Summer Interior Design: A Season for Light, Layers & Livable Luxury

As the days stretch longer and the light grows warmer, summer offers a perfect opportunity to reimagine your interiors with a sense of ease and optimism. At Brian Conlon Interiors, our design philosophy centers around creating spaces that feel collected, timeless, and personal—and summer is a season that invites a thoughtful refresh rooted in natural light, layered textures, and livable luxury.

Let the Light In

Summer is all about embracing natural light. If you’re lucky enough to have expansive windows, let them shine—literally. Opt for breezy Roman shades or linen drapery panels in neutral tones to soften the light while still letting it flood in. In darker rooms, try incorporating mirrors, lighter wall colors, or even a fresh coat of paint in a subtle, sun-washed hue to reflect and amplify light.

Edit and Refresh, Don’t Redesign

Summer interiors don’t demand a full overhaul—they call for a seasonal shift in tone. We often encourage our clients to edit rather than add. Consider swapping out heavier pillows, throws, and accessories for lighter materials like linen, cotton, and woven textures. A set of crisp new pillows in a bold stripe or botanical print can bring a fresh energy to your existing furniture while keeping the overall space grounded and cohesive.

Incorporate Collected Elements

Our design style leans away from the overly matched and toward the layered and lived-in. Summer is a perfect time to style a room with found objects, heirloom pieces, or travel mementos. Think: a weathered ceramic vase from a market trip, a framed vintage map, or a sculptural seashell atop a stack of art books. These pieces not only add texture and interest, they also bring a personal story into the space—something we believe every great room should tell.

Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Whether you’re in a city condo or a home with a full backyard, summer is the season to blur the lines between indoors and out. Consider furniture placement that frames views to patios or gardens, incorporate natural materials like cane, rattan, or wood, and use greenery—real or expertly arranged faux—to bring life to your interiors. A well-placed tree in a large planter or a simple fern on a coffee table can subtly signal the season without overwhelming the design.

A Seasonal Palette Shift

While we love rich tones and layered neutrals year-round, summer invites a gentle shift. Think soft terracottas, pale blues, buttery creams, and gentle greens. These shades can be introduced through art, textiles, or smaller upholstery items like ottomans or accent chairs. The goal is not to chase trends but to invite a feeling—lightness, openness, and ease.

Summer interiors should feel as effortless as a weekend away. At Brian Conlon Interiors, we believe in designing with intention—every season, every detail, every layer. If you’re ready to update your home for the season or create a space that feels like summer year-round, we’d love to help you bring that vision to life.

Let’s design something beautiful together!