one by hemming lightweight, lightly colored fabric and adding trim around the edges. You may even want to change out some heavier furnishings and substitute smaller, lighter pieces. It will open up the room, creating a lighter, airier feel. Store heavy accent rugs and either go bare (for floors) or replace them with colorful rag braided rag rugs or themed runners.