7 Designer-Approved Ways to Brighten Your Space for Summer

Summer’s here, and just like you’re swapping sweaters for linen and hot coffee for spritzes, your space deserves a seasonal reset. Lighter fabrics, brighter tones, and a few thoughtful styling tweaks can give your home that laidback, nap-in-the-sun vibe.
To help us bring that easy, breezy feeling indoors, we turned to Montreal-based designer Alexandre Lafleur of Studio Lafleur for his favourite summer styling tips. “This season is all about ease,” he says. “Design doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. You’re creating a space that reflects how you want to feel.”
Here are seven simple (but high-impact) ways to brighten your home for summer.

1. Let the light in (and multiply it)

Summer is your home’s time to shine. “Swap out heavy drapes for sheer curtains or linen textured fabrics,” suggests Lafleur. “They let the light in while still feeling polished and giving you a little privacy.” To make the most of sunshine, place mirrors where they’ll reflect into darker corners, like above a console, opposite a window, or in a hallway. You’ll instantly add brightness and a sense of openness.

2. Swap in summer art

Just one statement art piece or a few smaller prints can completely shift the mood. This summer, we’re loving prints that add colour and personality: vintage photography, bold illustrations, nature-inspired prints and ornate patterns. “Art can shape emotion,” says Lafleur. “Try to choose pieces that spark memories or make you feel calm and inspired.”

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3. Style your surfaces

You don’t need to overhaul your whole home. Start small, with high-impact spots like your entryway console, coffee table or open shelf. “In summer, I like to style with pieces that bring nature indoors,” says Lafleur. “Maybe that’s an artful ceramic vase with seasonal blooms or a vintage glass bowl filled with fresh fruit you picked up at the market.” 

4. Curate with intention

Don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once and have it all match. “I like to take my time curating art,” says Lafleur. “I buy prints, but I mix them with pieces that are unique and personal — like an abstract painting I did in high school, a vintage photo of my husband’s parents traveling in the ’70s, or this handwritten note the Duchess of York gave my mom when she was a flight attendant in the ‘90s.” Personal touches like these bring warmth and authenticity to your space — whether it’s a vase passed down from your grandparents or a keepsake picked up during summer travels. The key is finding pieces that reflect who you are, not just what’s trending. Need help designing your mix? Check out our helpful gallery wall guide. 

5. Lighten up your linens

Now’s the time to tuck away the heavy knits and dark velvets. “Opt for lighter, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton,” says Lafleur. “I personally love seersucker — it’s such a timeless summer choice that brings in some texture without being too loud.” Swapping out cushion covers and bedding for these airier materials will not only freshen up your space, but help keep you cooler at night, too (and we’ll always give bonus points for better sleep).

6. Try a fresh coat of paint (or fake it)

If you’re craving more impact, colour drenching your walls, ceilings and trim in a soft, summery tone can do wonders. “Shades like pale sage, dusty light pink and light terracotta are popular right now,” says Lafleur. Not quite ready to commit to the brush and roller? Try anchoring your space with a large art print or canvas in the shade you want to introduce, then echo it with a few thoughtfully chosen accessories — like linen cushion covers or fresh cut flowers.

Another clever shortcut: Opposite Wall’s peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s renter-friendly, easy to apply, and a great way to add fresh colour or pattern to your space

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7. Just add plants

Plants bring any room to life, especially in the summer months. “I love large-scale branch cuttings that change with the seasons. Start with forsythia and lilacs in the spring, then move on to maple and oak cuttings in the summer. They instantly create a lush, layered feel.” For live plants, cluster a few smaller, easy-care varieties by a window or on a shelf. Look for options like pothos (a trailing favourite), ZZ plant (a sculptural, low-maintenance choice), or snake plant (architectural and practically indestructible). Bonus: Stylish planters are a great way to echo your space’s colour palette or add a subtle pop of contrast.