This summer, expect bright and sunny decor with an elevated twist. We asked interior designers from across the country to share their predictions for the top summer trends, and the good news is you don't have to overhaul your entire home to get the look. From fun patterned accents to stylish backyard games, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to embrace this year's seasonal trends.
1. Sunset-Inspired Shades
"Sunset colors that are ever so slightly muted will be popular," says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio. Decorate with soft pinks and oranges that add warm energy and can easily be incorporated through small, inexpensive accents such as throw pillows, serving trays, or pitchers. "Think whimsical color without the extreme vibrancy; the whimsy is a little more subtle," Hook says.
2. Fruit Motifs
Get ready to see lots of fun fruit motifs this summer, including "cherries on outdoor acrylic glassware, lemons on linen napkins, and watermelons on powder room hand towels," says Hook. She suggests grabbing a set of seasonal dishes or paper napkins featuring colorful graphics. Fruit motifs are a bright and cheerful way to add a little retro charm to a tablescape or bar cart. The juicy food offering is also inspiring the season's color schemes. "I predict we will see more cantaloupe and peach colors this summer," she says.
3. Playful Outdoor Games
"With so many of us entertaining at home, we’re seeing more playful outdoor setups when it comes to games," says Barrett Oswald, principal designer and co-founder of Barrett Oswald Designs. Flimsy plastic yard games in bright primary colors are a thing of the past. This summer, favorites like cornhole and bocce ball are getting a surprisingly stylish upgrade. "Lawn games are now available as chic, well-made sets that almost feel like part of the outdoor decor," Oswald says.
4. Patterned Accents
The biggest shift that interior designer Sarah Moore of Sarah Catherine Design is seeing as we move into summer is an explosion of color and pattern. "More and more clients want to incorporate fun, bright, statement colors and mix multiple patterns throughout their homes," Moore shares. One of the designer's favorite ways to embrace the trend is through patterned lampshades on table lamps, wall sconces, and ceiling fixtures. "Do not underestimate the power of a statement lampshade!" Moore says.
Seasonal trends can make people feel the need to redecorate their entire home, but the designer says you can incorporate them into your own home through small accents. "You may not be looking to overhaul a space in your home, but you can easily add color and pattern through throw blankets, new pillows, and fun lampshades," Moore says.
5. Butter Yellow
"We all know that butter yellow is having a moment, and I think that trend will remain throughout the summer," Moore says. The soft, sunny color is the perfect hue to transition into the warmer months, and Kristi Patterson, founder and principal designer at Grace Hill Design, says yellow is emerging as the defining color of the season. "From melamine dishware and breezy yellow tablecloths to yellow-and-white striped umbrellas and cheerful potted blooms, this trend feels both nostalgic and fresh," Patterson says.
6. Standout Porch Designs
Giving your porch a seasonal refresh is a simple way to boost curb appeal and set the tone for the summer. "The front porch is becoming a true design moment," Patterson says. A couple of simple additions are all it takes to upgrade your space. "Layering colorful flower pots, adding a monogrammed door mat, and finishing with a seasonal wreath creates an inviting first impression that feels welcoming and personal," Patterson says.
7. Polished Nickel Accents
"Polished nickel is really thriving as we move into summer 2026," Moore says. While the designer shares that aged and unlacquered brass aren't going anywhere, she says polished nickel hardware and lighting are having a moment, and her clients are increasingly opting for the material. Something as simple as changing up the finishes in your home instantly freshens up the space. "Swapping out cabinet hardware is pretty affordable and easy to do," Moore says.
8. Wrought Iron Furniture
When it comes to seating, Hook says there's a timeless material to consider this summer: wrought iron. "A pair of wrought iron side tables to layer into your existing outdoor furniture will freshen up the feel without requiring a full overhaul," says Hook. Pair it with a modern rug or accents for a mix of traditional and contemporary.
9. Low-Maintenance Planters
"Design is meeting practicality in a big way this summer," Patterson says. To help with busy summer travel and the desire for a slower pace during the warmer months, retailers are making life a little bit easier with low-maintenance decor. "Self-watering planters with built-in reservoirs make keeping greenery alive easier than ever, while new weather-resistant outdoor furniture mimics the look of wood without the upkeep," says Patterson. Effortless durability meets elevated style in these pieces that take constant upkeep out of the equation.
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