As summer hits the GTA, why not refresh your home with a few quick updates to create a cool and inviting space? Whether you bring the outdoors in or create your own oasis in your yard, infusing the essence of summer into your living space will certainly give you a boost. It’s time to throw open the windows, ditch the heavy fabrics, and add a splash of summer to your home.

Indoor Summer Updates for a Cool, Inviting Home

While it’s nice to spend time outside soaking up the sun, gardening, or lounging by the pool, some days you just want to get out of the heat. You can turn your home into a cool, inviting space with a few quick updates. In winter, we seek out cozy and warm with heavier fabrics and deeper tones. But in summer, a bright, open space that’s cool and comforting is exactly what we need!

1. Brighten your bedding

It’s time to pack away the heavy duvets and give your bedroom a summer update. Soft, breathable cotton will help keep you cool on those warm nights. Why not add a brighter colour or floral pattern for a bit of colour?

2. Swap out heavy fabrics

Trading heavy drapes for light, flowy curtains will brighten your space and let the sunshine through. Replace dark throw cushions with lighter, brighter options for a bit of summer colour.

3. Pare down

Paring down and organizing every season helps keep your home clean and clutter-free. Sorting and organizing will make your space feel lighter (and it will be easier to relax on those lazy summer afternoons).

4. Bring the outdoors in

Bring in a burst of colour with a few indoor plants. There are lots of low-maintenance options for those who lack a green thumb. Ask your local garden centre to recommend the perfect plants for you.

5. Brighten your walls

A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a home! Softer colours on your walls help reflect light, making your space feel brighter and more spacious.

6. Lighten up your décor

Bring in playful summer accents like patterns or beach-themed prints or update cushions and throw blankets with lighter, brighter options.

7. Infuse summer scents

Scent plays a huge role in how you feel in a space. Essential oil diffusers or a few scented candles are all it takes to infuse your home with a light, summery scent. Choose smells that evoke a summer vacation feel – things like citrus, coconut, or lavender work well.

8. Switch up your furniture

Simply moving things around can update your living space. Try a new configuration with your furniture, add an area rug, or pare down to make your room feel more spacious. 

Outdoor Summer Updates for a Backyard Oasis

Creating an outdoor living space gives you extra room to stretch out in the summer months. What do you and your family enjoy in the warm weather? Whether you like to entertain, swim, or curl up with a good book, keep that in mind when planning your space.

1. Landscape & gardening

From big trees to small pops of colour, inviting gardens add a natural touch to any backyard. If you don’t have the space for a full garden, a few hanging baskets or containers can be a low-maintenance way to brighten your outdoor living space.

2. Power-wash & paint

Freshening the exterior of your home ups your curb appeal and helps maintain your siding and brickwork. Power washing siding, painting window frames, and recaulking will give the outside of your home a quick facelift.

3. Add a deck or patio

Creating an outdoor living space adds incredible value to your home. A simple deck or patio for a dining or seating area makes a focal point for your yard. Be sure to check with city codes for proper permits before you start work.  

4. Build outdoor storage

From garden tools to pool toys or cushions, things always need to be tucked away outside. Adding a deck box or shed lets you keep everything organized and out of the rain.

5. Upgrade your patio furniture

An excellent patio set is a fantastic investment if you love spending time outdoors in the summer. A high-quality set can last you 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced. If your patio furniture is still in good shape, adding a few new cushions will give it a quick update.

6. Create a cozy corner

Sometimes you’ll want to be outside in the middle of the action, playing games or entertaining guests. And sometimes, you’ll want to sneak away with a good book and a glass of wine. Why not create a cozy corner in your yard, tucked away from the action?

7. Let there be light!

Lighting up your outdoor space is essential to create a wonderful atmosphere and keep your guests safe from tripping hazards. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered spotlights can help brighten your yard.

8. Create a shady spot

Some days you need to take a break from all that sunshine! If you don’t have a lot of natural shade in your yard, a pergola, umbrella, or gazebo can give you a cool spot on sunny days.

Summer in the GTA is an incredible time! Refreshing your indoor and outdoor spaces will help you create a mini vacation right at home. A few quick summer updates will brighten, lighten, and open up your house so you can make the most of our short but wonderful summer!