5 Summer Decor Trends to Skip (And What to Try Instead)
As someone who completely redecorate my home each summer, I’ve learned that not every trend is worth following. Trust me, I’ve made plenty of mistakes! Some popular summer decor ideas look amazing on Instagram but fall flat in real life. They’re either too impractical, outdated already, or just plain overwhelming.
This year, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of jumping on every bandwagon, I’m focusing on what actually works. Here are five summer trends I’m skipping this season – and the fresh alternatives I’m embracing instead.
1. Skip: Neon Everything
Why It’s Not Working
Remember when neon pink and electric yellow took over every home decor feed? I fell for it too. The truth is, those ultra-bright colors are exhausting to live with. They clash with natural light, make rooms feel smaller, and honestly? They give me a headache after a while.
Neon trends age quickly. What feels fun and fresh in May looks garish by August. Plus, these intense colors dominate a space so completely that you can’t add other elements without creating visual chaos.
Try Instead: Soft Citrus Accents
I’ve discovered the magic of muted citrus tones. Think pale peach, soft lemon, and dusty coral. These colors bring summer energy without the assault on your senses. They play beautifully with natural light too.
Here’s how I’m using them:
- Throw pillows in washed apricot linen
- Ceramic vases in subtle tangerine
- Art prints featuring soft yellow watercolors
The best part? These gentler shades work year-round. When fall comes, they transition seamlessly into autumn palettes. No need for a complete overhaul.
2. Skip: All-Nautical-Everything
The Problem with Anchor Overload
I love a good nautical theme as much as anyone. But covering every surface with anchors, ship wheels, and “Life’s Better at the Beach” signs? That’s where I draw the line. It turns your home into a seaside gift shop rather than a sophisticated summer retreat.
The traditional navy-and-white-striped everything feels predictable now. We’ve seen it a million times. Your guests have too. It’s time for something fresher.
Try Instead: Modern Coastal Minimalism
I’m embracing what I call “whisper coastal” – subtle nods to the beach without the obvious symbols. Natural textures do the heavy lifting here. Think:
- Weathered wood furniture
- Linen curtains in sand tones
- Glass hurricane lamps filled with white pebbles
- Abstract art in ocean-inspired colors
The key is restraint. One statement piece beats ten small nautical knickknacks every time. I found a gorgeous piece of driftwood that makes a bigger impact than any anchor wall hanging ever could.
3. Skip: Plastic Outdoor Everything
Why Fake Isn’t Fantastic
Those bright plastic chairs and tables seem like a smart choice. They’re affordable, weatherproof, and come in fun colors. But here’s what nobody tells you: they look cheap because they are cheap. Sun exposure fades them quickly. They crack. They blow around in storms.
I learned this the hard way after my “bargain” patio set lasted exactly one season. The environmental impact bothers me too. All that plastic eventually ends up somewhere, and it’s not good for our planet.
Try Instead: Mixed Natural Materials
I’m investing in quality pieces made from sustainable materials. Yes, the upfront cost is higher. But these items last for years, not months. My new approach combines:
- Teak or eucalyptus wood furniture
- Woven rattan accents
- Outdoor fabrics made from recycled materials
- Metal frames with powder coating
The look is infinitely more sophisticated. Natural materials age beautifully, developing character over time. My teak bench already has a lovely silver patina that plastic could never achieve.
Pro tip: Buy fewer, better pieces. One solid wood table beats five plastic ones any day.
4. Skip: Tropical Print Overload
When Paradise Becomes Parody
Giant palm leaves. Flamingos everywhere. Pineapples on every surface. I get the appeal – these prints scream summer fun. But they also scream. Loudly. Constantly.
Tropical prints date quickly. What’s trendy this year looks tired next year. They’re also surprisingly difficult to style. Those busy patterns clash with almost everything else in your decor toolkit.
Try Instead: Botanical Line Drawings
I’ve fallen in love with minimalist botanical art. Simple line drawings of leaves, flowers, or grasses bring nature indoors without overwhelming the space. They’re sophisticated, timeless, and surprisingly versatile.
My favorite finds include:
- Black ink sketches of single palm fronds
- Watercolor studies of local wildflowers
- Pressed real botanicals in floating frames
- Abstract interpretations of garden scenes
These pieces add organic energy while maintaining visual calm. They work with any color scheme too. When seasons change, they still feel relevant.
5. Skip: Matchy-Matchy Color Schemes
Breaking Free from the Set
You know those perfectly coordinated room sets where everything matches exactly? The throw pillows match the rug which matches the curtains which matches the wall art? I used to think that was the goal. Now it feels suffocating.
Rigid color matching creates spaces that feel staged, not lived in. There’s no personality, no story. Everything looks like it came from the same catalog page because it probably did.
Try Instead: Collected-Over-Time Aesthetic
I’m embracing what I call “harmonious chaos.” Colors relate but don’t match perfectly. Patterns play together without being identical. The goal is a space that feels curated, not purchased all at once.
Here’s my new approach:
- Start with a neutral base
- Add colors that share undertones but vary in intensity
- Mix patterns at different scales
- Include unexpected accent colors
- Incorporate vintage or handmade pieces
My living room now features soft blues, greens, and corals that dance together beautifully. Nothing matches exactly, but everything belongs. It feels real, personal, and infinitely more interesting.
Making It Work in Real Life
Changing your decor approach takes courage. I know because I’ve been there. Those Instagram-perfect rooms are tempting. But living in a space that truly reflects your style? That’s so much better.
Start small. Pick one trend to skip and one alternative to try. See how it feels. Trust your instincts over influencers. Your home should make you happy, not impress strangers on social media.
The Budget-Friendly Approach
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. I’m making changes gradually, focusing on one room per season. This spreads out costs and lets me live with each change before committing to the next.
Thrift stores and estate sales are goldmines for unique pieces. I found my favorite botanical prints at a local antique shop for a fraction of retail prices. DIY projects help too. Those expensive designer pillows? I made similar ones myself for a tenth of the cost.
Creating Your Own Style Story
The best summer decor tells your story, not someone else’s. Maybe you skip different trends than I do. That’s perfect! The point is being intentional about what enters your space.
I keep a decor journal now. When I see something I like, I sketch it or take a photo. Then I wait. If I still love it weeks later, it might be worth pursuing. This prevents impulse buys driven by trend pressure.
Final Thoughts
Summer decorating should feel joyful, not stressful. These alternatives to overdone trends have transformed my home into a space that feels fresh, personal, and genuinely livable.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Trends come and go, but good design principles endure. Natural materials, thoughtful color choices, and personal touches never go out of style. They just get better with time.
What summer trends are you ready to skip? What fresh approaches excite you? I’d love to hear about your decorating journey. After all, the best homes are those that evolve with us, season after season.
If you love home decor and interior design as much as I do, check out these other articles I think you might like.
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