How to Transition Your Home Décor from Spring to Summer: Easy & Budget-Friendly Ideas

This spring, after a full declutter, I styled my home with a calm and clean look using white and blue. To bring in some seasonal warmth for Easter and early spring, I added a bit of greenery.

Now that summer is around the corner, I’m making one small but impactful change: Bright and vibrant yellow for that sunny summer vibe!

If you’re looking for easy and affordable summer decorating ideas, this post is for you.

A lit candle in a glass jar sits beside a white vase with yellow and white flowers on a table; a napkin holder is blurred in the background. Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

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Why a Neutral Palette Makes Seasonal Decorating Easy

Since my furniture is mostly neutral (lots of white and soft tones), changing out just a few accent pieces completely transforms the mood of each room. That flexibility makes seasonal updates budget-friendly and low-effort.

This summer’s inspiration? A cheerful yellow thrifted pitcher I found for $5—and everything else followed from there!

A yellow pitcher with white flowers sits on stacked books beside a candle and a decorative lamp on a wooden table. In the background are blue and white plates on white shelves and a blue pillow on the right.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

Swap Out Textiles for a Summer Feel

One of the quickest ways to refresh your home décor from spring to summer is by changing your textiles. I always start with pillow covers—they’re easy to store and let me reuse the same inserts year-round.

Here are some soft summer textiles to try:

  • Lightweight throw blankets in linen or cotton
  • Tablecloths and napkins in bright or citrus-inspired colors
  • Seasonal tea towels for the kitchen
  • Sheer or light drapes (if you’re ready for a bigger update)
💡 Pro Tip: Stick with your base color (blue, in my case) and add in your summer accent color—like yellow—for a cohesive look.
A cozy living room corner with a white armchair featuring a yellow scalloped pillow, a small wooden side table, a white lamp, and built-in shelves displaying blue and white decor, books, and a potted plant.

Decorate with Yellow: Budget-Friendly Summer Accent Ideas

During that same thrift trip, I also found a vintage yellow mixing bowl, which now brightens up my kitchen.

No matter what color you choose for your summer accent, here are a few simple, affordable ways to use it throughout your home:

  • Faux fruit or vegetables in bowls
  • Faux and fresh flowers (mix them for a full look on a budget)
  • A small colorful lamp
  • Art prints or seasonal photos
  • Candles in coordinating holders
  • Decorative books
  • Pitchers, vases, and bowls
  • Thin colorful ribbon (tie it on baskets, candles, or napkins)
Open shelves display stacked blue and white dishes, a yellow bowl, a vintage kitchen scale with lemons, a blue and white sugar bowl, a green fern plant, and a white embossed platter.

Budget-Friendly Things I Added For Summer

DIY Summer Décor on a Budget

Want to get creative? Here are a few DIY summer decorating ideas to help stretch your décor budget:

  • Repaint old décor items using your accent color
  • Create fabric bunting, table runners, or napkin rings from leftover fabric
  • Display lemons or seasonal fruit in a bowl for an instant centerpiece
  • Frame pages from old books, botanical prints, or pressed flowers
  • Print and frame free downloadable summer art
  • Cut flowers and branches from your yard for easy, fresh arrangements
    I’m even planning to bring my indoor yellow and blue palette outdoors—with faux sunflowers and yellow pillows on the patio!

These small details can bring color and charm to any corner of your home.

A white sofa with decorative pillows, including navy, white, and yellow polka dot designs, sits in front of a window with a garden view. A wooden side table and plants complete the cozy, bright living room.

Bring the Outdoors In: Summer Nature-Inspired Décor

Celebrate the season with natural textures and greenery:

  • Add houseplants like palms or succulents
  • Incorporate lemon branches or sunflower stems
  • Use rattan, wicker, or jute accents for a relaxed, summery feel
  • Cut flowers and branches from your yard for easy, fresh arrangements
I’m even planning to bring my indoor yellow and blue palette outdoors—with faux sunflowers and yellow pillows on the patio!
A cozy entryway with hooks holding a blue purse and yellow scarf, a small lamp on a table, a potted plant, and three framed photos on a shelf above. A green wreath hangs on a black door. Play button overlay in center.
<a href="https://youtu.be/lyKzj7GwXL0" target="_blank">Click on photo for a tour of my home</a>

Light Up Your Home for Long Summer Days

With longer daylight hours, I’ve adjusted my timers to turn lights on later. But I still love soft, warm white lighting in the evenings—especially on cloudy days.

Candles remain a cozy staple in my home, no matter the season. They add just the right glow to any space.

A yellow lamp with a textured base sits on a counter next to a stack of cookbooks, topped with a marble mortar and pestle and a white teapot, all in front of a white subway tile backsplash.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Lighting!

Your summer décor wouldn’t be complete without a cozy outdoor setup:

  • I made a DIY solar light using a vintage flower basket
  • We use outdoor string lights over our dining table and lounge area
  • Solar-powered garden lights add sparkle and charm to pathways and planters

These little touches make summer evenings feel magical and inviting.

A vase filled with a bouquet of yellow roses, set on a table in a well-lit room with framed art and two lamps in the background.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Summer Vibes

When updating your home for summer, look for ways to highlight your favorite spots using your seasonal color palette. For me, a mix of white, blue, and sunny yellow feels fresh, cheerful, and timeless.

Whether you prefer bold color or subtle accents, the key is to make small changes that feel meaningful and joyful.

Let’s Chat!

What colors are you using to decorate for summer? Have a favorite thrifted find or DIY idea? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Peace and Love,

A blue background with hand-drawn elements sets the stage. A heart symbol flanked by two lines adds charm, while the text "Lynn xoxo" in cursive whispers a promise to make food prep easier and more delightful.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

A great way to save this idea is to add it to one of your Pinterest boards. You can find the pin button on the top left of the photo when you click on it. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest

A yellow pitcher with white flowers sits on books beside a brown lamp and a candle on a wooden table, with the text “How to transition your home décor from spring to summer—easy budget-friendly ideas.”.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

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Behind the scenes

Hi, I’m Lynn

After years in corporate America, I’ve channeled my interior design degree and passionate creativity into transforming our 1,300 square foot house into a cozy, inviting haven that proves beautiful living doesn’t require massive square footage.

My slightly OCD tendencies fuel my love for organizing while my “Handy” husband helps bring my vintage-inspired decorating visions to life in our empty nest, where we entertain, garden, and cook from scratch.

Join me as I share practical wisdom, a little humor, and professional insights for making the most of every square inch—because I’ve discovered that living large isn’t about the size of your home but how you fill it with style, function, and heart.

More about me
About six people, including a baby, stand close together and smile in a warmly lit living room. The adults surround the baby, held by a woman in the center. A colorful painting hangs on the wall behind them.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

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