10 summer styling tricks

Summer is the ideal time to update your deck, front door, picnic table or outdoor chairs. A fresh coat of paint in your favourite sunny colour will make all the difference. Image by Chris Warens/ bauersyndication.com.au.

Replace objects and accessories with fresh summery finds. Vases, interesting objects and books quickly brighten a coffee table, entry console or wall. 1. Decorative coral, $469 2. Alza bloom vase, $45 3. Rope mirror, $98; all from French Country Collections.

Maximize furniture placement by facing pieces towards the light, your ocean view, pool or outdoor setting. Image by Francoise Baudet and Maree Homer/ bauersyndication.com.au.

Cushions are one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a living room. Dark and muted tones are perfect for winter, but summer calls for light and airy colours. Store your knitted, fur and textural cushions, which are perfect for snuggling up with in winter, and replace them with a set of fresh new shades of watery blues and luscious palmy greens. Alternatively, go for a bright pattern or fun graphic prints – think pineapples, flamingos and ice creams. 4. Avila outdoor cushion, $29.99, from Ezibuy. 5. Aloha cushion cover (front and back), $45, from recline.co.nz. 6. Take Me Away cushion, $89, by Art Club Concept from mildredandco.com. 7. Pineapple cushion, $79, from French Country Collections.

Refresh your bedding with a new duvet to brighten up your bedroom. Choose from washed linen, botanical prints or summer hues. This is not only an easy update, but it will instantly lift the mood of a room – and yours! 8. Malibu duvet set, from $109.99, from Ezibuy. 9. Blue Waves duvet cover, from $159, from Shut the Front Door.

Update your walls with summery prints, such as waves, blue skies and sun, or palm leaves. Anything that reminds you of summer days!

Update your walls with summery prints, such as waves, blue skies and sun, or palm leaves. Anything that reminds you of summer days! 10. Blue Rush print by Art Club Concept, $59.95, from mildredandco.com. 11. Urban Botanics leaf print, $28, from Simply Creative. 12. Ocean Deep print, $355, from Shut the Front Door. 13. Botanical print, $45, from French Country Collections.

Switch candle scents as the seasons change. Replace warming wintry aromas for lighter notes that evoke summer – fresh scents such as pineapple and coconut, melon or frangipani will make you want to head to the beach! 14. Citronella bowl candle, $4, from Kmart. 15. Suna candle holder, $69.99, from Ezibuy. 16. Aqua lantern $12, from Kmart.

If the surfboard has been hibernating during winter, then bring it out and put it on display for a pop of colour. Image by Chris Warnes/ bauersyndication.com.au.

Packing away heavy winter rugs and replacing them with the rustic textures of materials such as bamboo, hemp and jute will invite the feeling of nature indoors. 17. General Eclectic hemp rug, $550, from Shut the Front Door. 18. Absolon rug, $129.99,from Ezibuy.