6 Simple Swaps to Refresh Your Home for Summer

Whether opening the windows to let in some fresh air, rearranging some furniture for a new layout, or making seasonal upgrades to our living areas, many of us are looking to reinvigorate our home with the new season. From tablescapes to curtains, here are some simple, inexpensive home swaps to spark ideas and refresh your space.

Add Greenery

Interior designer Sara Ray of Sara Ray Interior Design says, “Adding plants and fresh flowers always freshens up a space. Whether you purchase a floral arrangement or new house plants or snip branches and blooms from your yard, bringing the outdoors in is my favorite way to add some life and color to a space.”

Spring Greenery in living room with blue rug and chairs

Both a loose branch used as shelf decor and a potted plant offer greenery throughout this room by Sara Ray Interior Design. Image: Gieves Anderson

Providence Interiors designers Julie Brown and Amber Thomas second that notion. “Fresh florals, especially fresh greens, will make your house lose the blues,” says Julie. Incorporate greenery into something calming and relaxing, whether it winds up in a foyer or as a centerpiece for your dining room table. “We like to add a great antique planter to make the greenery pop more,” adds Amber. They also recommend adding Spanish moss as a filler for even more indoor vegetation.

Microgreens and Spanish moss fillers bring lush vegetation to this tablescape by Providence Interiors. Image: Alyssa Rosenheck

Change Couch Pillows

Nothing is more effortless than swapping out a few couch pillows. Margaret Hargrove, owner of Margi’s Chair & Chair Alike, says, “I love to seasonally change out my fabulous pillows on my sofas to refresh my rooms.” Indeed, adding a pop of color (the 2020 Pantone® spring colors include bold options such as Saffron and Biscay Green) or print to your living room instantly brightens your space.

You can find these fun pillows, and many others, at Margi’s Chair & Chair Alike. Image: Margi’s Chair & Chair Alike

Exchange the Throws

Lisa McHugh, owner of Vignette in Brentwood, says one of her favorite swaps is changing out her throw blankets. And since many of us have been cozying up for comfort during the quarantine, it might be time to lighten the load. “Put away the faux fur and heavy knits and bring out the lighter weight cotton and linen throws,” Lisa suggests.

She also praises the multi-tasking sensibilities of mud cloth. “Indigo mud cloths are also a good option. Fold them in half and use them as a table runner, or turn them on the diagonal for a tablecloth!”

Indigo mud cloths are a versatile option for a throw or table runner, with a multitude of design options to choose from. You can find some similar to these examples, at Vignette. Image: Instagram

Set a Colorful Table

Whether you set your table with colorful wine glasses, put your plates on top of bright chargers or accent with patterned napkins, your dinner guests are sure to get in the spirit of the season along with you. And if you’re not quite ready to entertain, Karen Fuqua, owner of Maxi B. Home Store, has tons of beautiful dining accessories to energize your table until you are, including pottery centerpieces, candle holders and unique glassware.

Colorful glasses at Maxi b for spring home swap ideas

These wine goblets and drinking glasses from Maxi B. will easily elevate a tablescape.

Colorful stemless wine glasses from Maxi B. offer a beautiful upgrade for current or future dinner gatherings.

Swap Out Rugs

Sometimes all a room needs is a new rug. With so many options, designs and price points available, it’s easy to bring new life to your floor, whether it’s beneath your coffee table or running down a hallway. Even your kitchen can benefit from a pop of color, thanks to the addition of a pretty mat in front of the sink.

This Muted Persian Vinyl Kitchen Mat from Dwell & Good, $49 at SB Shop, brings a fresh accent to the kitchen.

Two for Home in West Nashville has everything you need for your room refresh, from rugs and pillows to artwork and lamps. Image: Two for Home

Re-paint the Front Door

Julie Brown and Amber Thomas, of Providence Interiors, remind us we don’t need to restrict our updates to our indoor space. “Adding a new coat of paint to your front door will be instant gratification,” says Julie. “Sherwin-Williams Belle Meade Green, a custom paint color only available at Porter Paints, is always a great option.” With all of the fun on-trend colors this season, you’re sure to find the perfect way to spruce up your front door.