Bringing Summer Decorating into the Cottage

Despite my love for Autumn, Summer remains my favourite season. Summer is all about the longer days, light-filled rooms, floaty dresses, and a sense of relaxatioin. I love to change things around in the house seasonally, not so much with kitschy signs or themed accessories but more by swapping linen or adding seasonally appropriate china to the dresser. It’s easier than you think to bring that breezy charm into your home. No seashells or anchors required—just a few simple summer decorating touches that celebrate the beauty of the season.

1. Embrace Your Inner Plant Mama

Nothing says summer like greenery or a bunch of fresh flowers in the house. I love to fill pitchers, jars, even a soup tureen with whatever’s blooming—roses, daisies, or roadside forages from a morning stroll. For a more sustainable option, I buy indoor plants. I know they won’t last more than a year (okay, six months in my house) but it’s $20 well spent when you consider a bunch of flowers that lasts a week is at minimum the same amount. I also love potted herbs like lavender or basil in the kitchen; they smell divine and double as handy kitchen companions.

2. Lighten Your Textiles

At this time of year I pack away heavy fabrics and swap them for airy, breathable options. Linen cushion covers, lightweight throws, or a simple white tablecloth can instantly brighten a room. I choose neutrals that fit our colour palette but soft pastels or muted tones like sage green, blush, or buttercream also reflect an understated summer vibe.

Bed linen is given a lighter makeover during Summer months, too, with white linen and gingham taking the place of darker colours. I change our wool blankets for muslin throws. It can still be chilly here at night and a good breathable throw adds a layer of comfort if required. Summer touches appear in the kitchen and bathroom too, with pretty seasonal tea towels (that gets used), and fresh white towels for the bathroom.

3. Add Seasonal China

I love to collect China, whether it’s vintage or new. My collection unintentionally reflects the colours I see in nature, making it easy to swap sets in and out for the seasons, or mix in with my basic white set.. when I’m doing my summer decorating in the kitchen blue, white and yellow feature. . A few new pieces, like a teaset from Ashdene, are added to the plate rack to replace ones broken during the year. (3and mixed with vintage ones, Blue and white Jugs, plates and bowls become our everyday china until Autumn. There’s something about this combination that’s timeless and summery.

4. Add Simple Decor

A vase of sunflowers, a bowl of lemons and a new candle in a fresh summer scent are perfect to ring in the season. Why not try a simmer pot to fill the house with lemony tang? We always think of them in collier months, but a pot filled with sliced lemon, rosemary sprigs and camomile flowers bubbling on the stovetop smells so fresh.

5. Let the Light In

Sheer curtains or blinds pulled wide make the most of summer’s long days. Arrange mirrors to reflect natural light, making your home feel brighter and more spacious. Another option, is to remove window treatments in summer if you don’t need them. We use ours to cool the house as we don’t have air con, and curtains are a must in the bedroom. But in rooms where they’re not necessary, take them down for a while. It’s an opportunity to clean them!

Small changes like these can make your cottage feel like a summer retreat—rain or shine.

What’s your favorite way to invite summer into your home? Let me know below or on Instagram @blackbird.cottage!