Warm weather is the perfect time to refresh home decor and try something new in the living room. Adding pops of color is a simple way to give the space a cheerful, summer feel.
Using bright pillows, vivid artwork, or colorful rugs can transform a plain room into a lively and inviting area.
It doesn’t take a full room makeover to create a summer-inspired space. Small accent pieces, such as vases, throw blankets, or curtains, can bring instant summer style. Choosing light materials and adding bold touches makes any living room feel fresh and comfortable for the season.
Key Takeaways
- Pops of color update summer living rooms with little effort.
- Colorful decor accents and lightweight materials brighten up the space.
- Refreshing touches can make any home feel more inviting for summer.
Defining Pops of Color for Your Summer Living Room
A pop of color can refresh a living room and make it feel ready for summer. Thoughtful use of color in furniture, decor, and wall art creates visual interest and adds excitement to the space.
Choosing the Right Summer Color Palette
Selecting a summer color palette is the first step in using pops of color well. Many designers recommend colors like bright yellow, coral, teal, and light greens. These shades feel cheerful and help brighten the room. Pair these with neutral bases such as cream, white, or taupe for balance.
A mix of two or three accent colors is easier on the eyes than a jumble of many shades. It is helpful to reference current design trends, but also consider what fits best with the rest of the family room. For a classic look, blue and white pairs well with natural wood tones or cream upholstery. For a bolder vibe, teal and coral look striking with terracotta or velvet fabrics.
Sample Color Palettes:
| Palette Name | Main Colors | Accent Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Citrus | White, Lemon Yellow | Coral, Green |
| Coastal Calm | Soft Blue, Cream | Teal, Taupe |
| Terracotta Pop | Taupe, Terracotta | Teal, Mustard Yellow |
Using Throw Pillows and Accent Chairs
Throw pillows are a simple, affordable way to add pops of color. Choose patterns or solids in the color scheme picked for summer. Mixing velvet, linen, or embroidered textures adds more interest, especially on a tufted sofa.
Accent chairs also bring color in a bigger way. A bright accent chair in teal or yellow can become a focal point. Place it where it gets good light, so the color stands out. If the room already has a lot of color, stick to one chair in a bold hue and balance the rest with neutral elements.
Tips for Implementing Pops of Color with Accessories:
- Use three or five pillows for balance.
- Try a patterned chair with neutral pillows.
- Change out covers for different seasons.
Incorporating Artwork and Wall Decor
Art and wall decor offer another way to use pops of color without changing large furniture. Choose artwork with seasonal themes or abstract patterns that include the family room’s color palette. Ginger jars in blue and white, framed prints in bold shades, or painted canvases add instant visual appeal.
Hang artwork at eye level to make it part of the main design. Wall shelves with a few bright-colored accents can also break up long stretches of white or neutral walls. Mixing greens from leafy prints with touches of yellow or coral helps tie the whole room together.
Artwork Ideas:
- Watercolor landscapes with summer colors.
- Graphic prints in teal and coral.
- Blue and white ginger jars displayed on a shelf.
Materials and Decor Elements for an Inviting Summer Space
Summer decor looks best when it uses fresh materials and colorful accents. Choosing the right mix of surfaces, colors, and fabric helps the living room feel bright, open, and welcoming.
Mixing Textures and Finishes
Blending different textures is important for a lively summer space. Natural materials like wood and cane bring warmth and keep things light, while touches of brass add a soft shine without feeling heavy. Furniture with clean lines keeps the space looking modern and free from clutter.
For accents, mixing velvet pillows with smooth crisp whites or soft cream throws creates interest without too much fuss. Think about using black items, like a vase or frame, for small but bold contrast. Here’s a quick look at popular finishes:
| Material | Finish/Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wood | Warm, natural |
| Cane | Airy, textured |
| Brass | Touch of shine |
| Velvet | Soft, rich |
| Black | Sharp contrast |
Freshening Up With Curtains and Fabrics
Light, breezy curtains let in plenty of sun and help a summer living room feel open. Fabrics in white or cream make spaces appear bigger and cleaner. Sheer curtains work well, but linen is also popular for its natural look and cool touch.
Changing out heavy fabrics for lighter options can boost the room’s summer mood. Pillows in bright or pastel covers, velvet in cheerful shades, and woven throw blankets add soft pops of color. Layering in different fabrics helps the living room look relaxed, not plain. Pick easy-to-wash materials for a space that feels stress-free all season.