Summer is just around the corner, bringing fresh inspiration for home makeovers and design refreshes.
As temperatures rise, so do exciting new interior and exterior design trends that can transform your living spaces.
Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or simply looking to add seasonal touches, these summer design trends will help you create a stylish, comfortable home that embraces the season’s vibrant energy.
1. Biophilic Design Elements
Ever notice how being surrounded by nature instantly lifts your mood? That’s exactly why biophilic design is taking center stage this summer. Homeowners are incorporating living walls, statement plants, and natural materials throughout their spaces.
The trend goes beyond just adding a few houseplants – think moss walls in bathrooms, vine-covered trellises on patios, and botanical prints on everything from wallpaper to throw pillows.
2. Bold Ceiling Treatments
Who says the ceiling should be boring? This summer, designers are treating the “fifth wall” as a canvas for creative expression. From painted ceiling medallions to full wallpapered treatments, statement ceilings that add unexpected visual interest are embraced.
Particularly popular are botanical prints, geometric patterns, and even metallic finishes that reflect light beautifully. The contrast between a bold ceiling and simple walls creates dramatic dimension without overwhelming the space.
3. Curved Furniture Silhouettes
Angular furniture is taking a backseat as curved, organic shapes dominate summer design. These softer silhouettes create a sense of flow and relaxation perfect for warmer months. From rounded sofas and curved-back chairs to circular coffee tables and arched doorways, gentle curves are appearing everywhere.
The appeal lies in how these shapes feel both contemporary and timeless simultaneously. Plus, curved furniture naturally encourages conversation and creates more inviting, intimate seating arrangements.
4. Japandi Style Fusion
What happens when you blend Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality? You get Japandi – summer’s hottest fusion style that emphasizes simplicity, natural elements, and mindful living.
Characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and natural materials like bamboo and light woods, this aesthetic creates calming spaces perfect for summer relaxation. Hallmarks include low-profile furniture, intentional negative space, and handcrafted accessories that showcase artisanal techniques.
5. Statement Range Hoods
Forget hiding your kitchen ventilation! This summer, range hoods are becoming architectural focal points and conversation starters. Designers are creating custom range hood covers in materials ranging from patinated copper and hammered brass to plaster and wood.
The trend works particularly well in open-concept kitchens where the hood is visible from living areas.
6. Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s becoming the foundation of thoughtful summer design. Homeowners are increasingly seeking out recycled, upcycled, and responsibly sourced materials.
From reclaimed wood furniture to recycled glass countertops and biodegradable textiles, eco-friendly options are more stylish than ever. Many designers are also embracing local sourcing to reduce carbon footprints.
7. Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic
Imagine Nancy Meyers movie sets meeting beachside comfort – that’s the coastal grandmother trend in a nutshell! This laid-back yet sophisticated style combines breezy linen fabrics, weathered wood, and a soft, neutral color palette.
Unlike traditional nautical themes, this aesthetic favors subtlety: think white slipcovered sofas, blue-and-white striped pillows, and casual table settings with natural elements. The goal is creating spaces that feel like a relaxing weekend at a seaside cottage.
8. Maximalist Kitchens
After years of all-white minimalism, kitchens are embracing bold personality this summer. Maximalist cooking spaces feature a playful mix of colors, patterns, and unexpected details. Think colorful cabinetry, patterned backsplashes, statement lighting, and open shelving displaying collected treasures.
Unlike the cluttered maximalism of decades past, today’s version maintains thoughtful curation while celebrating personal expression. The key is balancing bold choices with enough breathing room to keep spaces functional.
9. Outdoor Living Rooms
Why should comfort stop at your back door? Summer 2023 sees outdoor spaces being designed with all the comfort and style of interior rooms. Weather-resistant performance fabrics now mimic the look and feel of indoor textiles, allowing for plush outdoor sofas, rugs, and even art.
Pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and fire features extend usability into evening hours. The most successful outdoor living rooms create distinct zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining, just like their indoor counterparts.
10. Limewash Paint Finishes
Flat paint is stepping aside for textured limewash finishes that add depth and organic movement to walls. This ancient technique is experiencing a modern revival this summer. Created from crushed limestone, limewash creates a matte, chalky finish with subtle texture that catches light beautifully.
Homeowners love how it adds character to new construction while enhancing historic homes. Popular in earthy tones like terra cotta, bone, and sage, limewash brings warmth and dimension to spaces.
11. Checkerboard Patterns
Ready for a pattern revival? Checkerboard is making a playful comeback this summer, appearing on floors, textiles, and unexpected surfaces throughout the home.
The pattern works in both traditional and contemporary settings, bringing graphic interest without overwhelming a space. Many designers are scaling up the pattern for a modern twist.
12. Sculptural Lighting
Forget basic fixtures – lighting is becoming functional sculpture this summer. Statement pieces that double as art are illuminating homes everywhere. From oversized paper pendants to handblown glass chandeliers and architectural floor lamps, lighting is now chosen for its aesthetic impact as much as its illumination.
Many of these pieces incorporate organic shapes and natural materials that cast interesting shadows. Even when switched off, these fixtures remain visual focal points.
13. Conversation Pits
Everything old becomes new again! The retro conversation pit is experiencing a remarkable resurgence this summer, reimagined for modern living. These sunken seating areas create intimate gathering spaces perfect for summer entertaining.
Today’s versions often incorporate modular components that can be reconfigured for different occasions. Designers are softening the look with plush cushions, textured fabrics, and integrated side tables – making these spaces both stylish and practical.
14. Color-Blocking Walls
Summer calls for bold expression, and color-blocked walls deliver exactly that! This artistic approach to wall treatment creates geometric interest without requiring intricate painting skills.
Some are painting partial walls or architectural features in contrasting hues. The most successful interpretations use colors of similar intensity for a cohesive feel despite the dramatic contrast.
15. Fluted and Reeded Textures
Run your fingers across the latest furniture and architectural details and you’ll likely feel rhythmic ridges and grooves. Fluted and reeded textures are adding dimensional interest to surfaces everywhere this summer.
From kitchen islands and bathroom vanities to headboards and decorative accessories, these vertical linear patterns create shadow play and tactile appeal. Glass shower doors with reeded patterns offer privacy while maintaining light flow. The texture works in virtually any material – wood, glass, plaster, or metal.
16. Handmade Ceramic Accessories
In reaction to mass production, summer homes are showcasing the beautiful imperfections of handmade ceramics. These artisanal pieces add character and tactile interest to every room. From statement vases and sculptural objects to table lamps with ceramic bases, these pieces celebrate the maker’s hand.
Organic shapes, interesting glazes, and visible texture make each piece unique. Many homeowners are supporting local artists, creating collections that tell stories and spark conversations.
17. Indoor-Outdoor Bathrooms
Summer’s ultimate luxury? Bathrooms that blur the line between inside and outside, creating spa-like retreats at home. Large windows, sliding glass doors, or strategically placed skylights connect bathing spaces to nature. Some designs incorporate interior courtyards with outdoor showers screened for privacy.
Plants play a crucial role, with tropical species thriving in the bathroom’s humid environment. The result is a daily bathing ritual that feels like a vacation.
18. Colorful Kitchen Appliances
Stainless steel is taking a colorful timeout as vibrant appliances bring personality to summer kitchens. From ranges and refrigerators to small appliances, color is making cooking spaces more joyful. Bold blues, sunny yellows, and rich greens are particularly popular choices.
Some homeowners are embracing full-color coordination, while others let a single statement piece (like a bright range) stand out against neutral cabinetry. Many manufacturers now offer customizable color options to match any design scheme.