5 Overlooked Ideas for Your Home Refresh This Summer

Summer is a great time of year to refresh your home and make it a more welcoming place to live and visit. Warm temperatures, relatively nice weather, and longer daytime hours are all favorable for indoor and outdoor projects. Plus, most people get a natural boost of energy when summertime weather sits in. Capitalize on that extra liveliness by improving your home in unique ways.

You might want to save highly strenuous tasks — such as upgrading your deck or installing an outdoor kitchen — for cooler-weather seasons. But there are still plenty of quick projects you can do to improve your property in the summer. Here are five overlooked ideas for your summertime home refresh.

1. Upgrade That Old Furnace Before Winter Rolls Around Again

When summer temperatures are high, your furnace is probably the last thing on your mind. You’re more focused on making sure your air conditioner is in good working order and your freezer is stocked with popsicles. But the best time to repair or replace an appliance is when you don’t actively need it to be working. Therefore, summer is the ideal time to upgrade your old furnace if you know it’s on its last leg.

When winter hits, waiting lists for furnace repairs and replacements are typically much longer than in the summer. To avoid getting stuck without a reliable source of heat when the temperature plummets, make a summertime appointment. You’ll be grateful you decided to upgrade that old furnace before the first blizzard of the year rolls into town.

2. Reupholster Your Furniture

Summertime is a popular time for entertaining. You may be planning to host afternoon barbeques and evening patio parties. Or you might have friends and relatives planning to visit you from other states over summer break. In any of the above cases, you want to make sure your furniture is comfortable and attractive. If it looks a little beat up, this summer is the perfect time to take on a reupholstering project.

The nice thing about reupholstering is that it’s typically more affordable than replacing all your furniture. It’s also a great way to bring new life to antique sofas and chairs. If you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer, you’ll probably enjoy taking on this type of project. But if you’re not confident in your skills or want to save time, send your furniture to a professional. Make plans to complete this project well before the entertaining season is in full swing.

3. Upgrade Your Windows

Summer is the perfect season to upgrade your windows. After a long, dreary winter, you’re probably eager to let more fresh air and light into your home. Modern window manufacturers offer so many wonderful options besides standard single-hung or sliding windows. For example, if you want to let in more fresh air in the summer, casement windows are ideal. They open to the right or left for maximum airflow control and seal up tightly when closed.

Bay and bow windows are a great option when you want to let in lots of natural light but not hot summer air. They’re beautiful, picturesque windows that protrude outward from the home. Constructed with three framed glass sections, bay and bow windows are natural focal points that draw the eye. They require special skill to install and are expensive to replace. However, their unique shape allows them to let in copious amounts of natural light.

4. Refresh Your Patio

Summer is the most popular time to enjoy outdoor living areas. That means you’ll probably spend a lot more time on your patio enjoying the company of friends and family. If your patio isn’t currently a very welcoming place, it’s time to make a change. Fortunately, you can revamp the space quickly and easily.

New furniture or an updated layout are quick and easy changes. When shopping for patio furniture, look for pieces that will hold up well in your climate. For example, if you get a lot of summer rainstorms, it may be best to choose wicker over fabric. Once you choose a set, position your patio furniture so that it’s conducive to conversations. You don’t want to space it so far apart that your guests have to yell to be heard. You could also explore fun lighting options, so the party doesn’t have to stop just because it gets dark.

5. Put Up Seasonal Art

Hanging up art can be a quick way to completely transform a space. Rather than repainting your entire home or switching out all of your furniture, consider investing in seasonal art. Choose different paintings and prints based on the colors and themes of the season. That way, you can adjust the mood of any room in a matter of minutes by switching out the art.

In the summertime, you typically want to put up art that’s full of energy and color. Sunny landscapes and lush mountain scenes can ramp up excitement for the warm traveling season. Whimsical beachscapes and brightly colored abstract paintings are also great choices. Be sure you have a safe place to store out-of-season artwork until next year.

When it comes time for summer home refreshing, most people think of the most obvious projects. Painting and updating guest room bedding is important, but don’t forget to plan for these often-overlooked projects, as well. They don’t take a lot of time and can get your home ready for the height of the entertaining season.