Among the difficulties in home decorating is deciding on a theme that will work well for various seasons. Unluckily, experts have not yet developed that kind of theme–almost every design in the market has a couple of flaws. Zen design, for example, works great during the summer, but tends to go dull during the winter. Cabin-style country houses are desired by winter lovers, but they don’t take too well to the heat of summer.

So how would you put up a theme that’ll work great all year round? You would not have to redesign your home each year to keep up with the seasons–you just have to make a few simple alterations. Here is a quick guide which will help you start.

Summer: Summer is all about staying cool and basking in the rich, natural light. The first thing you should do is open up your windows. This will allow lots of sunlight spill into your room as well as allow the hot air to flow out, so your home is always well-lit and ventilated. If you live in a hot, humid area, you may like to invest in an air conditioner for those really hot days.

Design-wise, it is best to utilize cool colors which provide some contrast to the hot weather. Delicate, flowy fabrics act as a good design element–utilize them as sofa drapes, curtains, or even as doorknob wraps and tablecloths.

Spring: For the spring, you want something that’s light and airy, much like a summer home but having more open space. The goal is to bring as much of the outdoors as possible into your house, or at least enjoy the wonderful views it offers. If you have a porch, deck, or balcony, this is just the perfect time to liven them up and change them into a great afternoon hangout.

Majority of design themes will work in the spring, as this is the most balanced among all the seasons. Try drawing attention to your windows with the use of patterned curtains or leaving them bare to maximize the view.

Autumn: Decorating for the fall means two things: enjoying the majestic autumn view, and making preparations for the coming of winter. You can start by preparing your fireplace–you’ll need to get it in top condition when the first snow comes. You will probably be using it increasingly often as the season goes on and the weather gets colder.

Autumn colors are well-suited for this season. Oranges, yellows, and reds perfectly complement the popular autumn leaves, and their warm shades make a great contrast to the cool weather. You don’t need to make them the theme of your abode; just make use of them as accents like colored pillows, curtains, and rugs.

Winter: “Winterizing” your home is all about wrapping up and staying warm. There are a couple of ways to do this without losing your abode’s sense of style. For instance, it is the perfect time to accentuate your fireplace and make it your room’s focal point. Design it with a big area rug and it’ll be a nice decorative touch, along with a comfortable sitting area.

Most shades will work great during winter, although it is best to stay away from drab colors like gray, brown, and black. Add some brightness to the bleak season by putting a few splashes of color in–a vibrant red curtain, a patterned rug, a lightly colored drape over your couch. ———-

About the Author
Martha Coleman is a decorator, wife, mother, writer and head decorating columnist for redeco.org, and is a joy to each and every party she attends! Let Martha’s designing concepts show you how you may excite and inspire with seasonal decor, create a warm and friendly abode for you and your family, and accentuate your abode with just the perfect theme.

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