The Uplift is a monthly series in which our Style & Trends Editor Charlotte Olby uncovers the best decor to bring joy to your home. She consults our experts and picks through thousands of pieces from the biggest designers and retailers to bring you the very best.
As soon as summer begins to heat up, I swear there's a little voice in me that defrosts and starts whispering: "Add to cart" And it turns out I'm not alone. With all of our favorite retailers dropping sunshine-ready new-in edits, there's some seriously good shopping out there right now, so who am I to deny myself (and you) a little encouragement?
Much like you don't go out and buy an entire new wardrobe for summer, maybe just a new swimsuit or some sunnies, your home shouldn't require an entire overhaul to feel refreshed for the new season. Acting as accessories for your home, summer decor ideas are those smaller buys that help to spark a little more joy in a room after you've swapped out your heavy fabrics and fall-feeling hues.
Here, I sat down and chatted with the expert editors at Homes & Gardens to find out what summer decor buys they've got on their wish lists this summer.
Editor-Approved Summer Decor Buys
Personally, I'm in the midst of a backyard reno and am looking for ways to give it an instant facelift that doesn't cost as much as a landscape gardener. This retro patio umbrella ticks so many boxes: vintage style, sunshine yellow, a whimsical scalloped trim, and of course, provides a shady respite from the summer sun.
'There’s nothing better than linen bedding during the summer months, and I have my eye on this set from CULTIVER for a seasonal refresh,' says H&G's Paint & Color Editor Emily Moorman. 'I love the relaxed, organic look you get from linen, and nothing competes with this natural fabric for warm summer nights, so it's a win-win. The added piped edging on this set is a subtle but stylish addition to the neutral tones.'
'I love this whole collection at H&M Home right now and I don't have a platter in this shape,' says Head of Interiors Hebe Hatton. 'Perfect for making my thrown-together salads look far more appetizing.'
Why should I have all the fun? I think it's time my dog, Indie, had an upgrade for her dog bed and (selfishly) this wicker bed from Serena & Lily, with its large-scale sky blue gingham print, sits perfectly within my home's aesthetic. I'm rather excited about this one.
'I know candles are more of a fall buy, but I am one of few that lights far more candles over the summer months than winter,' adds Hebe. 'Not only do I hate the big light, when it's dusky and still just a bit light outside as you find with summer evenings, I hate any artificial light. I want that lovely glow throughout my rooms and lighting candles just enhances the end of the night magic. This one has a gorgeous soft, summery scent that's perfect for this time of year. It's light and floral but underneath you do get a more earthy woody note that stops any powderyness.'
Molly Malsom, our Kitchen & Bathroom editor is looking for some artwork that will sit on her kitchen counter or shelf. 'I'm really impressed by McGee & Co.'s art offering, and this Manderine Still Life painting feels the right amount of zesty for summer yet calm enough to work alongside all the kitchen accessories currently sitting on my shelf.'
'I always have more flowers in my house during the summer so I've recently picked up these wall vases to add a touch of fun to my walls and give me more space for displaying flowers,' suggests Social Media Editor Anna Aylward.
'I have been in love with Loewe's home scents for a long time now. Whilst the tomato leaf was my favorite, the cucumber candle has entered my home as this summer's scent and style,' says eCommerce Editor Laura Honey. 'The light green, handmade terracotta vessel looks beautiful on the coffee table whilst the candle subtly fills the room with the delicate scent of cucumber. It's incredible.'
'This pretty watering can will make me far better at remembering to water my plants as I can keep it next to my sink,' continues Anna, who is looking to bring the outdoors in this summer with some fresh florals and foliage.
'Wreaths aren't just for Christmas,' suggests Emilia. 'Switch out the red berries for some seasonal flora and you've got a summer wreath. This one from Amazon is artificial, but it looks like the real thing, and you can string it up for the whole summer without watering it once.'
'The White Company's Witney Stone Bowl is a no-brainer for the summer,' adds Laura. 'Its wide shallow shape is perfect for piling full of colorful summer fruits, but the uncoated limestone looks equally beautiful simply propped up on a mantle as a purely aesthetic piece.'
'Speaking of fabrics, the dinner table is another place I love to switch things up for summer, and I’m loving the look of this linen tablecloth in this gorgeous olive green color,' adds Emily. 'Again, linen tablecloths give an effortless look to summer tablescapes and stop things from looking too formal. I find myself swapping out tablecloths all the time so I’m always looking for another to add to the rotation.'
While these summer decor finds our editors have chosen might not be to everyone's task, you can see there's a clear theme for summer shopping to help with your own shopping cart: sunshine hues, loose and airy linens, a smattering of cheerful prints, and ways to help you bring the outside inside. From switching out bedding to fresh new scents, adding these easy swaps into your home will help you to feel like your home has had a facelift ready for the warmer weather.
