What's The Difference Between Spring And Summer Decor?

Do you love changing up your home decor with each season? Shifting from winter to spring creates a whole new vibe, and fall decor is certainly distinctive. But when it comes to going from spring to summer decor, it can be hard to tell the difference.

Keep spring decor softer, using natural materials that help create a fresh space and spark a sense of renewal. Summer decor can be more hopeful and bolder, relaxed, and feature more natural materials, like rattan or wicker. Bring the outdoors in when decorating for springtime, and extend your decor to outdoor entertaining spaces for summertime fun. 

The shift from spring to summer provides an opportunity to embrace new colors, textures, and styles. Press on to better understand the key differences between spring and summer home decor.

Four Key Distinctions Between Spring And Summer Home Decor

Although spring and summer decor may seem similar, there are a few differences that set them apart. You can boil down the differences between the two to four main points.

A Shift In The Color Palette

Spring and summer share a bright, fresh color palette. However, spring favors softer pastels and a gentler ambiance, while summer embraces bolder, more energetic hues. When selecting springtime colors, look for ones that provide a calm, serene mood.

Change Up The Textures

You can certainly use similar textures for both spring and summer, but if you’re looking for a change, then swap out materials. Use breathable, soft fabrics in the spring, like cottons and linens.

For the summer, switch it up with wicker, rattan, and canvas. All of these textures help convey a light, relaxed atmosphere, but at the same time, you get a more defined transition from spring to summer.

Encompass The Outdoors

When the weather starts to warm up and the sunshine stays around longer, it’s all about spending more time outside. Therefore, during the spring and summer, it makes sense to bring the outdoors in.

But to create a new feeling when summer rolls around, focus more attention on your outdoor areas. Consider the patio furniture, new colorful plants, and creating an entertaining space for summertime barbecues and picnics.

Consider The Overarching Theme And Mood Of The Season

The overall vibe of springtime is one of renewal, sparking the drive to incorporate natural elements, soft colors, and a fresh feel. When summer approaches, crank up the energy with more vibrant pieces, but keep the overall mood relaxed (think summer vacation, baby).

How Do You Add Spring Decor To Your Home?

Need a little inspiration to fill your home with spring decor? Sure, you can go grab a bunch of stuff off the seasonal aisles at your local Hobby Lobby or craft store. However, that can get a bit generic and stale.

You want to make your home feel like it's unique and undeniably you, but not necessarily like the Easter sale at Home Goods. Therefore, use these concepts of what makes great spring decor to find pieces that work well with your home’s style and your personal taste.

Pastels And Colors That Reflect Nature 

Look for pale, soft shades for your spring decor. Think things like soft greens, lavenders, light blues, and creamy neutrals. Also, look for colors that you would find in nature, including a pretty pink tulip, the yellow of daisies, or fresh lilacs.

Keep Textiles Light

Choose fabrics that are light in color, but also soft in texture to convey the airy, fresh feeling of spring. Don’t overload your space with a bunch of throw pillows or too many tchotchkes.

You want to maintain an uncluttered vibe in keeping with the idea of a fresh start. Swap out thicker curtains and rugs with lighter options. To brighten things up, consider going with sheers instead of heavy drapes.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring a little bit of nature indoors when decorating for spring. Fresh flowers, greenery, and soft sprigs of things like Baby’s Breath all get big green lights.

Keep things interesting by presenting florals in different ways. Try a bouquet in a pretty vase, a spring-inspired wreath on the door, or even a daisy chain across your mantle.

What Are Fun Ways To Give Your Home Summer Style?

When things heat up for summer, kick it up a notch with your home decor. Instead of the calm, fresh spring mood, go for a bolder, vibrant space that still feels laid-back. The idea is to mirror the energy of summertime, which is often one that encompasses fun, relaxation, and plenty of time outside.

Bold And Vibrant Colors

Summer decor is all about bright, happy hues. Think of deep blues, vibrant oranges, sunny yellows, turquoises, and rich corals.

These colors evoke the feelings of warmth and sunshine that go hand-in-hand with summer. Other fun summer-inspired shades are nautical combinations, like navy and white. But don’t force it. Make sure to match your color choices with your preferred style.

Use Breezy Fabrics And Natural Textures

Cotton and linen are also great picks for the summer, but bring in some more texture with things like rattan and wicker. A pretty basket full of beach towels, a rattan rocking chair, and a sisal rug are all excellent options.

Don’t Turn Your House Into A Beach Hut

Go for a beachy feel without doing a literal beach theme. You don’t want your house to feel like a themed resort, it still needs to feel like home.

So, skip the overly summer decor like surfboards, ceramic flip-flops, and sunglass-shaped door hangers. Instead, add a beautiful palm plant or tropical flowers, and fill a glass jar with some seashells from your recent beach trip.

Spring And Summer Decor Embrace Outdoor Elements

In the spring, it’s popular to bring the outdoors in as part of your home decor by adding some fresh springtime florals and greenery. Another great way to embrace the outdoors is to maximize natural light.

Use mirrors throughout your space to reflect the light and bounce it around the room. Clean windows, so dirt and grime don’t get in the way, and open curtains to take advantage of the sunshine.

For summertime, depending on where you live, you may not always want natural light in full force. Too much sun coming in through the windows could heat things up inside and fade upholstered furniture and rugs. But take advantage of what you can, and still bring the outdoors in.

Additionally, place decor in your outdoor space to extend the seasonal celebration and broaden your living space. Add a colorful outdoor rug, freshen up patio furniture, and swap out cushions for ones with bold patterns and hues.

Treat yourself to an outdoor dining set to enjoy some al fresco meals on pleasant summer evenings. Think about how you can use your backyard or patio throughout the summer to relax, entertain, and enjoy more time with family and friends.

But it’s also fun to add a few outdoor elements to your indoor living spaces. What do you think about hanging a hammock in the family room? How about tossing a few bright patio cushions on your sofa? Bring in a large potted plant, or add a tabletop fountain to your entryway.

Blending Spring And Summer Decor To Create A Space That Feels Like Home

Spring and summer home decor have unique characteristics, but you can blend the two to create a delightful transition from one season to the next. Pastel tones and light fabrics shout springtime, but then bolder colors and more substantial outdoor elements herald summer fun.

If you prefer to keep the same decor through both seasons, merge spring and summer with nature-inspired elements. Choose plants, flowers, and natural textures that work seamlessly in both seasons.

Ultimately, whether you prefer the soft, renewing essence of spring or the bold, carefree energy of summer, keep your personality in mind. Your choices should mesh with your home’s design and overall aesthetic, and above all, make you feel that season when you walk through the door.

Related Guides:

• How To Make Your House Feel Like Spring
• Springtime Tips To Brighten Up Your Front Porch
• How To Make Your Home Feel More Like A Beach House