Easy-Breezy Summer Decorating Ideas

It’s summer at long last — wondering what your home will be wearing? The tried-and-true ideas we’ve assembled here are like a deliciously floppy hat or an over-the-top caftan: This decor and DIY inspiration is easy, evocative and just plain fun. (If you fall hopelessly in love with your seasonal finds and want to keep them around all year long, we understand completely.)

Pampas fronds, like the ones beside this fireplace, are the feather boas of the ornamental-grass world: They’re lightweight, relatively inexpensive and an instant shot of drama. Look to local craft stores and greenmarkets for dried stems, or pick up West Elm’s faux versions here.

This ottoman/table is a clever use of negative space: Check out all that usable surface area minus the visual weight of a solid piece! It’s also a comparatively low-key way to channel the glorious kitsch of old-school outdoor furniture without making your room feel like a faithful recreation of your Nana’s balcony in Boca. (We still love you, Nana.)

Make the most of cozy area rugs by turning them into spots for sprawling under the ceiling fan with a cold glass of lemonade. These sunny yellow cushions beckon vacationers to gather ‘round the coffee table — and provide additional casual seating that doesn’t make this living room feel crowded.