Decorating with White for Summer (Fresh & Cool Tips)

Happy weekend and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight where I share weekly inspiration!  Here in the northeast, we’re in the middle of a heatwave with super high humidity.  Obviously, we’re doing everything we can to stay cool.  Since the color white is supposed to make you feel cool, today I’ll highlight some ideas for decorating with white for summer.

*For your convenience, please note that this post may contain affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

White Summer Ideas for Your Home:

Decorate with white accessories…

In my summer kitchen, I like to keep my decor simple for the warmer months.  One of my favorite areas to decorate is the mantel above my stove.  Earlier in the summer season, I filled my white pitcher with some decorative grasses from my landscaping.  Even though they lasted for a while, I replaced them with some faux white hydrangeas.  That way, I don’t have to worry about anything drooping while we’re away at the beach or somewhere.  If you’d like to see how my kitchen looked a few weeks ago, see my summer home tour.

Speaking of white hydrangeas, for last year’s summer tour, I decorated with pitchers of real hydrangeas in various places around my home.  I love the clean, crisp look of all the white on white.

Mix in some color with the white summer accessories…

By adding some blue accessories, I tried to create a cool coastal aesthetic…with a Nancy Meyers vibe.

Besides using blue for a pop of color, I’ve also used corals and pinks with my white pitchers.  On one of my favorite spring mantels, I simply lined up my white pitchers and added some faux flowers.

When you have navy blue walls, white accessories really stand out.  White lamps and coral brighten up a darker room in the summer…and you can’t go wrong with blue and white ginger jars.  Blue and white…a timeless color combo!

Create a summer table setting with white dishes…

In my opinion, everyone should have a set of white dishes.  That way, you can change styles and colors with your napkins and table accessories…in summer or any season.  On my coastal table setting, the splashes of blue stand out against the white.  So clean and fresh…

Whether you’re dining inside or alfresco, white dishes always look great!

Display your white linens…

Instead of hiding your fluffy white towels away in a closet, use them in your decorating.  On a designer showhouse tour, I spotted this creative way to display towels.  Not only is this a practical storage solution but it’s such a pretty idea…and great for summer guests. 

Decorate with white furniture and textures…

How pretty is this modern lounging room?  In this space, the interior designer layered whites with creams and ivory tones.  She added just the right amount of darker pieces to keep the room from looking flat.  I think it’s the perfect example of adding a little black to every room.  To see more of this white room and the rest of the home, read – Beautiful Homes on a Neighborhood Tour.

Add white window coverings…

In that same home (from above), the designer, Ellie Mroz Design covered the bedroom windows with white sheer curtain panels.  White bedding and accessories add to the simple yet sophisticated summer style of the room.

similar ceiling light fixture

Whether you want to feel the warm summer breeze or block out the hot afternoon sun, plantation shutters are great for summer.  After all, you see them everywhere in the Caribbean.  A few years ago, we had plantation shutters installed in our living room.  If you want to see the before and after photos, read – Plantation Shutters in my Living Room.

If you want to prevent all your white items from looking plain, add some natural elements. On my living room coffee table, I usually display a woven bowl filled with shells during the summer months.  Green plants also add some life to a space…even if you sneak in a few faux ones.  For more ideas decorating with faux greenery, read – How to Tastefully Decorate with Fake Plants.

Decorating with White Outside:

Hang a white wreath on your front door…

If you have a black or dark colored front door, a white wreath will really stand out.  Even thought my dogwood wreath is probably more appropriate for spring it looks pretty for summer.  One of these days, I’d like to buy a white hydrangea wreath for my door.  Then during the patriotic holidays, I can dress it up with some red and blue!

Relax in the sun…on white furniture…

Recently, we replaced our old plastic Adirondack chairs with these Polywood chairs!  Not only do they look nice around the firepit but they’re a great place to sit after swimming. Originally, I had considered buying gray Adirondack chairs for this spot but I’m so glad I went with the white.  The white chairs stay cool in the hot sun…unlike our gray Trex stairs and back porch!  Seriously, I think I’ve burnt off a layer of skin on my feet from those stairs!

Shopping for Summer Whites:

Here are some white summer finds that caught my eye this week…

To give your bedroom a fresh and cool look for summer, add a white cotton comforter…

 

If you keep your air-conditioner a little too chilly, you might need a lightweight gauzy throw blanket while binging your Netflix shows…

 

To diffuse the hot sun but still let some light in these white drapes are a great find…and come in many different sizes!

 

As I mentioned above, a white hydrangea wreath is perfect for summer…and can be dressed up for the patriotic holidays!

To inspire you, here are some more white summer decorating ideas from around the internet…

• For a beautiful white summer home tour, watch this Youtube channel!
• If you need white bedroom decorating ideas, see this stunning bedroom!
• To make your own white summer wreath, follow this fern and hydrangea wreath tutorial!
• For a summer white sangria recipe, this one looks easy and delicious!  Cheers to Summer!

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you with ways to decorate with white for summer…

• As you look ahead to August, read – Easy End of Summer Decorating Ideas!
• If you’re feeling ambitious, read – Summer Home Improvement Projects.
• For some ideas to decorate with blue and white, read – How to Decorate and Entry Table (Spring into Summer).

What are your favorite ways to decorate with white?

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