35 Simple Summer Decorating Ideas For a Stylish Staycation

Paint everything white, from the walls to the furniture, and then use cream, sand, or white textiles. Here, interior designer Tamsin Johnson added some darker shades of gray with the bedding, but otherwise, everything is white or pale. The idea is to invite as much light into the room as possible.

As simple as it may seem, decorating with a bowl of citrus fruits can do wonders to make an entire room feel brighter and more summery. Here, Anna Spiro Design opted for a bowl of eye-catching oranges.

Swap out your heavier bedding with linen sheets and pillowcases for a breezier look and feel. This laidback bedroom designed by Kim Dempster and Erin Martin features neutral-toned linens and draws the eye out to the beautiful balcony view beyond.

Energizing colors, a mix of patterns, and flowers everywhere—real, painted, and printed—make the living room "cheerful, bright, and playful," says designer Krista Ewart of this California beach bungalow.

Designate a place to corral all your summer beach and sporting gear. In this kitchen-meets-mudroom designed by Amir Khandwala, the woven seagrass basket does the trick.

Since you'll be doing a lot more entertaining outside (or solo happy hours, whatever floats your booze cruise), stock a weatherproof bar cart on the patio. This slim rattan bar cart on a balcony by Gary McBournie is stocked with everything you need to get a party started.

Get your patio ready for al fresco entertaining. If your deck or garden has enough space, carve out two separate areas to double the functionality. This spacious L-shaped balcony designed by Keesha Franklin of Halden Interiors features a separate lounge and eating area for both an outdoor living room and dining room that overlook the cityscape.

Swap in graphic paintings, fresh flowers, or vibrant dishes for the fastest possible makeover. "I like all colors—soft, light, shimmery, deep," designer Ruthie Sommers says of her beachy California kitchen. "If you're ever stuck, lighten your lights and darken your darks to create contrast."

Heavy drapes got nixed for knotted rope in a beach house by Erin Martin. Blue slag glass and industrial-baskets-turned-coffee-tables add the finishing coastal touches.

An outdoor set-up like this shady spot by Stephen Shubel can function as a breakfast room, reading nook, or dinner table when the weather is nice.

Thanks to the tropical colors and materials interior designer Aldous Bertram incorporated, this NYC apartment feels more like an island hideaway. We particularly love the lime green and pale coral color scheme, but if you're looking for an even subtler (and easier to steal) idea, display a piece of coral on your coffee table.

This Florida home has certainly perfected the idea of outdoor living. Gauzy panels by the pool add privacy, shield the sun, and keep mosquitoes at bay.

This bathroom by Anna Spiro Design is giving us serious Amalfi Coast villa vibes. For a similar effect, contrast an antique, ornate gilt-framed mirror above the sink with shell motif mirror.

Fresh and fruity summer cocktails deserve a dedicated station. Whip up a mojito or mai tai at a well-stocked table, like the console in designer Amanda Lindroth's Bahamas house. "Every island house needs a fantastic, spilling-over bar," she says.

Unifying a ragtag patio set is as easy as grabbing a bucket of paint. For a Florida home's oceanfront porch, decorator Tammy Connor coated the antique sofa and assorted chairs in a matching cloudy blue.

Complementary shades can feel fresh—not jarring—when done correctly. The cool palette on this vacation house's enclosed front porch keeps the Florida heat at bay. For crisp contrast, Louis XVI-style chairs are covered in bright coral Ultra­suede, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Sweet Celadon.

Though this little living room corner designed by Tamsin Johnson feels distinctly summery, it would also hold up during the rest of the year. That's thanks to the whimsical, chic, and quirky pillow chairs. Their plush, retro design was inspired by 1960s Italian Rivera style. The jute rug, woven sconce and pale gray-green paint add a soft contrast for a balanced space.

You won't be stoking the flames for another few months, so for now, stack leftover wood or position candles in your fireplace. Fans of coastal style can frame a hunk of coral like in Gregory Shano's Long Island retreat.

In this summery bedroom designed by Amanda Lindroth, the ceiling fan blends right in with the white ceiling. If you don't already have one in your warm-weather home, make sure it's installed and ready to go before it gets super hot.

Anna Spiro brightened up the moody olive green walls and dark antique dresser with a sunny pleated lampshade and an easy-going bouquet of flowers displayed in a pitcher.