10 Summer Decorating Ideas That Are Hot Right Now

The past few years transformed our home interiors into a safe haven filled with soft textures, calming hues, and—oh yeah—more houseplants than we knew what to do with. The summer decor trends of 2024, however, kick the vibe up a notch by introducing fun, cowboy-inspired charm, playful colors, and vintage touches with a sustainable focus. Energize your home decor by taking inspiration from these summer trends that are popping up across the country.

1. Natural Interiors

The line between the outdoors and indoors grows even fuzzier this season as decorators strategically place more greenery throughout the home. And if you don't have much of a green thumb, skip the windowsill plants and opt for artwork, patterns, and fabrics that show off florals, branches, and leaves.

2. Soft Edges

Boxy, rectangular furniture is on its way out, and suave, curvy edges are coming in. Interior designers are spotting rounded corners in everything from the sofas and settees to coffee tables and countertops. And if you think about the soft and natural vibes prevalent in the past few years, it's no surprise that gentle curves are the name of the game.

3. Western Style

This summer, Western-inspired decor is riding high. Some have even given the term “Cowgirlcore” to this trend, set off by Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter. Think: leather, burlap, and the serene colors of desert landscapes. 

Adding Western-inspired decor works well if you have wood furniture or a rustic-designed home. Use natural textiles, like linen curtains or woven baskets, to bring a cozy, earthy feel to your decor. You could also add some cactus plants and succulents to your home to evoke the Wild West.

4. Sunny Shades

If you're looking for an energy boost every time you walk into your living room, there's another color trend starting a party. Home designers are leaning into bold primary colors on the walls, in upholstery, and in curtains and bedding. Some designers are even pushing the limits about how far you can spread a bright color, painting the walls, trim, and even the ceiling vibrant hues.

5. Peachy Tones

Pantone named “Peach Fuzz” its Color of the Year—it’s a warm hue that brings a sense of playfulness and freshness to any space. It goes well with other warm colors, like red terracotta, or soft neutrals, like beige, to create a calm backdrop.

Sprinkle some peach tones in with cushions and throws, art prints, and floral arrangements. Peach-colored curtains or a newly painted accent wall are great ways to softly diffuse light and add warmth to a room.

6. Tropical Touches

We’re all busier than ever, so many of us don’t have time to sit by the beach sipping a refreshing tropical drink. However, tropical colors, patterns, and even the plants themselves have been standing in this summer. Accent walls feature painted palms, pineapples are popping up on bookcase decor, and bouquets of pink, orange, and yellow plants are accenting dining room tables. Paired with the sunny colors and green trends above, you don't have to go far to find those vacation vibes.

7. Contrasting Patterns

In many homes this summer, home decor is taking a step back and letting the designs do the talking. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, whether that means palm leaf throw pillows on the couch against a brocade accent wall or floral bedsheets with striped curtains. In other words, if you're going to clash, clash confidently.

8. Vintage Sustainability

This summer season, the focus on vintage celebrates the sustainable perks of finding pre-loved arts, fixtures, tiles, and decor from your thrift and antique stores. Why not show off the treasures of the past instead of opting for something newly made?

A fun summer project is giving vintage items a new lease on life with a little DIY magic. Refinish wood furniture, reupholster old chairs, or repaint vintage lamps to not only save these items from landfills but also to customize them to your taste.

9. Modern Art Displays

Inviting guests over is not only a great time to show off your unique style, but it’s also a chance to celebrate your favorite artists. Contemporary art is taking the place of familiar prints and paintings, especially from the decorator's travels or community of artists. Showcase a few unique pieces in the living room or line the hallways with eye-catching accent art.

10. Eclectic Combinations

Perhaps most notably, we're spotting that many decorators are finding their own unique home decor style by combining what they love best about an array of options. Maximalism combines with cottagecore, Art Deco with coastal design, and Scandinavian with touches of Bohemian. The 2024 summer decor trends encourage DIY home designers to create their own aesthetic to discover a new haven right at home.