Easy home decor updates to bring summertime indoors, starting at just $13

June 4, 2022 at 10:00 PM·9 min read

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As the seasons change, so should our home decor! Summer is all about bringing the outdoors in, and whether it's about investing in a new plant or incorporating more green into your home, there are plenty of opportunities to spruce up your home on a budget.

Not sure where to start? I chatted with design experts for their tips on turning your home into a fresh summer oasis without breaking the bank.

Green Leaves Decorative Throw Pillow Covers

palm print pillow — A palm print always looks stylish. (Photo: Amazon)

Lauded interior decorator Jonathan Rachman, author of Currently Classic: Jonathan Rachman Design, said, "Throw pillows are like Botox for your room — you do it a few times a year, and it instantly sets the mood for the season!"

For summer, look for brightly colored cushions that are textured, tufted and embroidered. The thick cotton canvas and yarn-dye threads of this leaf design don’t fade in the wash, which means you can reuse for summers to come. Just don’t forget to pick up pillow inserts like this set of two Utopia 18 x 18 Throw Pillows Inserts with over 94,000 five-star reviews (plus they're just $8 each!

$13 ~~$16~~ at Amazon

Beige Textured Throw Blanket

beige throw — The perfect summer blanket. (Photo: Amazon)

Experts say it’s time to box up those wool blankets and break out airy woven and crochet throws. “Using a lighter-weight throw blanket in the summer months offers an element of elegance while also being functional on cooler evenings, and when your partner has the A/C cranking,” explains Francesco Bilotto, design and entertaining expert.

This soft-textured knit throw looks super pricey but is just $20 and looks like you picked it up at a high-end boutique. You can choose from 25 solid colors, which interior design pros recommend to give rooms a fresh, clean pop of color.

Take your design prowess to the next level by learning how to stage the blanket — tossed casually over the arm of your couch, folded tidy into thirds and draped off-center — there are so many approaches.

Added bonus, Bilotto says summer throws make great last-minute tablecloths for outdoor entertaining and picnics. We are impressed with the quality of this one, and 30k other reviewers agree, too.

$20 with on-page coupon ~~$25~~ at Amazon

Costa Farms Indoor Plants

green plant in pot — Add a little green. (Photo: Amazon)

Across the board, the pros say bring in the green! Mini trees in a beautiful planter can work as a summer table centerpiece, clustered ferns can fill up an empty fireplace, fiddle leaf figs offer a big impact in any corner and a stromanthe tricolor can offer up a gorgeous pop of vivid pink.

If you’re looking to order plants on Amazon, no question, order from Costa Farms. They have the highest-rated plants and a great reputation among in-the-know plant enthusiasts.

This Bird of Paradise makes for a gorgeous tropical design element, and black thumbs who have been responsible for the death of many cacti boast about how low-maintenance they are. Picking up healthy, no-drama plants will inspire you to build a beautiful collection that will bring you so much joy and sleek decorative appeal year-round.

From $16 at Amazon

Hand Poured Soy Candle

basil, lime, mandarin candle — It smells absolutely delicious. (Photo: Amazon)

Interior design pros say fragrance is key to amping up a chill summer vibe at home. “We all react to sights and smells, so think citrus for spring,” explains party and event designer Edward Perotti. He recommends kicking off the season with verbena and lime, then transitioning to mandarin at the height of summer to energize and freshen your space.

These hand-poured soy candles are made with American-grown soybeans and have a reviewer fan base of over 2,700 five-star reviewers, with so many raving that it’s clean-burning with no soot and imparts a beautiful fragrance before it's even lit.

$17 ~~$19~~ at Amazon

Magnetic Window Cleaner

dual-sided window cleaner — Window cleaning just might become a chore you actually enjoy. (Photo: Amazon)

“Windows are a large portion of any room's vertical footprint,’” explains Bilotto. “They can make or break a vibe in someone’s home.” Drapery, framework and the windows themselves tell a story, and experts say making them spotless can truly elevate your space.

We all know it’s no easy feat, but this game-changing magnetic robot lets you clean the outside of your windows while staying safely inside your room. Just pick the right model for your window thickness, spray on your favorite solution, glide the device in an S-motion to clear away all that winter soot and grime and know that you’re saving on average over $300 every time you use this handy device instead of calling in the pros. Genius!

$44 ~~$52~~ at Amazon

What are your go-to seasonal swaps? Let us know in the comments below!