Turn Your Home into a Summer Retreat

Artwork and accessories are key to turning your home into a summer retreat — and easy to switch out with the turning seasons. Start by picking a theme; give yourself a budget; then the fun really begins!

"Make a statement about who you are with the accessories you choose," advises Nancy Satterberg, a designer in Seattle (www.satterbergdesign.com). "You can go eclectic or choose one simple theme to carry throughout your home." Maybe you care about nature, or animals. Maybe there's a summer hobby such as sailing or beach combing that you can play around with. The possibilities are limitless.

When it comes to setting a budget, start by deciding which rooms you want to transform; then make a wish list. "Have some fun going window shopping at Crate & Barrel, Pier 1, Target — places where you can get the most bang for your buck," says Satterberg. "You can spend five dollars on a series of five postcards, invest in some simple silver frames and you have ‘artwork' for a hallway."

Other inexpensive ideas for your summer retreat include: brightly colored throw pillows for the living room; a Caribbean print bedspread and bright sheets in a guest room; a bamboo bathmat and matching fans to hang on the walls in a powder room; even a sunshine yellow teapot and oven mitts for the kitchen. It's the little touches that create a relaxed and playful atmosphere.