Top Five Summer Design Trends to Elevate Your Home Decor

Topping our list is the biophilic design trend. Biophilic design centers on integrating natural elements, such as plants, water, and sunlight, into our living spaces to create an invigorating environment. That being said, what are some other popular uses of biophilic design?

Houseplants purify the air. Whether you prefer tall, leafy plants like fiddle leaf figs, hanging plants such as English ivy or pothos, or low-maintenance succulents, there’s a perfect plant for every space.

To optimize natural light, consider using sheer curtains or installing skylights. Mirrors can also be used strategically to reflect light into darker corners of a room.

Wooden furniture or stone countertops can introduce texture and create a warm, inviting space. Bamboo or rattan light fixtures can also add an earthy touch.

Indoor water features, such as fountains or aquariums, can provide soothing sounds and even act as natural humidifiers. If space allows, a small indoor pond can be a striking addition.

Choose designs featuring leaf patterns, forest scenes, or ocean waves to evoke a landscape. Photographic prints or paintings of nature scenes provide a focal point.

Adding pops of color is an exciting way to inject your personality into your home. Think a royal blue couch against white walls or a lime-green table in a minimally designed room. This trend works seamlessly with any design, be it modern, traditional, or industrial. What are a few tangible examples?

A turquoise wall in an otherwise neutral-toned living room could infuse a space with a summer vibe. Alternatively, a deep coral accent wall in a white kitchen would add warmth and personality.

A ruby red armchair, an emerald green couch, or a yellow ottoman would stand out against a neutral backdrop, bringing life to your space and expressing your personal style.

Cabinets and shelves offer a great opportunity for color pops. Painting your kitchen cabinets in a bright blue or adding an orange bookshelf would add a burst of color without overwhelming a space.

Cushions, throw blankets, rugs, vases, or lamp shades in striking hues can dramatically change the look of a room. Changing these items seasonally will keep your space looking fresh and trendy.

Abstract paintings with vibrant hues or a colorful gallery wall will initiate conversations. Even colorful frames around black-and-white photos can serve as a unique way to add a pop of color.

The “Japandi” trend, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies, promotes minimalistic design, blending the Japanese “wabi-sabi” concept—finding beauty in imperfection—with Scandinavian functionality and simplicity. This trend uses neutral tones, natural materials, and clean lines to create calming, uncluttered spaces. With this intriguing design trend in mind, what should you look for?

Opt for furniture with simple and clean lines. These may include low-profile sofas, streamlined tables, or Shaker-style kitchen cabinets. Choose pieces that serve a purpose and don’t clutter your space.

Choose hues like soft whites, beiges, cool grays, and muted blues. These colors provide a calming backdrop to your interior and echo the serenity found in both Japanese and Scandinavian environments.

Incorporate organic materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, or linen into your decor. For instance, a dining table made of light-colored wood, or a bed frame made from bamboo, will add warmth and texture.

Greenery introduces a piece of nature promoting balance. Consider a large indoor plant, such as a monstera or fiddle leaf fig, or use smaller plants, like snake plants or peace lilies, for a subtler touch. 

Include accessories such as hand-thrown ceramics, handwoven baskets, or handmade rugs. These items add character and embody the “wabi-sabi” philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.

This summer, multifunctional spaces are a top design trend. From foldable desks to bookshelves that double as room dividers, this trend is all about maximizing space while keeping its design sleek and stylish. Creating multifunctional spaces can promote a healthy work-life balance by delineating work and rest areas. It’s an ideal solution for urban dwellers with limited space. Below are a few pretty cool ideas.

Optimize space and functionality by using foldable desks or wall-mounted drop-leaf tables. These desks are ideal for smaller spaces or multi-use rooms, offering a dedicated work surface.

By day, sofa beds can serve as a comfortable spot to sit and relax, and by night, they can transform into beds for guests. Sofa beds are useful for those who lack a guest room to make the most of their living area.

Shelves, curtains, sliding doors, or even plants can serve as dividers. For instance, a bookshelf can serve as a partition between a home office and a living area, providing storage and maintaining an open feel.

A loft bed, similar to the top bunk of a bunk bed, can provide space beneath it to set up a study area, create a cozy reading nook, or store items. Loft beds can effectively double the usable space in a room.

Choose coffee tables with storage underneath for books, blankets, or board games. Some models even have tops that can be raised to create a makeshift desk or dining area when needed.

As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for sustainable home decor. This trend involves using eco-friendly materials such as cork, recycled glass, and reclaimed wood. Sustainable design not only contributes to preserving our environment but also adds a unique aesthetic to your home. Each piece carries a story, making your space truly one-of-a-kind. So, how can sustainable materials be used?

Reclaimed wood is a sustainable material choice that can be used for flooring, furniture, photo frames, and wall art. Using reclaimed wood reduces the demand for new timber, thereby preserving forests.

Bamboo can be used for furniture, flooring, and even window shades. It’s stronger and more durable than many types of wood, making it a practical and eco-friendly choice.

Using recycled metal or glass in your interior—whether as light fixtures, furniture, or decorative pieces—can help reduce energy consumption and waste.

Opt for natural, renewable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or wool, for your upholstery, rugs, and curtains. These materials are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics.

When updating the color of your walls, choose paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These paints are better for indoor air quality and the environment.

So, there you have it—the top five design trends for summer 2023. These trends are more than just aesthetic upgrades; they advocate wellness, flexibility, and sustainability. The next step is yours. Allow these design trends to inspire your next home decor project and make this summer an unforgettable one.

Stay tuned to Haven for further ways to leverage trending summer interior design possibilities for your home.