Quarterly Designer Tip

Jon LaDosz, Furniture Affair Interior Advisor

"Lighten Up for Summer..."

With the hot summer months upon us, we are all looking for ways to feel cooler. By incorporating a few simple and inexpensive changes, our interiors can follow the sun and provide a cool and relaxing respite from the summer heat.

Move it Out: Temporarily pack away excess accessories and clear your surfaces of unnecessary clutter. The effect will be much more calming and restful.

Brighten it Up: Switch out your art for bright, fun tropical prints. Travel posters from your favorite vacation destinations are a great choice for low-cost art. Add pillows and accessories in complementary colors to complete the look. (But don't go overboard! Remember, we don't want clutter.)

Clear the Decks: Roll up and store your area rugs, letting your wood or tile floors shine. Not only will you lighten the look, but it will be much cooler under foot.

Go Green: A few tropical plants chose to thrive in your location will immediately cool down your space and add to that carefree summertime feel.

Bold the Bath: Change out your towels and shower curtain to a bright, bold color. No matter what color your walls and fixtures - you can find a wonderful color to really kick up the space. ANother great choice is all white; it provides a very soothing and spa-like feel.

Feeling Floral: Change out your formal floral arrangements for some much more casual, relaxed summertime blooms. Tulips, daisies, grasses and wildflowers loosely arranged in casual containers add to your summery decor.

Rearrange for a Change: For truly no-cost decorating, rearrange your furniture. Start by clearing the space of major pieces so you can view it in a new light. Keep furniture away from the walls to keep your space open and airy.

With a few easy and inexpensive changes, you can reinvent your home for a cool and relaxing summer.