Ever walked into a room and instantly got a good vibe? A room that’s well put together is no accident.It’s amazing how small decorative items and accessories can make a huge impact in a room. Designers know the influence that rugs, lighting, throw pillows, art, and other accessories can have in a space and know how to use them wisely.

Summer is here and so is the heat wave! So while you go all out and invest in air conditioners and coolers, you should know that these might cool you down, but not change the home’s atmosphere. While the contents of any room are unique to each person, at its core, home décor is based on a set of sensible guidelines, if not rules. Here are some of them.

Whether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design tricks that designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost. Unfortunately, accessories and small decor can also break a space. Decorative items are the most inexpensive way to freshen or add a new look to a room, but if a decorator is not careful these items can quickly overtake the home. Cramped and overcrowded interiors can leave any place feeling more humid than the outdoors. So, here are some summer home decor tips to make your home fresh, welcoming and lively as the mercury rises.

Let’s face it. Summers are getting hotter every year. It’s probably reached a point where an AC or cooler is really necessary to beat the heat. But hey, there’s a lot more you can do with your home to make the weather bearable. Summer decorating is so much fun — it’s a great excuse to update your decor. Summer activities can take you inside and out this season, and that means you’ll have plenty of spaces to decorate.


GIVE YOUR ROOM A GREEN UPGRADE

No, no. We didn’t mean paint or wallpaper. We’re talking about plants. From your patio to your living room, fill up all those empty spaces with plants. You can even try vertical gardening. Placing floral plants like lilies can also be a good idea if you want things to be more vibrant. But here is a tip: if you’re using a vase, go with a white or crystal one.


GET THE BEST FROM ROOM ACCESSORIES

Mass produced items are inexpensive and readily available at your local home goods store, but is that really what you want to fill your home (and your life) with? When it comes to room accessories, less is often more. One unique piece may work better in your space than loads of tiny knickknacks that have no value beyond price.


DRAW ATTENTION WITH NEGATIVE SPACE

Summers can be stuffy and hot, but that doesn’t mean your home has to feel the same. Space out the furniture towards the wall to give it an airy feel. Keep your windows open to let in fresh air but if privacy is an issue, go for sheer curtains which lend a breezy and light touch to your home interiors. The end result should be a breathable space with easy movement to avoid a cramped appearance.


PAINT SMALLER ROOMS IN SOFTER, LIGHTER COLORS TO HELP MAKE THE ROOM FEEL LARGER

It is a generally known fact that light colors make a room look bigger and brighter. Light and bright walls are more reflective, making a space feel open and airy, which helps maximize the effect created by natural light. Dark colors, on the other hand, tend to absorb light, making a room look smaller.


LET YOUR FURNITURE BREATHE

It’s easy to find home decor inspiration online - and it’s just as easy to get carried away by these. A common problem in many Indian homes is that the decor is a perplexing mix of styles, inconsistent from one room to the next. It simply doesn’t ‘flow’. Nothing can beat a breezy open space, whether it is on your terrace, balcony or patio. Create a casual atmosphere with plenty of seating options like bean bags, ottomans and poufs for a relaxing vibe. Sipping tea in an open space can help make summer evenings more enjoyable.