As I’m writing this, we are nearing the closing of spring and welcoming the warmth of summer. What a wonderful spring it has been, with blooming flowers, the symphony of birdsong, and lush greenery all around. Summer brings its own magic: long, sun-drenched days, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the vibrant colors of nature in full bloom. There are so many ways to embrace and enjoy this season in our lives and homes, and I’m excited to inspire you with ideas that capture the essence of summer. Whether you’re seeking entertainment, activities, nourishment, or aesthetics, there’s something here to spark joy and creativity. Join me as we explore the wonders and beauties of summer and discover how to make this season truly yours.

Aesthetics

We will begin with the aesthetics of summer and break it down into two categories: aesthetics and patterns.

Aesthetics

1. Beachy/Coastal: Embrace the relaxed vibe of summer with a beachy or coastal aesthetic. Think light, airy spaces with breezy fabrics, nautical accents, and ocean-inspired decor like shells, driftwood, and sea glass.
2. Tropical: Transport yourself to an exotic paradise with a tropical aesthetic that celebrates the lush beauty of summer landscapes. Incorporate bold prints, vibrant colors, and botanical motifs inspired by palm trees, tropical flowers, and exotic fruits.
3. Boho-Chic: Channel the laid-back bohemian vibe of summer with a boho-chic aesthetic characterized by eclectic patterns, layered textures, and natural materials like rattan, macrame, and jute. Create a cozy outdoor oasis with floor cushions, poufs, and twinkling lights for a bohemian-inspired summer retreat.
4. Minimalist: Beat the heat with a minimalist aesthetic that embraces simplicity and clean lines. Opt for light, neutral colors and streamlined furniture to create a serene and airy space that feels cool and refreshing on hot summer days.
5. Citrus: Brighten up your summer with a citrus-inspired aesthetic featuring zesty hues like lemon yellow, lime green, and orange. Incorporate citrus-themed decor and accessories, such as fruit prints, citrus-scented candles, and vibrant throw pillows, to infuse your space with a burst of energy and freshness.
6. Vacation-Inspired: Bring the vacation vibes home with a vacation-inspired aesthetic that reflects your favorite summer destinations. Whether it’s the Mediterranean coast, a tropical island paradise, or a charming European village, draw inspiration from your travels to create a space that feels like a permanent getaway.

Patterns

1. Tropical Prints – Bold patterns featuring palm leaves, exotic flowers, and vibrant fruits like pineapples and watermelons, capturing the essence of a tropical paradise.
2. Nautical Stripes – Classic navy and white or red and white stripes that evoke a maritime feel, reminiscent of beachside vacations and sailing adventures.
3. Gingham Checks – Playful and nostalgic checkered patterns in colors like red, blue, or yellow, often associated with summer picnics and barbecues.
4. Tie-Dye – Whimsical and colorful tie-dye patterns that capture the carefree and fun-loving spirit of summer festivals and beach parties.
5. Sun and Moon Motifs – Patterns featuring suns, moons, and stars that evoke the long, sunny days and warm, starry nights of summer.
6. Animal Prints – Light-hearted patterns featuring summer creatures like butterflies, bees, flamingos, and sea turtles, adding a playful touch to summer decor and fashion.

Style and Surroundings

Moving onto style and surroundings, we will explore clothing style, decor, and tablescape inspiration.

Clothing Style

1. Flowy Kaftans – Elegant, loose-fitting garments with intricate patterns and lightweight fabrics, perfect for beach cover-ups or breezy summer evenings.
2. Bohemian Kimonos – Stylish, open-front kimonos with fringe or embroidery, adding a touch of boho-chic to any summer outfit.
3. Crochet Tops – Handcrafted, airy tops with intricate designs, offering a unique and breathable option for warm summer days.
4. High-Waisted Shorts – Retro-inspired shorts that accentuate the waist, often in denim or vibrant prints, combining comfort and vintage summer style.
5. Wide-Leg Linen Pants – Loose, breathable pants in natural fabrics like linen, perfect for staying cool while maintaining a polished look.
6. Tassel Earrings – Bold, colorful earrings with tassels that add a playful and festive touch to any summer ensemble.

Decor

1. Tropical Paradise: Transform your home into a vibrant tropical escape with bold, bright colors like turquoise, coral, and lime green for wall art, throw pillows, and rugs. Decorate with tropical plants such as palm leaves, ferns, and monstera. Add accents like pineapples, coconuts, and flamingo figurines. Incorporate bamboo or rattan furniture to enhance the tropical vibe. Complete the look with string lights and tiki torches to create a festive, island-inspired atmosphere indoors.
2. Nautical Chic: Bring the seaside into your home with a nautical theme. Use a color palette of navy blue, white, and red, and incorporate stripes in your rugs, curtains, and throw blankets. Decorate with maritime elements like anchors, ship wheels, and rope accents. Create focal points with seashells, starfish, and driftwood arrangements. Add model sailboats, lighthouse figurines, and ocean-inspired artwork to evoke the refreshing and breezy feel of a day at the beach.
3. Lemon Fresh: Infuse your space with the zesty and refreshing vibe of lemons. Use lemon-printed textiles for curtains, throw pillows, and table runners. Decorate with bowls of fresh lemons as accents throughout your home. Incorporate yellow and green decor items, such as vases, picture frames, and kitchen accessories. Add lemon-scented candles or diffusers to enhance the sensory experience. This bright and cheerful decor idea brings the essence of summer citrus into your living space.
4. Sunflower Fields: Celebrate the beauty of summer sunflowers with vibrant and cheerful decor. Use sunflower-patterned curtains, throw pillows, and wall art. Decorate with fresh sunflower arrangements in vases or as centerpieces on your tables. Add rustic elements like burlap runners, wooden crates, and mason jar candle holders. Incorporate sunflower-themed decor items, such as wreaths and prints, and use a color palette of yellow, brown, and green to evoke the warmth and brightness of sunflower fields.
5. Coastal Calm: Create a serene and relaxing coastal-inspired retreat in your home. Use soft, sandy beige, and seafoam green for your color palette, and incorporate natural textures like linen, jute, and driftwood in your decor. Decorate with seashells, coral, and beach glass in decorative bowls or as part of centerpieces. Add coastal-themed artwork, such as seascapes or beach scenes, and use light, airy curtains to let in natural light. This decor idea captures the calm and tranquility of a coastal getaway, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
6. Boho Beach: Embrace the laid-back, eclectic vibe of boho beach decor. Use a mix of vibrant colors and patterns, including tie-dye and mandalas, for throw pillows, rugs, and wall hangings. Decorate with macrame pieces, woven baskets, and dreamcatchers. Incorporate natural elements like driftwood, seashells, and potted plants throughout your space. Use bohemian-style rugs, poufs, and cozy throws to create a comfortable and inviting environment. Finish with fairy lights and beach-inspired accessories to evoke a relaxed, bohemian beach atmosphere in your home.

Tablescapes

1. Coastal Nautical: Create a breezy, seaside retreat vibe with decor featuring navy and white stripes, driftwood accents, and seashell motifs. Use a navy-striped table runner as a base and incorporate decor items like lanterns filled with sand and seashells, and glass vases with white hydrangeas. Add blue and white dinnerware, rope-wrapped napkin rings, and starfish accents. Complete the look with coastal elements like framed nautical maps, sailor’s knots, and vintage wooden oars to enhance the maritime atmosphere.
2. Tropical Paradise: Transform your space into a tropical oasis with bold, colorful decor featuring tropical prints like palm leaves and hibiscus flowers. Use vibrant green tablecloths adorned with palm leaf placemats and bamboo utensils. Create striking centerpieces with tropical flowers such as bird of paradise and orchids, combined with exotic fruits like pineapples and coconuts. Add rattan furniture, tiki torches, and string lights to create an inviting, island-inspired ambiance perfect for summer gatherings.
3. Boho Chic: Embrace a free-spirited, relaxed summer feel with eclectic decor featuring vibrant colors and natural elements. Layer colorful textiles like Moroccan rugs or tapestries as table runners and use mismatched dinnerware in bold patterns. Incorporate macrame plant hangers, wicker baskets filled with succulents, and driftwood centerpieces. Add an array of colorful throw pillows, floor cushions, and fairy lights to create a cozy, bohemian atmosphere that encourages lounging and relaxation.
4. Lemon Fresh: Brighten your space with a lemon-themed decor, featuring yellow and white gingham tablecloths, lemon motifs, and fresh flowers. Use lemon-shaped placemats, white dinnerware with lemon accents, and yellow glassware. Create vibrant centerpieces with bowls of fresh lemons, paired with greenery and white daisies. Add lemon-scented candles or diffusers to enhance the sensory experience. Finish the look with lemon-printed throw pillows and a lemon wreath on the door to welcome guests with a burst of citrus freshness.
5. Sunflower Delight: Bring the sunny joy of summer into your home with a sunflower-themed decor. Use bright yellow table runners and sunflower-printed placemats to set the scene. Incorporate sunflower arrangements in mason jars or rustic vases as striking centerpieces. Complement the look with sunflower-themed dinnerware, yellow and green napkins, and sunflower-patterned throw pillows. Add natural elements like woven baskets and wooden accents to enhance the warm, rustic charm. Finish the look with sunflower wreaths on doors and sunflower-themed wall art to create a cheerful, inviting space that celebrates the brightness of summer.
6. Beachy Minimalism: Create a calm and serene summer ambiance with light and airy decor featuring a neutral palette and natural elements. Use soft linen tablecloths and sheer white curtains to let in the sunlight. Incorporate sea glass vases with white roses, sandy-toned ceramics, and driftwood sculptures. Add soft blue and beige throw pillows and minimalistic art pieces featuring ocean themes. Enhance the look with white-washed wood furniture and simple, elegant table settings that evoke the tranquility of a beachside retreat.

Entertainment

Moving onto entertainment, we will explore clothing books, movies, games, and music.

Books

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Set in the heat of an Alabama summer, this novel explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of young Scout Finch.
2. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A quintessential summer read, this novel delves into the opulence and excess of the Jazz Age, with much of the action taking place during the sweltering summer months.
3. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain: This classic American novel follows Huck Finn and Jim as they embark on a journey down the Mississippi River, experiencing freedom and adventure along the way.
4. “Atonement” by Ian McEwan: This sweeping novel begins during the summer of 1935 and explores themes of love, war, and the consequences of a young girl’s misunderstandings and actions.
5. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: This beloved classic, set on a farm during summer, tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, touching on themes of friendship and the cycle of life.
6. “The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy” by Jeanne Birdsall: A charming story about four sisters who spend their summer vacation in a cottage on the grounds of a sprawling estate, filled with adventure and family bonding.

Movies

1. “Roman Holiday” (1953) – Experience a charming summer romance in Rome, as a princess and a reporter share adventures in the beautiful city.
2. “The Sandlot” (1993) – Relive the endless days of summer with a group of boys bonding over baseball, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.
3. “Finding Nemo” (2003) – Join Marlin and Dory on their epic journey across the ocean, filled with adventure and discovery, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef.
4. “The Little Mermaid” (1989) – Dive into the underwater world of Ariel and experience the adventure and romance of a magical summer under the sea.
5. “Swiss Family Robinson” (1960) – Embark on an adventurous summer journey with a shipwrecked family who create a new life on a deserted tropical island.
6. “The Parent Trap” (1961 & 1998) – Follow the summer mischief and heartwarming reunion of twin sisters as they plot to bring their separated parents back together.

Games

1. Paleo Pines: Explore the lush forests and sun-drenched landscapes of Paleo Pines, where the warm sunlight filters through the trees, and the sounds of nature surround you, evoking a sense of summer adventure and exploration.
2. Endless Ocean: Luminous: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Endless Ocean: Luminous and immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life and tropical environments, where the sun glistens on the surface of the water and the colorful coral reefs teem with life, capturing the essence of a summer day spent snorkeling or scuba diving.
3. Subnautica: Descend into the depths of the ocean in Subnautica and discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with life, where bioluminescent creatures illuminate the dark depths and colorful coral formations create a mesmerizing spectacle, immersing you in the beauty and wonder of a summer day beneath the waves.
4. Cozy Caravan: Set up camp in your cozy caravan and experience the simple joys of summer camping, from roasting marshmallows around the campfire to stargazing under the clear night sky, creating cherished memories with friends and family in the great outdoors.
5. Loftia: Step into the charming town of Loftia, where the streets are lined with blooming flowers, outdoor cafes buzz with activity, and the warm breeze carries the scent of summer, inviting you to explore its quaint shops, bustling markets, and picturesque waterfront, capturing the idyllic charm of a summer day in a small coastal town.
6. Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Roam the vast and open world of Hyrule in Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where sprawling meadows, rolling hills, and sun-drenched plains stretch as far as the eye can see, offering endless opportunities for adventure and discovery in a breathtaking summer landscape filled with wonder and mystery.

Music

1. “Summertime” by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong: This classic jazz tune captures the relaxed and breezy vibe of summer evenings, with its languid tempo and evocative lyrics about the livin’ being easy.
2. “Sh-Boom” by The Chords: An upbeat doo-wop song that brings to mind the carefree and fun atmosphere of summer dances and drive-ins.
3. “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin: This smooth, jazzy track evokes images of seaside vacations and sailing on open waters, perfect for a sunny summer day.
4. “Comptine d’un autre été: L’après-midi” by Yann Tiersen: This gentle and nostalgic piano piece creates a peaceful, reflective mood, reminiscent of lazy summer afternoons spent daydreaming or enjoying the simple pleasures of the season.
5. “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel: The soothing and ethereal sound of this folk classic, with its references to herbs and the countryside, evokes the tranquility and natural beauty of summer in full bloom.
6. “The Last Rose of Summer” by Celtic Woman: This hauntingly beautiful song speaks of the fleeting nature of summer’s beauty, with its delicate and melancholic melody capturing the wistfulness of the season’s end.

Nourishment

Moving onto nourishment, we will explore breakfasts, dinners, desserts, snacks and drinks.

Breakfast

1. Chia Pudding with Strawberries – Baking Ginger
2. Peaches ‘n Cream Baked Oatmeal – Flying on Jess Fuel
3. Lemon Sugar Crepes – Half-Baked Harvest

Dinner

1. California Roll Sushi Bowl – Simply Homecooked
2. Italian Sausage Orzo – Salt and Lavendar
3. Cucumber Avocado Sandwich – Clean Eats and Treats

Dessert

1. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars – Half-Baked Harvest
2. Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars – 365 Days
3. Orange Almond Poppyseed Cake – Cake By Courtney

Snacks

1. Strawberry Salsa – Striped Spatula
2. S’mores Snack Mix – Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
3. Parmesan-Herb Madeleines – Lemons & Anchovies

Drinks

1. Kiwi Lemonade – Lynn Mumbing Mejia
2. Pineapple Strawberry Agua Fresca – Joyful Healthy Eats
3. Healthy Pink Drink – 40 Aprons

Activities

Lastly we will explore spring activities! I’ll share art tutorials, crafts, indoor activities, and outdoor activities.

Art Tutorials

1. Watercolor Sunflowers – Every Tuesday
2. Watercolor Corals – Genevieve’s Design Studio
3. Grassy Beach Sunset Landscape – James Julier

Crafts

1. Bug’s Life Embroidery
2. Crochet Citrus Coasters
3. Zahora Cardigan

Indoor Activities

1. Make Homemade Bookmarks: Create bright, summery bookmarks featuring flowers, sunshine, or beach scenes to use in your summer reading books.
2. Paint Rocks: Collect and paint rocks with summer-themed designs like ladybugs, flowers, or sun motifs, bringing a bit of outdoor summer fun inside.
3. Summer Pedicure: Treat yourself to a summer pedicure with vibrant nail polish colors reminiscent of the season, like coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow.
4. Make Ice Cream: Beat the summer heat by making homemade ice cream with fresh, seasonal fruits like strawberries, peaches, or mangoes.
5. Have a Game Night: Enjoy a cozy evening indoors with a game night, playing board games or card games that bring friends and family together during the long summer evenings.
6. Send Snail Mail to Someone: Embrace the leisurely pace of summer by writing and sending handwritten letters or postcards to friends and family, sharing your summer adventures and spreading joy.

Outdoor Activities

1. Watch Fireworks: Celebrate summer holidays and warm evenings by watching fireworks displays, a quintessential summer tradition that lights up the night sky.
2. Go Swimming: Cool off from the summer heat by taking a dip in a pool, lake, or ocean, enjoying the refreshing water and sunshine.
3. Go Stargazing: On clear summer nights, lie back and gaze at the stars, perhaps spotting constellations, meteors, or satellites against the vast, warm night sky.
4. Have a Bonfire with S’mores: Gather around a crackling bonfire with friends or family, roasting marshmallows and making s’mores while sharing stories and enjoying the summer night.
5. Build a Sandcastle or Go to the Beach: Spend a day at the beach, building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and relaxing by the shore, making the most of summer’s coastal allure.
6. Go Camping: Embrace the great outdoors by going camping, whether in a tent or cabin, and experience the full range of summer activities like hiking, fishing, and cooking over an open fire.

Further Inspiration

As I dive deeper into the essence of summer through writing, vlogging, and sharing our seasonal adventures, I’ll keep updating this space to ignite your creativity and enthusiasm year after year. Let’s revel in the warmth and vitality of summer together, savoring every sun-kissed moment and crafting memories that shine brightly in our hearts. Thank you for being a part of this journey to embrace the splendor of summer, and may each new season infuse your life with even more joy and wonder.

If you would like more spring inspiration you can check out my Summer Pinterest Board.