By Laura Gaskill, Houzz
From the sound of waves at the beach to stargazing at night, there’s an easygoing vibe that permeates summer, even when we’re not on vacation. Bring some of that summer spirit home — starting at the front door — with these eight rules of summer that strike a balance between a smidgen of organization and a whole lot of laid-back.
Lischkoff Design Planning, original photo on Houz
I will keep a summer bag stocked and ready to go. Whether summer outings for your family include picnics, beach, lake or mountains, pulling together a few essentials in a single bag makes hitting the road on a gorgeous Saturday morning (or random Tuesday afternoon) that much easier. Sunscreen, snacks and water bottles are good bets to stow; add towels if water will be involved.
Lischkoff Design Planning, original photo on Houzz
I will go barefoot as often as possible. Kick off your shoes as soon as you get home and don’t bother putting them on again until you absolutely must. There’s something about having a barefoot house that captures the essence of summer. And of course it’s even better if there’s a hammock and sweet tea or lemonade involved.
Dress Up Front Doors With Summer Accessories
I will remove all evidence of winter. It’s easy to let the seasons slide by without fully putting away all the gear associated with the last one. Gather up the stray mittens, boots and coats that have overstayed their welcome and make a fresh, new space for beach bags and straw hats.
GMT Home Designs Inc, original photo on Houzz
My organizing strategy will begin and end with a few well-placed baskets. Having some sort of containment for summer gear can help keep swim fins and sandy beach toys from getting underfoot. But summer is not the time for fussing over individually labeled containers. Set out a few big bins and call it a day.
NEST Interior Design Group, original photo on Houzz
I will say yes to cool yard sale finds. Brand-new stuff will never hold a candle to good old stuff when it comes to giving your home character and personality. Keep a little cash in your wallet on weekends so you’re ready to scoop up that one-of-a-kind treasure when you see it.
I will consider sun hats worthy wall decor. Who needs beach-themed art when you have evidence of the real deal right in front of you? Install a hat rack or a row of hooks, hang up your favorite sunny-day straw hats and voilà: wall decor, covered.
Richard Moody & Sons Construction LLC, original photo on Houzz
I will keep extra sunscreen stashed by each door. Because while there always seem to be 20 bottles in any given room, 18 of them are bound to be empty — or not the kind your children are willing to have put on their faces.
Bask In the Summer Sun With a Sunroom
Gridley + Graves Photographers, original photo on Houzz
I will view sand on the floor as the sign of a good day. You could stress about the seemingly ever-present layer of sand covering your entryway floor, but why fight a losing battle? Choose to see those grains as evidence that you’ve been doing summer right: with the sun on your face, sand between your toes and loving every imperfect minute of it.
