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

Does “cozy” make you think of blankets, fireplaces, and hot cocoa? Well, just because it’s warm and sunny out doesn’t mean you won’t appreciate a comforting, welcoming home in the summer too.

Welcome to the summertime side of an inviting home: wildflowers, natural materials, fresh air, and bringing the outdoors in.

1. Embrace Natural Materials and Textures

Creating a cozy summer home can be fun, especially with the right materials and textures. Think about adding some wooden accents, a jute rug, or a cozy linen throw pillow. These simple touches can give your space an inviting and warm feel on the overall feel of your home.

You don’t have to go all out with a complete decor overhaul to achieve this look – just a few simple touches can make a big difference.

• Woven Baskets for Storage and Decor. They’re not only practical for storage, but they also add a touch of texture and natural charm to any room. I often use them to store everything from throw blankets to beach towels, and they instantly make my space feel more cozy, organized, and inviting.
• Use Natural Fiber Rugs and Textiles Jute, sisal, and cotton rugs are my go-to choices for summer. They add a laid-back, beachy vibe to any room and feel cool and comfortable underfoot. I also love using lightweight cotton or linen curtains and throw pillows to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Driftwood, Seashells and Beach Glass. How about bringing a touch of the beach into your home? It’s a surefire way to create a cozy, summery feel. I love displaying driftwood, seashells, and beach glass I’ve collected during my seaside adventures. These natural elements add a sense of nostalgia and are beautiful reminders of the summer memories I’ve made.

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2. Bring the Outdoors In with Plants and Flowers

One of my favorite ways to create a cozy summer home is by bringing the beauty of nature indoors. Plants and flowers are a great way to add life and color to your space, while also helping to purify the air and boost your mood. Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate greenery into my home during the summer season:

• Decorate with Fresh-Cut Flowers in Every Room: Nothing says summer quite like a vase of fresh-cut flowers on your dining table or nightstand. Make make it a weekly ritual to visit my local farmer’s market and pick out a colorful bouquet to display in your home. If you grow your own cut flowers, all the better.
• Add Lush Potted Plants and Hanging Baskets. I have a mix of low-maintenance succulents, trailing ivy, and vibrant ferns scattered throughout my living room and bedroom. They add such a tropical, summery vibe to my space and also create a more relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Plus, they’re super easy to take care of—even if you don’t have a green thumb!
• Create an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen. One of my favorite summer projects was creating a vertical herb garden in my kitchen. I used a few wall-mounted planters to grow basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme, and now I have fresh herbs at my fingertips whenever I need them. Plus, they look absolutely beautiful hanging on the wall and their scent is incredibly soothing!

Whether you start with a few simple succulents or go all out with a lush indoor garden, bringing some plant life into your home will make it feel more inviting and cozy.

3. Keep Your Home Light, Airy, and Cool

For a cozy summer home, you need to keep your space light, airy, and cool. Trust me, no one wants to feel stuffy and overwhelmed in their own home, especially during the hot summer months. Here are a few simple changes you can make to create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

• Swap Heavy Curtains for Sheer, Gauzy Fabrics. One thing that always works for me is opening up my windows to let in some fresh air and natural light. It’s amazing how much brighter and more spacious your space feels with just a little bit of sunlight. Another tip that I’ve found helpful is switching out my heavy winter curtains for sheer, gauzy fabrics that gently filter the sunlight. This not only brightens up my space but also creates a soft, dreamy ambiance that’s perfect for summer. You can also get ideas on how to brighten your home from this guide.
• Use Light, Breathable Bedding. There’s nothing worse than trying to sleep on a hot summer night, wrapped up in heavy, suffocating bedding. I’ve found that one of the best ways to make my bedroom feel more comfortable and inviting is to switch to light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials do wonders for regulating body temperature and promoting better sleep.
• Paint Walls in Crisp, Cool Colors. Have you tried painting your walls in some crisp, cool colors? Trust me, it’s an easy and affordable way to create a light and airy atmosphere in your home. These colors reflect light and make your space feel larger and more open, which is especially important if you’re dealing with a smaller room or apartment.

4. Create Cozy Nooks for Relaxing

One of the best ways to make your home feel cozy and inviting during the summer months is by creating dedicated spaces for relaxation. Even if you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you can still carve out a few cozy nooks that will make a big difference in how you enjoy your home.

• Set Up a Breezy Reading Corner. As an avid reader, I know that there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book on a lazy summer day. For me, I’ve found that creating a breezy reading corner in my living room is the perfect solution. I placed a comfy armchair near a window, added some plush pillows, and set up a small side table for my drinks and snacks.
• Make an Inviting Window Seat. If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat in your home, summer is the perfect time to make it a cozy and inviting space. I like to add a few soft cushions and a lightweight throw blanket to make it more comfortable. I also keep a few of my favorite books and magazines nearby, so I can easily spend a lazy afternoon reading.
• Create an Outdoor Lounge Area. To make the most of this, I’ve created a cozy outdoor lounge area on my patio. I invested in a few comfortable chairs, a small coffee table, and some colorful throw pillows to make the space feel inviting. I also added some string lights and a few potted plants to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. Now, I have the perfect spot to enjoy my morning coffee or host a casual get-together with friends.

By creating cozy nooks for relaxing, you can make the most of your home during the summer months. These small, inviting spaces will become your favorite places to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

5. Add Ambiance with Lighting and Scents

Creating a cozy summer home is not just about the physical elements; it’s also about the ambiance you create. The best way to do that is by using lighting and scents to set the mood.

• String Twinkle Lights or Lanterns. One of my favorite ways to add a touch of magic to my summer evenings is by stringing twinkle lights or hanging lanterns around my outdoor space. The soft, flickering glow creates a romantic and dreamy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or hosting an intimate gathering. But don’t stop there. You can bring this effect indoors, too! I love draping string lights along my walls or across my ceiling, instantly making my living room feel more cozy and inviting.
• Light-Scented Candles or Diffuse Essential Oils. Try fresh, invigorating fragrances like lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus. These scents not only make my home smell amazing but also help me feel more relaxed and centered. I like to place candles in strategic locations, like on my coffee table or nightstand, to create a soft, flickering glow that adds to the overall coziness of my space. And don’t forget about the power of essential oils! A few drops in a diffuser can instantly transform the energy of a room.
• Use Soft, Dimmable Lamp. For indoor lighting, I prefer to use soft, dimmable lamps instead of harsh overhead lights. I find that this really helps to set the mood and create a more intimate ambiance, especially when I’m winding down in the evenings.

I also like to have a few table lamps and floor lamps scattered throughout my living room and bedroom. I’ve opted for warm, soft-white bulbs that cast a gentle glow, which really helps to create a cozy and inviting vibe.

What are the best colors for a summer home?

When creating a cozy summer home, I recommend sticking to light, fresh, and natural colors. Shades of white, beige, and pale blue can help create a cool and inviting atmosphere, while pops of green and yellow can add a cheerful, sunny vibe. I also love incorporating natural wood tones and earthy textures to bring a sense of warmth and depth to my space. But color is personal and even dark colors can be easily brightened up with white accents like pillows and sheers.

What scents create a cozy atmosphere in summer?

Citrus scents like lemon and bergamot can help energize and uplift your mood, while floral scents like jasmine and rose can add a touch of romance and elegance. Herbal scents like mint and basil also create a fresh, clean vibe that’s perfect for summer. Experiment with different scents to find the ones that make you feel most relaxed and content in your space.

More on How To Make Your Home Cozy

For more inspiration, explore the collection of resources below:

• How to Have a Grandmacore Summer
• Homestead Kitchen Supplies
• Actionable Tips for Homemakers
• How To Lay Out Your Homestead So It’s Beautiful and Efficient
• Summer Farmhouse Decor

Enjoy the season

The key to making your home cozy is to pay attention to the little things. Don’t be afraid to try out different color schemes, mix and match textures, and experiment with different scents until you find the combination that makes you feel most at home. This is your own cozy summer home journey, so have fun with it!

Take some time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, like sipping a cold drink on your porch or curling up with a good book in your favorite cozy spot. You worked hard to make it beautiful and you should enjoy it ❤️.