As the seasons shift and sunlight lingers a little longer, our living rooms naturally become the heart of summer gatherings. Spaces for relaxed afternoons, open windows, and an easy flow between indoors and out. We believe a change in season is the perfect opportunity to refresh your living room palette. With just a few thoughtful colour adjustments, you can completely transform the atmosphere.
Here’s our summer colour guide to help you breathe new life into your living room this season.
1. Set the Tone with a Light and Airy Base
Summer light can be unforgiving to darker hues, so start with a palette that reflects and softens the glow of the sun. Swap out heavy greys and deep taupes for gentler neutrals that allow your furniture and accessories to stand out.
We love using off-whites, soft linen tones, sandy beiges, and pale greiges as a foundation. These hues mimic sun-bleached stone and woven straw grounding your space while feeling open and calm. Think of your walls and large furniture pieces (like sofas and rugs) as your neutral canvas, ready for seasonal layering.
If you prefer a subtle wash of colour, pastel undertones such as muted blush, misty sage, or sky blue can replace plain neutrals without overwhelming the room.
2. Introduce a Summer Accent Palette
Once your base feels fresh and neutral, bring personality back through colour accents. This is where summer truly comes alive.
Coastal Calm
- This palette is ideal for homes filled with natural light, drawing inspiration from the oceans sandy shores.
- Splashes of blue, browns, and whites instantly create a sense of calm.
- Incorporate natural textures such as wood, linen, and rattan to enhance the coastal atmosphere.
- Accent cushions, throw blankets, and ceramics in different shades of blue and white add movement and depth to the space.
Sunset Glow
For those drawn to warmth, look to the soft hues of summer sunsets.
- Peach, coral, and sun-washed terracotta pair beautifully with neutral backdrops.
- Add subtle pops of mustard yellow or amber through throws, cushions and smaller accessories.
- This palette works particularly well when balanced with lighter wooden and woven elements.
Botanical Escape
If you prefer an organic, grounded feel, embrace nature-inspired greens.
- Shades like sage, pistachio, and olive connect your living space to the outdoors.
- Pair them with light and dark wooden elements to create depth.
- Indoor plants provide the perfect final touch, enhancing both colour and shape in any space.
3. Layer Textures to Keep It Interesting
Summer interiors should feel relaxed yet refined. Even within a simple colour palette, texture brings richness and stops the room from feeling flat.
Think linen cushions, cotton throws, woven ottomans, and sisal rugs — tactile layers that echo the easygoing rhythm of the season. Try mixing matte finishes with a hint of shine, such as a glazed ceramic vase, a brushed brass lamp, or an antique mirror that catches the afternoon light.
4. Play with Proportion and Placement
Colour doesn’t have to dominate your living room. Use the 60–30–10 rule to maintain balance:
60% neutral foundation (walls, sofa, rug)
30% secondary tones (curtains, chairs, side tables)
10% accent colours (art, cushions, decor pieces)
This helps your space feel cohesive and avoids overwhelming the senses. For subtle impact, consider painting just a feature wall in a soft summer shade — something that shifts beautifully in natural light.
5. Keep it Fresh and Adaptable
Summer décor should never feel static. One of our favourite design tricks at KT Interior is seasonal styling; keeping your large pieces timeless and neutral, while rotating accent colours with the seasons.
Try switching cushion covers, floral arrangements, or throws every few months. A splash of coral in December could easily give way to olive green come February. This approach keeps your living room dynamic without needing a complete redesign.
