Eco-Friendly Ways to Give Your Home a Summer Refresh

With summer finally here, it’s the perfect time to give your home a bright, seasonal refresh. BC’s best interior designers share simple, eco-friendly ways to transform your home for the summer.

 

Update Textiles and Cushions

“One of our favourite design refreshes is to update pillows and throws in a space,” share Aleem Kassam and Phyllis Lui from Kalu Interiors, “It’s a fast and simple way to transform a room without the need for a big investment or renovations. With infinite patterns and combinations, it is also an easy way to let your personality show through.”

Light-coloured cushions are perfect for the summer, and are also less at risk of being impacted by prolonged sun exposure, says interior designer Ami McKay from PURE Design Inc. If you’re looking to spruce up your deck or patio for the season, consider bringing your indoor cushions outside. Not only is it a great way to repurpose what you already have, but indoor cushions can feel more high-end and are ideal for relaxing outdoors. 

When it comes to bed sheets and duvets, light, natural linen is the way to go. 

“Linen is so buttery and creamy, and the more you wash it, the softer it gets,” says McKay, “It’s an ancient, luxury fibre that has no chemicals or toxins.”

 

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

“Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to update a space,” says the Kalu Interiors team, “For summer, consider light and airy shades that reflect the sunlight and create a feeling of openness. Alternatively, if the walls are already a different colour, simply painting them a nice white can help to brighten up the space and create a nice blank canvas for incorporating vibrant accents and seasonal décor.”

Overwhelmed by colour choices? The best way to test a new colour is to visit your local paint store, pick out a few shades you like and get tester pots to try out on your walls. 

“Since colours change with lighting throughout the day, seeing them in your space is the best way to determine your preference,” Kassam and Lui share. For brand recommendations, you can’t go wrong with Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. 

Additionally, Farrow & Ball paints are a great eco-friendly option, as they are entirely water-based and have the lowest VOCs on the market, says interior designer Maria Nordlund.

“This summer, we are loving Stiffkey Blue for a timeless blue shade and Rectory Red for a bold pop of colour with fresh undertones,” says Nordlund, “Colour drenching and monochromatic interiors are trending. They create a cohesive backdrop that simplifies the feel of a space.”

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, why not consider giving your furniture and cabinets a fresh coat, too? 

“Rethink giving away existing family furniture that can be styled freshly,” Nordlund suggests, “A simple new coat of paint or an ultra-modern accessory paired with an antique piece of furniture can make a bold and unexpected statement.”

 

Add Greenery and Flowers

Adding greenery is a quick and easy way to add some colour and life to a space, and what better time to pay a visit to your local garden centre? 

“Incorporating plants instantly injects vibrancy and freshness, whether your space is modern or rustic,” says Kassam and Lui, “Hunter’s Garden Centre or Gardenworks offer great a selection of plants that suit that are both aesthetic and functional. 

Snake plants and Peace lilies are great multi-purpose options since they also help to purify the air, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

“If succulents are your plant of choice, then be sure to visit W.I.G. (Western Independent Greenhouses) where they offer the best selection,” the Kalu Interiors team adds. 

You don’t need to break the bank to add freshness with greenery. “Clippings from leafy shrubs are the perfect accessory to brighten up any space this summer,” says Nordlund, “A piece of wood or unique rock can add interest and texture to your surfaces.”

Additionally, if you don’t want to purchase new flowers, see what you have in your garden or patio, suggests McKay. 

“Take fresh cut flowers and place them in your favourite vase or pottery of choice — pieces that are unique, decorative and handmade,” she says, “Your local flea markets and vintage shops are excellent places to find sculptural vases you can rotate and reuse seasonally, like a piece of art that has a story of its own.”

 

Shop Local for Thoughtful Accessories

Scouring online resellers, antique stores, and thrift stores can be a great way to update a space both sustainably and cost-efficiently. Finding one-of-a-kind pieces will make your space stand out from the crowd, says Nordlund. 

Some of McKay’s favourite local brands include Tallu for fresh room sprays and candles, Carol Demers for pottery (pictured above), and Canadian artist Holly Friesen. 

“Rather than buying new accessories each season, I like to buy fewer items that feel purposeful and thoughtful, designed for making memories,” McKay adds.