There is a very good reason that the cliché adage “The grass is always greener” has stuck around in our universal vernacular for so long. In today’s world more than ever, the propensity to want more, better, and faster is just commonplace. Instant gratification is easy to come by, and much of the time, we aren’t even accustomed to observing the present moment enough to gather what it’s trying to gift us. This applies to both small desires and more prominent ones – anything from what we’re wearing and our upcoming weekend plans, to who our friends are or where we live.
It is a wonderful idea to assert our plans and intentions to ensure we are sucking the marrow from life. But when it comes to living for the next shiny thing, are we missing what we already have?
If you like where you live but hate the feeling of standing still, here are some ways to spruce up your current space this summer – so that things feel just new enough for you.
Capture the Essence of Nature
Bringing the outdoors in is a fantastic way to celebrate summer. Incorporate natural elements like plants, flowers, and fresh-cut greenery to infuse your space with life and color. Hang a macrame plant hanger by the window, create a mini herb garden in the kitchen, or adorn your coffee table with a vase of wildflowers, hydrangeas, or peonies. Embrace the luster of nature, and let it be the centerpiece of your summer décor.
Embrace Light and Airiness
Summer is synonymous with light and airy aesthetics. Swap out heavy drapes for sheer curtains that allow sunlight to flood into your space. Choose lighter, pastel hues or muted tones for your walls, pillows, and linens to create a serene ambiance. Consider adding mirrors strategically to reflect natural light and make your space appear more spacious. By embracing lightness, you'll instantly create a breezy and refreshing atmosphere.
Opt for an Outdoor Oasis
If you're fortunate enough to have an outdoor space, be it a patio, balcony, or backyard, it's time to transform it into an inviting oasis. Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture and dress it up with colorful cushions and throw pillows. Hang fairy lights or lanterns to create a magical atmosphere for warm summer evenings. Don't forget to include a cozy reading nook or a hammock where you can unwind and enjoy the Chicago summer breeze.
Get Playful With Accents
Summer is all about embracing a playful and carefree spirit. Inject pops of color and whimsical accents into your space to channel that joyful vibe. Swap out your regular artwork for vibrant, nature-inspired prints. Incorporate playful patterns through rugs, throw blankets, or even wallpapers. Consider adding seasonal elements like a hanging swing chair, a mini bar cart for refreshing summer drinks, or a beach-inspired corner complete with seashells and driftwood.
Refresh Your Senses
Summertime is a feast for the senses. Engage all your senses to create a truly immersive experience. Set up a speaker system to play your favorite summer tunes, filling your space with the sound of relaxation. Choose scented candles or essential oils with refreshing citrus or floral notes to create a soothing aroma. Display bowls of fresh fruit or create a mini herb garden to add a burst of taste and fragrance to your space.
Embrace Al Fresco
There's something magical about dining outdoors during the summer months. Create an outside dining area or spruce up your indoor space to mimic the outdoor experience. Set a charming table with bright and cheerful table linens, use vibrant dinnerware, and invest in comfortable seating. Add string lights or lanterns overhead for a cozy ambiance that allows you to enjoy long, leisurely meals with friends and family.
Summer is the season of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. But you don’t have to travel far and wide, move away, or change your life to find the spirit of the season. By incorporating creative ideas into your current living space, you can transform it into a haven that embraces the vibrant spirit of summer.
Whether you're inviting nature indoors, embracing light and airy aesthetics, or creating an outdoor oasis, feel free to let your imagination run wild. Sprucing up your space for the summer is all about infusing it with joy, color, and a sense of freedom. So, get creative, get intentional, and let your space be a reflection of the idea that the grass is always greener… where you water it.
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