5 Summer Design Themes to Embrace the Season in Style

Because of their ability to reflect light and feel cooler to the touch, whites, off-whites, and beiges are perennially popular colors for warmer months. Whether it’s leather or lacquer, furniture in paler tones will help your space feel like an airy oasis.

For a pleasing contrast, consider offsetting lighter shades with secondary accents in grey, brown, or black, or adding a few pops of saturated color to guide the eye around the room. Metal finishes in silver or gold elevate a space with their sleek shine and timeless appeal.

You may also enjoy updating your summer-themed space with furniture made of glass or ceramic marble for a crisp and cool feeling. Hanging a wall mirror is another small yet impactful way to channel a Light & Bright theme – a mirror infuses a space with extra light, as well as making it appear larger.

Product recommendations

• Bella Vita Bed and Nightstand – glossy white lacquer, chrome accents, and clear methacrylate feet for a “floating” look
• Caveoso Sofa – white leather with convenient attached side table
• Madison Cocktail Table – four expandable tabletops made of glass and white ceramic that offer extra surfaces for beverages, books, and more
• Spiral Floor Lamp – black and gold finish with a graceful spiral shape
• Rio Bar Stool – sleek chrome base and red upholstery for a splash of color
• Hawaii Mirror – organic shape and large size for a bright impact

Rooted in cool colors and marine motifs, a Beachy Blues theme will transport you to the seaside even if you live in a landlocked state. Shades of blue, from navy to cyan, form the foundation of this aesthetic, tempered by light neutrals like whites and beiges, and complemented by other natural tones like green or yellow.

Anchor your space with a sofa or sectional in blue or white, then layer on accent seating that invites you to lounge. Accessorize by introducing your favorite ocean-themed patterns, forms, and imagery. Wall artworks and vases are an easy addition to make, while choosing case goods or rugs with more subtle oceanic cues can allow them to blend into a wider variety of themes.

Product recommendations

• Treviso Sectional – eggshell white leather upholstery and power motion for added comfort
• Silas Chaise – silver blue fabric, an ample seat, and an included pillow provide hours of relaxation
• Ripple or Mesa Console – functional storage with wave-like carved fronts
• Fence Beach – panoramic photograph that creates a soothing atmosphere
• Small Meduse Vase – unique shape and texture lets it resemble a sea creature
• Indigo Coastal Rug – blue and grey hues enhanced by a high-low pile

Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of a tropical vacation at home with a curated mix of furniture and accessories. Start with a statement piece in a bold hue or ground your space with more neutral furnishings in white, beige, or brown. From there, experiment with tropical color accents in green, orange, purple, pink, or blue.

Also consider furnishings that come in curved shapes and are made with materials like wood, glass, rattan, or fabric to build a space that feels airy, organic, and welcoming. Don’t forget art, accessories, and natural objects like shells to play up the island vibes. Last but not least, try arranging decorative tropical plants around your space to make your staycation getaway complete.

Product recommendations

• Carla Sectional – luxurious seating with wide seats, a curved shape, and white leather upholstery
• Bonnie Chair – whimsical, tropical-inspired pattern
• Blaine Dining Table and Braydon Buffet – matching dining set featuring ebony veneered wood and a boat-shaped glass tabletop that can extend for summer gatherings
• Viki Pillows – available in vivid shades of purple, orange, green, and more
• Moon Chant Wall Art – fun print that evokes an island escape
• Dracaena Marginata – life-size artificial tree with realistic look

For those of us living in the Southwest, a Desert Glam aesthetic is the perfect way to bring the rugged beauty of the outdoors in. Warm, earthy shades of brown, beige, and orange recall the color palette of desert landscapes, while natural materials like leather, wood, and stone create a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere.

Try anchoring this aesthetic with a brown or taupe seating collection – its versatile color easily allows you to switch up your design theme for different times of the year. Or, go bold and experiment with core pieces that blend materials and textures, balancing modern elegance with warm desert vibes. Pay attention to smaller pieces and accessories too, which allow you to bring in complementary colors, patterns, and motifs – like cacti or horses – that further set the scene. Include some potted succulents to complete the look.

Product recommendations

• Rosella Sectional – rich cognac brown leather enhanced by power motion
• Ginevra Sofa – clean lines in earthy taupe leather
• Bella Ruggente Dining Table and Buffet – channeled walnut wood, gold lacquer, and eco-stone unite for a stunning impression
• Sedona Terrain Rug – pattern in turquoise and brown resembles rock or tree bark
• Rio Side Table – top cut from cross-section of a walnut log for an organic touch
• Horse Wall Art – extra-large double-paneled photograph perfect for a horse lover

For people of all ages, summer can be the perfect time to sit back and escape into a good book – or finally tackle that reading list that’s been growing for months. Essential to every reader’s retreat is comfortable, ergonomic seating that supports the body and makes it a breeze to relax. Indeed, equipping a room with a variety of soft yet supportive seating choices will let multiple household members choose their favorite nook.

Of course, any literature lover’s room would be incomplete without bookshelves. Select shelving options that are both stylish and durable, especially if they are modular or can be ordered in a configuration customized perfectly for your space. You may also enjoy using a freestanding open shelving system as a divider to partition a room into smaller, cozier zones. Don’t forget to include plenty of light sources, as well as occasional tables for setting down beverages. Finally, finish out your reader’s retreat with artwork that inspires you, whether it’s classical, modern, or anything in between.

Product recommendations

• Stressless® Reno Chair and Ottoman – world-renowned ergonomics outfitted in plush padding
• Aalborg Sofa – soft grey leather with pillowed armrests that can be fluffed easily
• Stiletto Shelving System – leaning bookshelf with precision levelers, can be special ordered in various configurations
• Nautilus Bookcase – stackable shelf with open design evoking boat sails
• Bink Mobile Media Table – versatile design lets you set down books, drinks, snacks, or a laptop
• The Man Sculpture – recalls classical Greek sculpture, with an edgy modern touch