The season of backyard parties, climbing temperatures and outdoor fun is coming. Is your home ready?
Here are 14 ways to get your home prepped for summer with polished outdoor spaces, cleaning tips and fresh decor ideas.
1. Give Your Patio Something Special
Turn your patio into a place for family, friends and summer memories. Something unique like this clam shell centerpiece will make it warm and inviting.
2. Create the Perfect Backyard Eating Area.
Whether you’re a kid or grown-up, it’s fun to dine al fresco. Keep supplies on hand to take the party outside whenever you like.
3. Keep the Patio Comfortable with Sun Shades
Coolaroo Outdoor Shades will give privacy, temperature and glare control to patios and front porches. These unique fabrics block heat while allowing cooling breezes to flow through.
Learn more about Coolaroo Shades.
4. Clean Patio Furniture
Make sure your chaise lounges aren’t covered in grime from last year. Wrought iron, aluminum, and plastic furniture can be cleaned with a soft brush, dish soap and water. For teak and wicker use oil based soap instead.
To clean patio cushions, mix dish soap, borax and water in a spray bottle and douse cushions liberally. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse with the hose. Lean the cushions upright to dry and spray with a fabric protectant.
If your pillows are beyond cleaning, this simple video tutorial will show you how to recover them.
5. Keep Summer Clutter at Bay
The secret to summer home prep is creating solutions before problems happen. Throw a basket or two in the entry way to catch sandals, pool toys and other oft-abandoned items. A row of hooks is great for hats, sunglasses and towels.
6. Trade Formal Rugs for Something Casual
Soft cotton rugs bring a beachy feel, plus they’re easy to throw in the wash after summer storms or sandy feet dirty them up.
7. Dress Up the Table with Colorful Accent Plates
Find an inexpensive set of salad plates or colorful bowls to jazz up your everyday dishes. We love to scour Anthropologie for quirky table wear on sale.
8. Hang a Mirror to Amplify Natural Light
Whether your windows are large or small, a mirror hung adjacent will bounce light all over. We can’t think of anything more perfect for summer decorating than this starfish mirror.
9. Keep Your Home Cooler with Insulating Window Shades
Summer sun is a beautiful thing, but it can do a number on your energy bill. Get the best of both worlds with insulating shades that block heat, but gently filter light into your home.
Shop sun-friendly blinds on sale
Learn more about energy efficient blinds and shades
10. Add A Coastal Feel With Driftwood Art
We love the natural, textural look of driftwood. We’re seeing it in pendant lights, mirrors, lamp bases, wall art and more. Shop local stores for driftwood accessories, or make your own!
11. Lighten Up Summer Bedding
Keep family and guests comfortable by swapping out the heavy comforter for a colorful lightweight quilt.
12. Stock Up on Summer Essentials
Swap out tired beach towels for new ones and toss out last year’s sunscreen for new bottles (it loses it’s effectiveness after a few months). Get plenty of aloe, bug spray and swimsuit-safe laundry soap on hand for summer fun to come.
13. Make a Pet Water Fountain
Keep your four legged friends cool and hydrated this summer. This stylish doggy fountain was made with a large planter and garden pump.
14. Plant Sun-Loving Flowers for Color All Season Long
Keep your backyard beautiful for cookouts and outdoor fun with low maintenance flowers. Here are 10 bulbs to plant in spring for a beautiful summer garden.
