As the weather heats up and the longer summer days approach, it’s time to start preparing your house for the season. With the longer days and warmer temperatures, you’ll want to make sure your home is ready for all the outdoor activities and entertainment that come with summer. Whether deep cleaning, organizing, or making minor changes to your décor, there are plenty of ways to prepare your home for the season. Here are five tips to help you get started.
1) Give your Front Door a Facelift
Your front door is the first thing your guests will see when they arrive at your house, so why not make it shine? Plenty of ways to give your front door a facelift without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- A fresh coat of paint: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your front door. Consider choosing a bold color to make your house stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.
- Update your hardware: Switching out your hardware can give your front door a fresh, new look. Consider updating your doorknob, deadbolt, and hinges for a cohesive look.
- Add some plants: A few potted plants around or by your front door can add color and life to your entrance. Consider choosing plants that are easy to care for and thrive in your climate.
- Install outdoor lighting: Outdoor lighting can add a welcoming ambiance to your front entrance. Consider installing sconces or pendant lighting to light up your entryway.
- Create a cozy seating area: If you have enough space, consider adding adirondack chairs to your front porch. This will give your home some curb appeal and a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
2) Create an Outdoor Oasis
There’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors, so why not create an outdoor oasis in your backyard? Here are some tips to help you transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat:
- Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture: Make sure your outdoor furniture is comfortable and inviting. Look for pieces that are durable and can withstand the elements.
- Add some greenery: Plants and flowers add color and life to any outdoor space. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate and are easy to care for.
- Incorporate shade: Consider adding a pergola or awning if your backyard lacks natural shade. Not only will it provide shade, but it will also add a stylish element to your outdoor space.
- Create a focal point: Whether it’s a fire pit, water feature, or outdoor art, adding a focal point can give your outdoor space a unique and personal touch.
- Remember lighting: Adding outdoor lighting can create a cozy place and allow you to enjoy your outdoor space well into the evening. Think about adding string lights or lanterns for a soft glow.
3) Spruce up Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the summer when outdoor cooking and entertaining are popular. Here are a few tips to help you get your kitchen ready for the summer:
- Deep clean your appliances: Summer is a great time to clean your appliances from top to bottom. Start by cleaning out your refrigerator and freezer, then move on to your stove, oven, and dishwasher. This will help ensure everything is in good working order for the busy season ahead.
- Declutter your countertops: Clear your countertops of items you don’t use regularly. This will create more space for food prep and entertainment. Consider installing shelves or hooks to store frequently used items like pots and pans.
- Swap out your linens: Trade your winter kitchen linens for brighter ones. Opt for cheerful, summery prints and patterns that make your kitchen more inviting and festive.
- Bring in some greenery: Adding fresh herbs or potted plants to your kitchen gives it a lively, natural feel. Plus, you’ll have fresh herbs on hand for cooking.
- Upgrade your lighting: Summer means more daylight, but you’ll still want adequate lighting for those early mornings or late nights in the kitchen. Consider adding under-cabinet lighting or swapping out your light fixtures for something more modern and efficient.
4) Declutter Your Living Spaces
Summer is the perfect time to declutter and organize your living spaces. With warmer weather comes more opportunities to entertain, so it’s important to have your home looking its best. Here are a few tips to help you declutter your living spaces this summer:
- Start with one room at a time. Decluttering your entire home can be overwhelming, so start one room at a time. This will make the process more manageable and less stressful. Set aside a few hours each day to tackle a specific room, and only move on to the next once the previous room is complete.
- Sort items into categories. Sort items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and trash. Be honest with yourself about what you need and use. If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s time to eliminate it.
- Organize your storage spaces. Take the time to organize your storage spaces. Make sure everything has a designated spot, and label containers or bins for easy identification.
- Clear off surfaces. Keep your surfaces clutter-free by only displaying items that are functional or bring you joy. Avoid collecting too many decorative items or leaving piles of paperwork or mail on tables.
- Create a daily cleaning routine. To maintain a clutter-free living space, create a daily cleaning routine. Spend a few minutes each day picking up and putting away items left out. This will help keep your living space organized and make it easier to entertain guests.
After tidying up, polish the new clean space by giving it a clean smell. Using a plug-in fragrance is a nice touch to making your home feel sterile.
5) Bring the Outside In
Summer is the perfect time to bring some outdoors into your home. The warmer weather and sunshine inspire us to incorporate more natural elements into our decor. Here are some easy ways to bring the outside in and create a fresh, summery atmosphere in your home:
- Plants: Adding some greenery to your home is a great way to bring nature inside. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, which thrive in bright light and require little water. If you have pets, be sure to choose plants that are safe for them.
- Natural materials: Incorporate natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen into your decor. Use a wooden cutting board as a centerpiece on your dining table, swap out your curtains for some light and airy linen ones, or add a rattan accent chair to your living room.
- Bright colors: Summer is the perfect time to add bright colors to your home. Choose colorful throw pillows, blankets, or artwork that feature natural elements like flowers or birds.
- Seashells and beachy decor: If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, collect some seashells and use them to decorate your home. Create a beachy vibe by using rope accents or adding a seagrass rug.
- Natural light: Make the most of natural light by keeping your curtains open during the day. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, use light bulbs that mimic natural light to create a sunny atmosphere.
Bringing the outside in is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home a fresh and summery feel. Use these tips to create a natural and welcoming atmosphere in your living spaces.
It may be a big task, but be bold and involve your spouse and kids to make it easier and fun for everyone. Use your hip seat baby carrier to include the baby in the fun outdoor clean-up to get some fresh air. Getting your house ready for summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you can have a beautiful, organized, and enjoyable home to spend your summer days at home.
