Summer Decorating Ideas for the Abode

This article was submitted by guest author Carol Ruth Weber, of Weber Life Design. Carol, an Interior Designer and Personal Life Assistant, has 27 years experience in the field of design.

The summer is here in full bloom. Decorate to bring the summer season into the Abode. Thoughts of the beach and ocean come with the warm weather. Bring a little of the seaside inside to enjoy all year round.

Marine in sight

There are a number of décor changes that can be made; Painting your walls can begin an entire new look for your rooms.

When thinking summer our mind drifts to the ocean, sky, and sand. These colors can very easily be brought in with paint. Blue with white trim, or visa versa, reflects the ocean and sky. Sea-foam green mirrors the ocean as well.

According to Feng Shui, black represents water too, so instead of white molding, paint some trim black. If you want to keep the room neutral, then paint the walls in shades of sand like tan or sand dollar white with a white or black trim. Use a nautical chain wall stencil in a contrasting color. You can bring in your summer colors in the accessories.

Chain Wall Stencil

Example of a Chain Wall Stencil

Accessorizing is the fun part of decorating. Go out shopping for fun finds. Turn it into a real treasure hunt. Make a list of what you are searching for. Search garage sales and thrift shops for items that can be worked into the décor.

Accessorizing Ideas

  • Old portholes can be cleaned up and used as frames or made into clocks.
  • Ships bells make nice bookends and paper weights.
  • Mounted fish can be great over a fireplace for the summer.
  • Boat models look nice on a bookshelf.
  • Oars can be hung on the wall as well as old signage.
  • Old steamer chests look beautiful when restored and can be used as a coffee table.
  • Old compasses and small anchors look nice on a wall.
  • A ship wheel can be hung on the wall or used as a base for a glass table top.
  • Giant fishing lures can be used as wall hooks.
  • Nautical flags and old maps can be framed and hung on walls.

Do-it-yourself projects can be fun and rewarding. In this nice weather use the outdoors to make some of your own accessories.

DIY Accessory Ideas

  • Have your children and friends gather shells on the beach. Use hot glue to cover an old lamp base or frame with the shells. Make a tassel with shells and cord to tie back curtains. Display some pretty shells inside a matted frame with no glass.
  • Make a display of nautical knots in a frame (learn to tie your own from a how-to tutorial online or in a book).
  • Find an old small rowboat shell, stand it up on the back end and take out seats, then add shelves to make a bookcase.
Nautical Decor

Boat Converted into Shelving - Rope Twisted Light Fixture - Nautical Hardoware

The bay men make cut-outs of their caught fish by tracing them on paper and then hanging them on the wall to show everyone their prized catches. You can make your own wall art by cutting out a fish shape from decorative craft paper, wallpaper, wrapping paper, or a pretty solid color paper. Place your cut out on a black or white paper stock, then matte and frame your creation.

Cabinet knobs can be changed with interesting knobs mimicking shells, fish, etc. You can make your own pulls with a simple nautical knot.A fishnet can be used to swag a window.

For furnishings bring the outdoors inside with wicker furniture. Replace cushions or make a slipcover in a nautical stripe.

Pottery Barn Pillows

Pottery Barn Pillows

Shadow box coffee tables are great and can be changed with the seasons. These can be found at stores like IKEA or you can make your own out of an old piano bench by replacing the hinged top with
a piece of glass. Lay some sand and shells inside for a summer motif.

Add some pretty accent pillows in a seaside theme. Hurricane candle holders filled with sand and shells as a base for the candles are easy to display. Find some sea shell candles when you are out shopping to complete your Coastal Design.

As a final touch enhance your décor with some understated ocean and beach scents, like coconut and citrus, that will bring the summer indoors. Turn up the island music and never be afraid to dance!