5 Simple + Lovely Ways to Make Your Home Cozy in Summer

Inside: Let’s explore the summertime side of an inviting home: wildflowers, natural materials, fresh air, and bringing the outdoors in.

Cozy isn’t all blankets and hot tea. There’s summer cozy too, and all you have to do is find the softer, more natural side of summer decor. We’re celebrating time at home, trips to the water, and long summer days. Here’s how.

1. Use Natural Materials and Textures

Think about adding a wooden bowl, a simple jute rug, or a linen throw pillow. These little touches make such a difference in how your home feels.

You don’t need to completely redo your whole house, you just a few simple changes.

Woven Baskets for Storage and Decor. I love these so much! They’re not just practical for keeping things tidy, but they add that perfect natural texture to any room. I use them for everything from beach towels to kids’ toys, and they instantly make a space feel more put-together.

Natural Fiber Rugs and Textiles. Jute, sisal, and cotton rugs are perfect for summer. They feel cool underfoot and add that simple, relaxed feel we all want. Light cotton or linen curtains let in the breeze while still giving you privacy. So lovely.

Driftwood, Seashells and Beach Glass. Bringing a bit of the beach inside is one of my favorite ways to make a home feel summery. I love displaying little treasures from our beach trips – they’re simple, beautiful reminders of happy times together.

2. Bring the Outdoors In with Plants and Flowers

One of my favorite ways to make a house feel like a home in summer is by filling it with plants and flowers. They add life, color, and honestly, they just make me happy every time I see them.

Fresh-Cut Flowers in Every Room. Nothing says summer like a simple jar of fresh flowers on your kitchen table. Make it a weekly habit to pick up a bunch at your local farmer’s market, or better yet, grow your own! Even a few stems in a mason jar can brighten up a whole room.

Add Some Potted Plants. I keep a mix of easy-care plants throughout my house. You don’t need a green thumb! Try some trailing ivy, a few succulents, or a simple fern. They create such a peaceful feeling, and there’s something so satisfying about keeping them alive and thriving.

Kitchen Herbs. You don’t have grow them in your kitchen (although you can). Just cutting some herbs from outside and putting them in jars of water means you have basil right when you need it and it brightens up your cou

Even if you start small with just one or two plants, bringing some green into your home will make it feel more alive and welcoming.

3. Keep Your Home Light, Airy, and Cool

No one wants to feel hot and stuffy, especially during those warm summer months! Here’ are my simple tricks to keep your home breezy.

Use Sheer, Light Curtains. Opening your windows to let in fresh air changes EVERYTHING. Swap out heavy curtains for light, gauzy ones that move with the breeze. The way they filter sunlight creates the most beautiful, soft glow in a room.

Light, Breathable Bedding. Switching to cotton or linen sheets makes such a difference! These fabrics keep you cool and create that casual, slightly rumpled look that’s perfect for summer.

Stick with Crisp, Cool Colors. Light colors like soft whites, pale blues, and gentle greens make spaces feel bigger and airier. They reflect light instead of absorbing it, which helps keep your home feeling cool even on the hottest days.

While I typically love to follow the natural light around my home, in the summer you might seek out the shade instead.

4. Create Cozy Spots for Relaxing

One of my favorite things about summer is having quiet moments to relax. Creating little corners for unwinding makes your home feel like a retreat.

Set Up a Simple Reading Corner. There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book on a lazy summer afternoon. I’ve placed a comfy chair near a window, added a soft pillow and a little side table for my iced tea. Just for summer! It’s nice to mix things up a little.

Make a Welcoming Window Seat. If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, summer is the perfect time to make it cozy. Add a simple cushion and maybe a lightweight throw. Keep a few books nearby, and you’ve got the perfect spot for daydreaming.

Create a Lovely Outdoor Space. Even if all our have is a tiny porch or patio, use it. Don’t buy anything for it but a chair and a table for a drink. Get it super, super clean. And go out there!

5. Lights and Fragrance

Creating a cozy summer home isn’t just about what you see – it’s about how a space makes you feel. Lighting and scent play a HUGE part in this.

String Lights and Lanterns. I love the magic that simple string lights create. I like them outside but my older girls but them in their bedrooms in the summertime too.

Light Summer-Scented Candles. Try fresh, clean scents like lemon, lavender, or mint. These make your home smell fresh and help create a calm feeling.

Enjoy The Season

The key to a lovely summer home is paying attention to the little things. You don’t need a perfect house or a big budget – just focus on what makes YOU feel happy and at home.

Take time to actually enjoy all these little touches you’ve added. Sit on your porch with a cold drink, curl up with a book in your reading nook, or just pause to notice how the light filters through your curtains. You’ve worked to make your home beautiful. Now enjoy it.