Easy, Eco-Friendly Summer Kitchen Decorating Ideas

If it seemed like winter would never end, summer can be a welcome sight. But what if your winter curtains, rugs and other kitchen accessories still hint that summer hasn't arrived yet? Here are some very simple summer decorating ideas for the kitchen, along with tips to save money:

Easy Earth Friendly Summer Decorating Ideas for the Kitchen Start with Simplifying the Space

Think about every single item and put away the accessories and anything you'd only use in winter. If you have heavy curtains over windows, especially insulating curtains, consider removing them for an instantly lighter and brighter outlook. You'll have the added bonus of bringing the outdoor view into your kitchen. If you are lucky enough to live near the woods or a nearby stream, you can collect found objects like water-polished river stones to fill a bowl or perhaps some dried flowers for a simple vase.

Showcase Your Spices for Free, Natural Summer Appeal

If you hide your spices away in winter, invest in some inexpensive containers and let them be part of your summer kitchen. Besides, you're likely to reach for them often, especially if you have a garden and like to add flavor to a tomato and mayo sandwich or some other summer recipe.

Earth Friendly Accessories Are a Plus for Easy Summer Kitchen Decor

Some of the loveliest eco-friendly accessories for easy summer kitchen decorations can come from items you find outside your door. They can also be found at stores like Pottery barn, which has an Earth Friendly collection here. They have an assortment of found items, from dough bowls to glass and woven wine bottles and even antique pickling jars. All are lovely summer additions which can be simply placed in a window or on a shelf to immediately add a summer ambiance. They also offer aluminum and regular water bottles which have birds and other summer-themed graphics for less than ten dollars. They are lovely enough to be on display when not in use.

Think of Naturals like Seagrass, Rattan, Wicker and Jute For Summer Kitchen Decorating

While darker colors might work for winter, summer living should make the most of natural fabrics and fibers. Get rid of any woolen or dark rugs that go under kitchen tables and exchange them for jute, sisal or similar rugs. Want a bit more sizzle? Consider adding stripes or a border to an inexpensive basic summer rug by using painters' tape to cover the rug horizontally or vertically. Paint between the lines, spray with a sealer and you've got a simple summer rug. An easy alternative is to take a painter's floor cloth, have it cut to size and hem the edges. Add stripes or your design of choice, cover with a glossy sealer and you've got a new summer rug to add to your list of easy summer kitchen decorating ideas.

Think Outside the Box for Easy Eco-Friendly Kitchen Decorating Inspiration

When looking for new ideas, don't think you have to shop only in the kitchen section of home decorating stores. If you find the right item, it can come from any section. A perfect example is Pottery Barn's earth friendly, Spring Sparrow Door Mat, which would just as nice in a kitchen. For only $29.00, it boasts a lovely pattern of leaves and birds. If you'd prefer to take a basic doormat, easily found at Lowes, Target or Ace Hardware, consider picking up some stencils from Joann Fabrics and Craft Stores and make your own personalized doormat, perhaps with your initials on them. Use light or sunny colors or maximum impact.

Finish your very easy kitchen decorating by remembering the smallest details -right down to the dishwashing liquid and hand soaps. There are a wealth of green options out there that are good for you and for the earth. Just be sure to read the list of ingredients on the labels and make sure that what you are buying is truly environmentally friendly. That way, you'll feel good knowing that your easy summer kitchen update is truly eco-friendly.