5 Quick Summer Refreshes to Make Your Home Feel Instantly Lighter

Summer in the UK has a habit of showing up like a quiet guest, fashionably late, occasionally fleeting, but always welcome. But it has shown up early this year, and for once, it’s sticking around.

With long, warm evenings and gardens in bloom, it’s the perfect excuse to use the upcoming May bank holiday to give your home a seasonal refresh. If your space still feels like it’s in hibernation mode, now’s the time to shed the winter layers and let that summery mood shine through.

The best part? You don’t need a major makeover or a huge budget. A few simple changes like lightweight fabrics, brighter tones, or a touch of outdoor charm, can instantly lift your space and your spirits.

Embrace Light, Airy Interiors

Now that sunlight’s making its way back through the windows (on most days, at least), it’s time to ditch the heavy textiles. Swap out dark velvet throws for lightweight linens and breathable summer fabrics in neutral or pastel tones like sage, blush, or coastal blue. Sheer curtains from Dunelm or John Lewis let in more light while keeping privacy intact.

Try this: Add a pop of sunshine with lemon-yellow cushions or a vase of wildflowers to echo those long walks in the countryside.

Switch to Summer-Ready Bedding

Nothing says summer like crisp cotton sheets and breathable textures. Swap thick duvets for lightweight, temperature-regulating bedding made from organic cotton or bamboo. Both B&Q and Marks & Spencer stock summer duvet options that keep nights cool and comfy.

Toss in a few decorative pillows in beachy colours for a quick, feel-good update. Bonus points for layering a cotton throw for afternoon naps with the windows open and the scent of freshly cut grass drifting in.

Refresh Outdoor Spaces with DIY Upgrades

If the weather is good, get outside into nature. You don’t need a Chelsea Flower Show budget to make your garden or balcony shine. A weekend project, like painting a bench in Little Greene’s ‘Celestial Blue’ or simple DIY upgrades like decking made from reclaimed wood or a new planter arrangement can completely transform a space.

Sustainability tip: Upcycle old crates or second-hand planters for a rustic look. Paint them with Earthborn’s clay-based paint, an eco-friendly option that’s great for outdoors.

Festoon garden lights are a timeless option to bring instant warm glow over your patio or pergola. With just a small garden bistro table, a jug of Pimm’s, and the buzz of bees around your plants can make your home feel like a country escape oasis, even if you’re in the centre of town.

No garden? No problem. A vase of freshly cut flowers or a leafy houseplant in your living room or bedroom can work wonders for your mood, like a mini dose of nature, minus the weeding. And open the windows to let the air and sunlight in (if it’s breezy, watch out for through drafts)

Upgrade Lighting Inside and Out

Swap out old bulbs for LED lighting and use layered light sources to create a relaxed summer vibe. A dim-to-warm pendant lamp from IKEA or subtle under-cabinet LEDs in the kitchen can create instant atmosphere.

Outdoors, solar lights can line a path or wrap around a fence, no electrician required but instant visual upgrade.

Freshen Up Kitchens & Bathrooms

Small changes = big results. Swap cupboard handles, add stick-on tiles (perfect for renters), or introduce a bold tea towel pattern to break up neutral tones. Lighten the colour scheme with cool blues or sandy taupes to brighten up your home.

Declutter Tip: Pack away the clutter you’ve been staring at all winter, it’s amazing what a quick tidy up can do. Display only what brings joy, a vase of garden blooms, a jar of seaside pebbles, or your favourite cookbooks stacked with purpose. Changing for the seasons keeps things fresh too.

Bonus: Easy Tips for Renters

Not everyone has the freedom to paint walls or knock down cabinets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it yours for summer.

• Removable wallpaper (try Graham & Brown’s peel-and-stick range) adds personality without risking your deposit.
• Temporary outdoor flooring, like interlocking deck tiles, is ideal for balconies or patios and lifts the space instantly.

Final Thoughts

The smell of cut grass, a chilled jug of elderflower cordial, the hum of bees near lavender, it’s the season for slow mornings and glowing evenings with that peaceful calm.

You don’t need a full reno to feel the shift. Just a few affordable, thoughtful updates can give your home that warm-weather lift, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just enjoying a quiet cuppa with the windows open.