Summery Accessory Ideas for Decorating Your Home

A clean house with fresh accessories can be refreshing once summer comes. If you already accessorized for spring, you might already be set for summer -- but if not, those dusty winter decorations should be packed up to clear room for something new. Remember, less is more in the summer months; actually, in my opinion, less is always more when it comes to decorating. Need some help? Here are a few summery accessory ideas for decorating your home.

Flowers. This is a given, but many people -- especially those who don't have gardens -- do not think of replacing fake flowers with real ones during the summer. Wildflowers are always pretty, so take a walk and see what you can find. Got a friend with a garden? Ask if you can have just a couple to give your home a fresh look.

Potted herbs. Herbs are fresh and summery, and they are not difficult to care for. Line potted herbs on your window sill, counters or even as a centerpiece on your dinner table. You might even like to paint the pots in bright colors.

Seashells. Shells are reminiscent of the beach, which is reminiscent of summer. Freshen your house for summer with seashells by filling a jar or just setting a few here and there. I have two seashells on a bookcase, along with my other accessories, that add a subtle summery touch to my decor.

Clear vases. Any clear jars or vases can be filled with various objects, from flowers to seashells -- or even stones and marbles. Or, fill them with candy to create a color scheme or continue your current one. Clear jars even work great as candle holders.

Colorful paintings. Do you currently have dull, dreary paintings on the walls? Remove them for the summer and hang brightly colored pieces in their places. The mood should be light and airy, rather than dark and heavy.

Fresh fruit. Fruit always works great as a centerpiece for a dinner table. Not only does it come in many different shapes and colors, but it can be replaced as it is eaten. Place it in a clear bowl to bring the fruit to attention, or in a colored dish to create your own color scheme.

Mirrors. Mirrors work great as summery decor. They reflect the natural and artificial light in a room, making it feel larger and brighter. For the maximum effect, hang them on walls across from the room's windows.

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