If your living room hasn’t moved on from earlier in the summer, but autumn is coming, you might want to update it. As the late summer season arrives, it’s the perfect time to transition your space subtly without jumping straight into fall. I will show you how to add summer warmth and early coolness to your late summer living room decor. We’ll review the things you could do, add or remove to refashion your space for comfort and relevance all through the season.
Soft Linen Accents for Breezy Comfort
During late summer, you should aim to lighten the space while holding on to its unique personality. One way I like to decorate a living room is by adding linen which feels very comfortable. Whether it’s draped over the arm of a sofa or used as cushion covers, linen visually and texturally embodies the feeling of coolness and softness—a much-needed contrast to the lingering heat. Linen’s matte, relaxed appearance also plays well with other seasonal elements like soft light and open spaces.
I always select linen in shades such as white, beige or pastels when I decorate. Choose a color that is off-white, stone, soft beige or light sage. An oversized linen slipcover for the sofa or a linen cover over a chair can really change the appearance of the room. Put some big, messy linen throw pillows on your sofa to match the rustic look. I include fun by hanging a flowing linen curtain in front of a window, giving the space more life and motion as the breeze comes in.
I’ve found that Real Simple magazine recommends using natural textiles like linen during late summer as they help reduce visual clutter and add calming energy to high-traffic areas. I totally agree; it’s one of the fastest and least effort ways to update your home. Linen doesn’t collect heat and it always has a trendy and relaxed look.
You can finish the section by adding a linen ottoman or a benched padded in the same color which will round out the room’s look and also provide areas for sitting or resting objects.
Earthy Color Schemes to Reflect the Season
As summer begins to end, I turn to earthy colors that match the things I see outside such as golden sand, clay, dried grass and stone warmed by the sun. They bring balance to any space and help move from the summer look to a fall-inspired look with ease. An earthy color scheme allows for a refined look that isn’t dull at all.
A neutral background of white or light greige walls is first and then I set up my accent pieces with rust, ochre, muted terracotta and mossy green. You can make a beautiful statement with a sand-colored sofa and walnut wood legs or a clay-toned accent chair. Hanging a framed picture of desert sand dunes or other organic shapes helps bring out the feeling you want. Choose throw pillows and vases in the colors of ochre or sienna for this theme.
From my perspective, this color combination makes the room look comfortable and homely. It helps the room seem solid, pleasant and full of life, making it stay fresh as well. They represent a classic look that will never go out-of-style and is simple to continue with other designs.
How could this be made better? You could put up a handmade tapestry or dyed cloth with a quiet earthy pattern to add some texture and support the color theme in the space.
Light Wood Furniture to Keep Things Airy
Woods like ash, birch or white oak brighten up the space and bring in the light summer feel I enjoy the most. They bounce sunshine and make rooms that feel heavy look more attractive. Lighter woods are usually lighter than darker woods so they don’t make a room look heavy and offer a breezy feel.
For the place, I’ve installed a light oak coffee table and matching open shelving units, both with soft and well-rounded edges. Such pieces serve a purpose while being attractive. A light wood chair where the seating is made of woven or rattan is both appealing and adds extra interest to the room. Just enough metal and stone fittings help the room avoid becoming very plain or overly rustic.
I find that light wood does a nice job lighting up parts of my house that aren’t sunny. The magazine points out that it’s simpler to carry a streamlined look from summer to autumn when using light-colored wood which I think is very useful.
I want to suggest putting a low-key TV stand or wooden bench in the room, as these help you stash items and keep the space uncluttered.
Layered Textures with Throws and Pillows
Rather than adding bulky knits, trying several types of textures can give the room a cozy look gently. Come late summer, I mix up light materials including gauze, cotton and linen with heavier woven blankets and cushions to create texture.
To manage this look, I lay a white cotton blanket on the couch and toss in a woven neutral or slightly aged tone pillow. Bouclé lumbar pillows and those with macramé details look great and can be a nice addition to the room. Not only are they stylish, but they also make it easy to get warm in the evenings when the weather starts cooling down.
In my experience, layering should not clash colors. Make sure no more than three colorful tones are in your picture. According to Better Homes & Gardens, this style makes a space peaceful and vibrant.
Making this section even better would be to add a basket for storing the throws close by and if it is woven in natural seagrass or jute, even better.
Golden Hour-Inspired Lighting Ideas
Late summer evenings are so nice thanks to the golden light, so I try to create it at home too. Lighting that is warm, soft and a bit fuzzy helps make current trends stand out. Horror films are dramatic and I better accomplish this with amber table lamps, wall sconces and also battery-operated candles.
My personal favorite is a wicker table lamp with a warm LED bulb (around 2700K) that mimics sunset tones. Brass or amber-glass sconces help me achieve a nice and elegant feel in the room. Since I love to entertain, I make sure that dimmers are easy to reach.
A well-known interior designer called Amber Lewis once stated that “lighting is the room’s jewelry.” What I’ve learned from this, I’ve applied in my life. Golden hour light beautifies the room and also makes me feel better after a tiring day.
Another thing to consider is getting a smart plug system, so you can have the lights go on before dusk each day without needing to do anything.
Incorporating Late-Blooming Florals
Late summer flowers such as dahlias, marigolds, goldenrod and zinnias keep bringing color to our homes. I make sure to put seasonal florals in my home in any way I can, like fresh-cut flowers, long-lasting preserved bouquets or printed images that show the beauty of late summer.
An important part of my decor is to have a low ceramic vase with a loose grouping of fresh flowers on the coffee table. A smaller display of flowers in a vintage glass bottle or brass vase will go well with it. When I want a longer option, I often turn to dried florals such as mustard, burnt orange or blush-colored ones.
I discover that flowers are a wonderful way to lift the atmosphere in a living room. The magazine notes that using seasonal flowers helps your home reflect nature and become more emotionally appealing.
You could also add a floral cushion or wall art that reflects the real arrangement which helps hold all the pieces together.
Subtle Fall Transition with Terracotta Tones
Terracotta gives off an autumn feel without changing everything around us. I like to add some pieces or accessories into the decor, enough to make the room cozy but not too much to lose the late summer style.
Usually, I choose a terracotta clay pot with a snake plant, some terracotta-colored pillow covers and occasionally a terracotta wall painted as an accent or on canvas art. Candles displayed in terra jars or dishes of the same color can establish the atmosphere easily.
To me, terracotta gives a sense of life to any space. It smells natural yet does not become overwhelming. Terracotta is being revered by Architectural Digest for the cozy and solid feeling it adds to living spaces in a mild way.
Including a ceramic side table or a terracotta-colored stool is a good idea since it supports the room’s function and makes it feel warm, without being too noticeable.
Lightweight Curtains for Soft Sunlight
During late summer, the sun shines differently, so I decide to wear lighter curtains that let the sunlight in. The entire room is filled with a gentle and relaxing glow. Voile, muslin or unlined linen are good options since they let light into the room and help dress the windows, yet they don’t cover them completely or block the air coming in.
In my area, I have white semi-sheer curtains that hang down to the floor, decorated with black matte rods to offer a bit of contrast. When there is a breeze, the curtains move and paint the room with changing patterns of light. To complete the room, I add woven wood shades that I pull down in the evenings to provide privacy and don’t affect the style of the place. Having several layers of windows coverings helps the look be both stylish and useful.
I have found that replacing heavy curtains with lightweight ones can make a room’s atmosphere stand out in a soft way. On HGTV, it is recommended that using soft, easy-going window drapes is a basic way to adapt for a new season without having to redo everything.
I would put in natural jute or rattan curtain tiebacks to help keep the relaxed ambiance yet also allow the curtains to be pulled up during the day.
Woven Baskets and Natural Storage
Since summer is coming to an end, it is an excellent opportunity to declutter both your rooms and your mind. I enjoy putting my fruits, vegetables and grains in woven baskets. They just give a natural look to the room, are handy for storing things and fit in with late summer themes without standing out. No matter if you put them close to the sofa, under a console or in shelving units, they look natural in the area.
I usually opt for natural and woven seagrass baskets and use them to hold books, throws and even gadgets. Both round and rectangular designs are suitable, just pick them according to the spot you want to decorate. Having smaller baskets on shelves enables me to put cords or remote control where no one will see them and also adds coziness. I like to combine plain rugs with those that have more detailed or dark weaving.
I’ve noticed that having my items in natural storage enables my house to look clean and adapts to many needs. According to House Beautiful, woven items are still trendy as they fit well both in terms of function and style. Having seen this myself, I also agree baskets always do so.
It would be practical here to include a tall basket with lid, so you can place it in the corner and use it to stack extra pillows or serve as a make-shift side table topped with a wood tray.
Coastal Touches for a Sun-Kissed Feel
I try adding touches of seaside decor that remind me of summer, even though I don’t want my whole room to look nautical. Such features allow the space to feel revitalizing so you can feel like summer isn’t over yet.
I place driftwood picture frames, some ceramic vases in ocean-like colors and jute or woven rope coasters in my living room. Having a light blue pillow or a striped cushion in the room creates the nautical feel of sea air. It’s nice to also combine natural things like coral sculptures and beach glass in various bowls I have. Everything about the place is tailored to your needs, not arranged based on a theme.
Architectural Digest suggests decorating coastal style in a modest way to avoid overdoing it with similar products which is something I’ve carefully followed. It centers on hinting, rather than engaging the player completely. The plan is to make small changes that influence the design, not to completely change the look.
I also think a rug with waves or sandy patterns can round off this room, as it fits well with the coastal style.
Muted Greenery and Botanical Prints
As the flowers in my space begin to fade, I add soft green things and botanical prints to match how nature looks in fall. By using plants and their designs in the room, you maintain a bright atmosphere but show the change of season too. I use eucalyptus, dusty miller and ferns more often than using vivid flowers or tropical plants.
The potted eucalyptus is situated in clay or stone containers and the framed botanical sketches hang behind the sofa in very simple frames. Adding vintage plant drawings in a gallery style helps the wall look high-class, yet still uncluttered. Some leafy-patterned pillows or curtains made in colors such as sage or gray-green often tie the overall look nicely together.
In my opinion, these details help the room appear neater and stronger. Veranda suggests that using restrained nature-themed items makes seasonal decor last longer and develop a mature character. It introduces life in a way that nothing looks too noticeable.
Last but not least, having rosemary or thyme in terracotta pots on either your windowsill or coffee table would complete the Easter theme with its fragrance and appearance.
Elegant Neutrals with a Warm Undertone
As the weather cools in summer, I change from very white to softer neutrals that still look elegant and warm. This shift helps to make the area cozier and helps move into early fall. Choose cream, taupe, soft mocha and greige; they will harmonize to lighten your space but still keep it pretty.
I choose a sofa in the greige color, a taupe floor rug and neutral-tinted pillows with light differences. Even tiny accessories such as ceramic bowls and beige vases placed on a wooden coffee table can help the room look more uniform. I finish the space by including an ivory throw and a lightly textured wall hanging. The most important thing is to find a balance, so the tones give a warm feeling, not sadness.
Mixing several warm neutrals is something designers from Studio McGee suggest to achieve a cozier and more collected style and I’ve applied it with excellent results. Employing different tones, instead of bold colors, makes the painting more interesting.
I would also recommend putting on a subtle and textured neutral wallpaper on one wall to add a touch of sophistication.
Summer-to-Fall Mantel Styling Tips
Mantels are a great way to change up a room for late summer since they are small, have strong visual impact and help set the room’s vibe. I prefer to mix seasonal styles by pairing summer looks with little signs of fall. It blurs the new image into the old one and makes the photo look more thoughtful.
In most cases, I combine ceramic and glass vases with some inside, displaying dried wildflowers or pampas grass. I add some candles in neutral colors and I may place coffee table books or framed pictures for the holidays. Rather than using pumpkins or fall-related images, I center my outfits on choosing burnt orange, sand, blush and tan colors.
In my own experience, these simple mantel displays are sure to catch people’s attention. Better Homes & Gardens recommends “using odd numbers and a mix of materials” for good height and balance which is a step I always follow.
To finish this, place a slim wood or brass-framed mirror over the mantel. The reflection brings more light into the room and makes it feel lighter.
Swapping Out Rugs for Late Season Style
An unnoticed but effective late summer decision is replacing your rugs with new ones. Ruins from last year’s spring designs may now make your rugs look out of place. For me, changing them with flattened rugs or natural fiber mats works well because they still keep me cozy and go perfectly with the new season.
My favorite choice is a warm yellow jute or sisal rug which instantly cheer up the room. It suits various types of decor and hasn’t been overly made into a rustic style. I prefer flatweave rugs that have subdued stripes or a look where the pattern is less loud which allows the rug to enhance the room in a quiet way.
I have discovered that going with rugs in warm neutrals or earth tones makes it easy for a room to work in any season, as suggested by expert designers. As the floor material switches, it reveals a fresh feeling for the place.
If you want to finish off the style, put a vintage rug on top of a larger neutral rug which will give your room a style that feels pulled together but relaxed.
Minimalist Coffee Table Centerpieces
Late summer is when you should start simple and having a minimalist centerpiece on your coffee table will help brighten up your living room. I always design with the idea of balance in mind, so it looks eye-catching yet not overpowering. Using a unique object like a bowl or just a few books makes the room look sophisticated and neat.
My first step is to set up a modern wooden table that has either a light oak or matte black finish. I place a ceramic vase with some foliage or seasonal grasses and a linen or leather tray as the finishing touch. Soft touches are arranged in a natural way that makes the room attractive. Rather than adding a lot, a single neutral candle with coasters brings unity to the area.
It is clear to me from experience that clients like minimalistic floral arrangements because they make the space less cluttered and help people relax. Similar ideas can be found in Apartment Therapy’s seasonal designs, where choosing quality over quantity is the key concept for dressing the home from summer to fall. They state that aside from being decorative, a coffee table is also time spent relaxing.
To make the table cozier, I suggest placing a natural fiber or jute table runner there which won’t make the table arrangement messy. It adds a comfortable and relaxed flavor to the film.
Textured Ceramics in Warm Neutrals
As a stylist, I find that small ceramics in clay, sand or terracotta bring the right textures for late summer spaces. Because they remind me of dry earth and summer, these colors help blend pastel hues and the warmer shades popular during autumn. The wavy qualities in handmade pottery help relax and warm up an otherwise straight space.
My living room features several handmade vases, big bowls and matte candleholders. I usually like pottery with slightly rough, light or brown glazes. They’re beautiful both individually and grouped together on open shelving, console tables, or mantels. You can use them on wood or near linen because they give a sense of depth while staying discreet.
It’s wonderful that Jonathan Adler and Heath Ceramics’ pottery are back in style because of their natural beauty. Architectural Digest noticed that thanks to their warmth, neutral-colored ceramics are popular both in summer and fall and look great in transitional settings.
You may also opt for including a big ceramic piece as the main focus to your setting, acting as a sculpture. Placing a statement floor vase close to a window or in a corner helps with the overall structure and creates height.
Window Seating with End-of-Summer Views
Late summer gives you the chance to enjoy the light and window seating makes that possible. This way of decorating adds to the room’s charm and each spot is useful for relaxing with a book or a cup of tea before sunset. Use light colors and keep all the textures thin so the room feels loose and pleasant.
To decorate windows seats, I prefer using cushions made of cotton or linen in colors similar to cream, dusty terracotta or light grey. Placing some padding on a white bench or a stepping stool can make a perfect seat. Sheer curtains soften the sunlight, making the room look as warm as it is in late summer. Introduce a nice cushion or lumbar pillow to offer a different design and more support.
Below my bay window, I have added a bench and a few pillows to make a small seating area at home. This is my top place to go at sunset for relaxation. As advised by Elle Decor, try to make the most of outside views and sunlight by keeping the area around windows orderly.
Enhancing this thought, you could place a few shelves for books and cups, along with a lamp hanging from the ceiling, so the view stays the main focus.
Candles and Scents for a Cozy Evening Feel
A big difference in a late summer living room can come from its fragrance. To make the evenings cozier, I bring in candles that have earthy and warm colors. Candles made from soy and put into amber glass or terracotta containers appeal to me, since they work well as both scented and eye-catching decor.
Most of the time, I pick fragrances such as fig, sandalwood or white tea to mark the changing season. You can combine them with lemon balm and dry herbs placed in ceramic dishes. I put different candles of various heights together on a small shelf or mantel, so the flame can bring depth to the space in the evenings. A wooden-based oil diffuser adds the ideal touch to the overall setting.
I usually use this traditional ritual almost every day during the late summer. It helps your mind to change gears from how quickly the day goes to how leisurely the night is. To quote House Beautiful, “signature seasonal fragrances can relax you and set a pleasant mood and they are a secret favorite among designers.”
To complete this part, you might want to keep a little basket or tray there for matching, snuffing and storing votive candles. It allows you to be tidy without breaking the look of the ceremony.
Bamboo and Rattan Elements for Subtle Warmth
To me, bamboo and rattan give a refreshing coastal look that matches the end-of-summer atmosphere. Soft textures are provided by them without adding too much attention, so they can blend in with many different décor styles. They create a warm atmosphere, no matter when they are used in architecture.
I include these colors through using open-weave light fixtures, side tables or mirrors. Magazine racks made of rattan or bamboo which can also hold light throws, can make your space more interesting and useful. For bigger sections, try an armchair made from rattan and a cushion with soothing neutral colors.
In August, I chose to style a living room with a pendant lamp and a planter stand made from rattan and it became cozier and reminiscent of a vacation spot. The editors at Domino suggest teaming rattan and wood colors to add a rich look without going overboard with design.
This section isn’t complete without something simple yet impressive, so I could suggest a bamboo tray on a console table filled with dried flowers or citrus fruits.
Accent Walls in Soft Ochre or Dusty Coral
The way a room is decorated by changing colors is especially important for seasonal transitions. Especially for late summer, I like to advise people to give an accent wall a soft or dusty hue such as ochre or coral. Using these bright colors reminds us of nice afternoons in summer and also teases us about the summer-to-autumn change.
I normally select wallpaper for around seating or around a fireplace. You can match these colors best with warm neutrals, accessories made of brass and furniture made from wood. You can make lovely lettering without drawing in a bold way. After the wall is painted, I will find a few throw pillows or add a small rug to join all the colors.
After we painted the alcove wall a soft coral shade, our client’s living room became a lot more inviting. The colors of the rug went great with their oak floors and white sofas. Better Homes & Gardens says that ochre and soft terracotta are popular now as they create a warming and versatile atmosphere.
I would suggest placing either a tiny wall lamp or a little mirror to highlight the color and its reflections.
Updating Wall Art with Seasonal Photography
Every time the surroundings change, I choose to update wall art by using seasonal photos. This time of year, people look for photos with subdued pictures of nature such as sunlit fields, sunsets on the beach or images from golden hour. These images bring nature indoors and help people relate to the changing season.
I tend to pick a trio of frames, in either light wood or black metal, sized according to the size of the wall. An original print, an art book or an online album are all types of photography. I ensure that the colors in different pieces blend together to give the place a united aesthetic.
In my case, updating a wall with art from photographs attracts attention and lifts the mood. Real Simple design experts think that rotating wall art according to the seasons can offer affordable luxury and help make your home less dull.
For a step up, you can put a couple of leaning frames on a console or open shelf, as this way you avoid using up wall space.
Breezy Slipcovers for Sofas and Chairs
Refreshing a room with no major changes is very simple using breezy slipcovers. Upholstered furniture can make your living room feel warm which is why swapping it for lightweight materials can be refreshing in late summer. Using cotton or linen slipcovers in white, ivory or sandy colors makes the space look clean and helps natural light stand out.
Usually, I place neutral slipcover sofas and armchairs, then decorate them with gentle-colored accent cushions made from chamomile or pale sage fabric. Linen gives any couch a laid-back look that isn’t too fancy. The fact that they shield your bigger items from summer wear also makes them practical and you can swap them out come fallif you like.
I’ve added slipcovers to my client’s tufted velvet sofa instead of storing it in the summer and it instantly looks like a summer getaway. Martha Stewart Living recommends changing to cotton-linen blends which make your furniture more durable and improve comfort season by season.
Another idea to feel welcome is to match a coordinating slipcover on the ottomans or accent chairs to finish the clean and light style of the room.
Displaying Fresh and Dried Floral Combinations
Although I enjoy floral decorations, in my summer living room I move away from fresh flowers and blend in unique dried varieties. So, there is a unique feeling seen that connects the rich excitement of summer with the gentle signs of fall. I tend to include wheat stalks, eucalyptus and bunny tails among the late-flowering wildflowers to achieve a nice contrast in their appearance.
Generally, I like to place these arrangements in plain vases on the console table, a windowsill or a coffee table. Live flowers brighten the look and dried ones calm things down and give it a shape. The design is subtle, doesn’t look outdated and is not too hard to maintain. Mixing deep gold, sage green and pale lavender is one of my favorite things.
At home, I put hydrangeas together with sprigs of lavender and pampas grass; I like the refined look as the flower arrangement softens as time goes by. This magazine recommends decorating with dried flowers because they keep their shape through changing seasons and last long in your arrangement.
For a better effect, I would put a natural-looking rough linen runner under the vase to lend more stability to the display.
Artful Use of Glass Vases and Bowls
To give your living room a polished look, you could place glass vases and bowls. Glassware sets look lovely in late summer since the weaker sunlight means it catches the light easily and gives the look more dimension, making it less busy.
My shelves and side tables have vases made of clear, amber and smoky glass. A wide, shallow dish can have dried citrus slices or decorative beads in it and tall vases are great for placing clipped parts of plants from your garden. I like to arrange things in threes or twos, putting them together in several different shapes yet similar colorways.
They believe that glass is rarely considered an important element in transitional style. Clear design and its shape make it look updated and contemporary. I always find this to be a perfect way to change a room’s look without making it seem cluttered.
A way to enhance this area is to put a glass bowl on a natural wood tray, along with some similar ceramic pieces.
Late Summer Book and Magazine Styling
You might believe books and magazines are just for reading, but I like to include them in my living room designs, especially in the summer season when people do most of their reading. The most important thing is to pick suitable documents. The covers I like best are earthy and sometimes cover garden design, travel or cooking themes.
I often put two or three books on top of a coffee table or console, so they can raise up the candles and decor. A rattan rack or a bamboo tray is a good place to show off a collection of magazines. For a uniform style, I usually go for neutral paper or sepia-colored photographs for the covers.
For me, including some reading material in a design helps make the space felt and shows my personality. I once made a client’s minimalist living room more interesting by adding two books about architecture and an older magazine with beachy pictures which kept it from being over-complicated. The magazine reveals that laid-back, elegant styling in books can change along with different seasons.
You could finish this part by adding both a throw and a pair of reading glasses close by to represent a moment of relaxation and peace.
Indoor Plants That Thrive in Seasonal Transition
It is important to pick the best indoor plants when each season changes. Next to the dryness of winter, late summer is the most demanding on plants, so I choose the tough ones which are snake plants, pothos and ZZ plants. They need less care than other plants but still provide lots of greenery.
I arrange plants at different heights by placing larger ones by the window and smaller ones on furniture. I add even more interest to my potteries by combining matte ceramics, woven baskets and reclaimed wood planters. Merging these two plants make the space more interesting without crowding it.
Pothos and monstera have helped me out as transitionals, as they keep doing well even as fall begins and don’t drop their leaves. According to The Spruce such plants thrive well and also help clean the air, so they are perfect for indoor use during winter.
If there’s anything extra you want, try getting a bamboo- or rattan-made plant stand or stool to lift up medium-sized pots and style the room.
Mixing Metallics with Matte Earth Tones
I particularly like the look of mixing metallics with dull earthy colors during August. It matches the brilliance of sunshine with the sense of nature’s solidity. Gold, bronze and brushed silver accessories go well when mixed with clay tones, sandy beiges and muted greens.
A good way for me to do this is by buying metal candleholders, sculptural bowls or lamp bases. Beaded pillows make a nice match with terracotta ceramics or linen pillows. The mix of glossy and non-glossy parts holds the viewers’ attention and helps maintain the right feel of the scene.
In a favorite client project, I mixed a floor lamp in brass with some matte black vases and an ochre throw which brought out the perfect simple yet sophisticated effect called “organic luxury.”
Having a mirror with a metallic frame would help spread the light which would unite all the contrasting finishes in the room.
Updating Shelf Decor with Natural Finds
Once summer ends, I like to look around me in nature for inspiration to style my shelves. If you gather and prepare natural items such as stones, driftwood, dried branches and shells, you can create something that looks great, brings texture and makes you feel calm in the colder months. Such objects remind us of strolling in late summer and peaceful outdoor moments.
Grouping these things in small numbers and with a focus on earthy colors, I put them on my bookshelves or console ledges. The decoration stands out best with simple items like neutral books, ceramic bowls and metal trinkets grouped nearby. You should leave a little space empty which helps all the objects draw your attention.
For me, this aspect of decorating is rewarding since it seems to grow my memories. Introducing an organic branch or stone from the trip can make the room special in more ways than one. HGTV suggests that using organic materials in decoration helps to calm the room and to reflect the seasons.
To improve this display, I’d look at placing an unpretentious glass cloche or a covered tray filled with my pieces in the center.
Relaxed Seating Arrangements for Entertaining
Generally, as summer ends, I spend more time inviting friends over, so my living room is designed with lounge-friendly seats in mind. People should experience an open atmosphere and a chance to chat in pairs in more private areas. I choose furniture that is low and can be adjusted in addition to having soft padding and easy-to-move pieces. Traditional additions are sectionals covered with linen, accent poufs and chairs with lots of pillows. This look shows how late summer feels relaxed and still looks stylish.
Comfort and flow are always balanced when I style the bedroom, living room and dining area. A small coffee table, some lounge chairs in neutral colors and a few simple side tables give you an intimate but stylish space. I prefer to skip heavy leather sofas and wooden pieces because they can look out of place during the spring. Rattan side tables, white sofas with a light feel and cotton- or linen-covered ottomans are things I prefer most.
I have observed that my guests are attracted to chairs that allow them to move and use different positions. Interior designers such as Leanne Ford stress that it’s best to keep living areas easygoing and relaxed when it’s summer. Allowing my furniture to be moved has helped me make a room that’s right for relaxing by myself or enjoying a crowd of friends.
In order to finish this section, I like the touch of a light colored rug and a handy small cart or tray nearby. For airflow, a muted tone bronze or matte white ceiling fan or a portable fan would be a nice touch that leaves the room’s design untouched.
Sculptural Decor Inspired by Nature
Summer indoor-outdoor living is so much fun and I usually add decorative touches that prompt thoughts of nature. I prefer to choose decor that has the appearance of organic shapes such as waves, leaves, branches or stones. Including these objects in the room makes it more stylish and recalls the role nature has in changing the seasons.
I make this concept real by putting carved wooden bowls, irregularly shaped ceramic vases and abstract stone sculptures on mantels or consoles. Wavy mirrors and different types of candleholders look good with this furniture. I usually include decorative pieces such as those from natural fibers or driftwood to capture the outdoor setting’s look and feel.
Guests often comment on such little details. They may be small on stage but they make a powerful impression. Athena Calderone, an interior stylist, suggests making each room special by adding pieces that have a personal meaning. I prefer to purchase items from small creators or from shops that have unique handmade products rather than the same products found everywhere.
To finish this off, I strongly feel including a dramatic centerpiece such as a branch in glass or a sculpture on a pedestal, would look feels amazing. They are the main features in the room that help unite all the decor elements.
Using Textiles with Faded Patterns
Late summer brings a gentle softness to light and air and I want my materials to bring out that feeling. I prefer easy-going looks such as faded florals, light tribal prints or block prints that match the appearance of faded fabrics from the sun. The patterns give a casual touch to the living room without becoming overwhelming.
I like to use these fabrics as extra blankets, soft accent cushions or simple slipcovers. Cotton throws in light green or rust colors, together with pillows made from faded indigo or blush fabrics, look simply great to me. It doesn’t have to be copycat; it should be about making comfortable patterns that look as if the sunlight has faded them naturally. Using block-printed Indian textiles or Turkish kilim cushions can really give your room this look.
My experience shows that adding these fabrics can make even the simplest living room more unique and exhibit different styles through the seasons. Similar to Amber Lewis’ advice, bringing in various soft and comfortable materials will add more charm and style to your home. Quiet signs of history such as fading lines or worn spots, make vintage designs feel more comfortable.
Once this task is complete, I think placing a light summer curtain in gauzy cotton or linen would really help to maintain the soft look. Putting in a bold, worn-out textile will help brighten up a neutral couch.
Creating a Mood with Dimmer-Friendly Lamps
In late summer, it’s especially important to include dimmable lamps in your living room because it grows dark earlier. I prefer to use adjustable lighting to brighten the mood during the day and make everything more tender and cozy once the sun goes down. Usually, I use several lamps at once: some to light up a work area and some for relaxation and I pick bulbs that match the tones of natural light or candle flames.
Some of my best picks are white linen-covered ceramic or marble table lamps and floor lamps in brushed brass or matt black. I walk away from any decor that is overly industrial or ultra-current for this part of the year. Rather, I choose soft materials and curved surfaces that make the area more comfortable. You can install a dimmer switch as a good extra if your lamp doesn’t have one.
From what I have found, switching one strong fixture for several softer ones can make a big difference. I’m now using small rechargeable lamps on shelves and window sills to make soft lighting in different areas. Many architectural designers from Architectural Digest explain how soft lighting can transform any room and enchant those who enter it. I think this idea is greatly underestimated.
To boost the impact of this section, you should use lights placed at several different heights. The best way to finish the ambiance is by placing a tall floor lamp beside the lounge chair, a table lamp on the console and a small accent lamp on a bookshelf.
You can redecorate your living room for late summer by adding only the season’s simple touches rather than redoing everything. Feel free to share your ideas on refreshing your home during the fall season. Do you know of a good tip for decorating your living room for late summer? Share your ideas or questions in the comments below!
