10 Home Projects To Tackle This Summer

From long days to even longer weekends, summer is brimming with opportunities to throw yourself into a new creative pursuit and pour yourself into your home. Whether you’re in the market for a new outdoor sofa and ottoman, searching for chic porch lighting, or dreaming of coastal bed linens straight out of a Nancy Meyers film, our friends at Scout & Nimble are ready to deliver.

Below, we’re sharing 10 home projects for your summer to-do list to get your space ready for entertaining, indoors and out. And because we don’t gatekeep, we’re also sharing products currently on our wish list for the season.

Ready to revitalize your casa? Find your next weekend project below.

Paper Your Walls

Summer heat waves are no time to putter around the garden. Use the sweltering temps as an excuse to take your talents indoors and install some head-turning wallpaper. Our suggestion? The Bodenham Heritage Green Wallpaper by Graham & Brown. The stately, illustrated design features a beckoning forest scene composed of detail-rich trees in sage, teal and neutral tones. The timeless motif brings storied charm and refinement to any space and is especially striking when installed floor to ceiling, paired with chair rail molding, or nestled into framed wall panels.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Sofa

If your outdoor sofa has seen better days, there’s no time like the present to upgrade. The Andover Outdoor Sofa brings the same elegance, comfort and craftsmanship found in your living room to the great outdoors. Each Andover sofa is crafted from mixed materials, featuring wavy metal arms, an FSC-certified teak frame and a linear-wrapped twine seatback. Tailored cushions in ivory Italian upholstery give the piece a luxurious look. Even better, the upholstery is as durable as it is beautiful — resistant to sun, stains, mold and abrasion.

Treat Yourself to an Outdoor Ottoman, Too!

Let’s be honest: If you invest in the Andover Outdoor Sofa, you’ll likely spend the rest of your summer (and fall — and maybe even winter) lounging outdoors. So naturally, you’ll need a place to kick your feet up. As luck would have it, the Rowan Outdoor Ottoman is just the spot. The transitional piece features a bold faux banana-leaf weave enhanced with braided details, bringing head-turning texture and warmth to your outdoor lounge. Topped with a tailored ivory cushion, the Rowan is available in two sizes to suit your needs.

Make Your Bed

Swap out your jewel-toned comforter or velvet coverlet for a crisp, classic and breathable duvet. The Jackson Duvet Cover invites East Coast sensibilities into your bedroom, creating a soft place to land at the end of each long summer day. Each duvet is crafted from linen, available in queen and king sizes, and comes in three colorways: white and ocean, flax and midnight, and cream and gray.

Fill in the Gaps

One of our favorite ways to make the most of the dog days of summer? Beat the heat by finally filling blank walls with artwork. This four-piece botanical leaf study makes the perfect finishing touch for your hallway, foyer or living room. Plus, you can hang the high-contrast botanicals together or break them into pairs and display them in separate rooms throughout your home.

Add Glow Below

Intentional outdoor lighting is the secret to creating an elevated outdoor space. Pretty up your patio or porch by placing a few gilded lanterns around the perimeter. The Isabella Lantern, crafted from cast aluminum, features a transitional silhouette that feels at home with any design style. Available in two sizes, the lantern showcases a chic champagne-gold finish that shines day and night.

Dine Alfresco

Set the scene for alfresco entertaining this summer with a new outdoor dining table. The Basil Outdoor Aged Grey Aluminum Dining Table is a timeless centerpiece for your patio, deck or garden. Each table is crafted from hardy aluminum and aged to perfection with a smoky gray-blue finish. Pair the pretty pedestal with woven or wrought-iron dining chairs — bonus points for floral accent pillows — to create a romantic, welcoming place to gather for family meals.

Replace Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be eyesores — but they don’t have to be. Replace your old, outdated fan with this sleek option from Visual Comfort. The Collins 60-inch Smart Ceiling Fan marries contemporary design with tailored lines for an updated, architectural look. Each Collins fan features a 60-inch blade span, six adjustable speeds, and compatibility with indoor and covered outdoor use. Our favorite detail: You can control the fan through the Bond Home app on your phone.

Elevate Your Outdoor Sconces

Be honest: When was the last time you replaced your outdoor sconces? If your answer falls somewhere between 10 years ago and never, fret not — you’re in good company. That said, this summer may be the perfect time to switch things up. Swapping out your 1985 porch lanterns for something more streamlined, like the Wellsworth Lantern from Visual Comfort, will elevate your exterior and give your front porch or patio a new lease on life. The refined lantern brings a touch of nautical charm to your outdoor space and comes with your choice of clear or seeded glass for a custom glow.

Work in Woven Details

If the center of your table is looking a bit lackluster this summer, you’re in luck. Use this sweet, scalloped woven cachepot to create a head-turning orchid centerpiece. You can use natural orchids indoors or opt for silk blooms on your patio to ensure everlasting beauty despite the sweltering heat. Each of these elegant, footed pots features a unique weave crafted by Burmese artisans.