I’m An Interior Designer, And These Are The 13 Summer Decor Pieces I’m Urging Clients To Buy From $7
Summer is all about easy living and your home should feel the same. With 15 years of interior design experience, I’ve learned that a few well-chosen pieces can breathe new life into any space.
Think breezy textures, sun-washed colors, and cheerful accents that capture the relaxed spirit of the season.
Whether you’re sprucing up your living room or adding charm to your patio, this handpicked collection of affordable summer décor will help you refresh your space with style, comfort, and a touch of sunshine without overspending.
1. Wicker Placemats That Bring Outdoor Charm Inside
Nothing says summer quite like woven textures that remind you of beachside cafés. Wicker placemats add instant warmth and a casual elegance to any dining setup, whether for everyday meals or special gatherings.
I love recommending these to clients because they’re incredibly versatile. The natural tones complement virtually any dishware, from crisp whites to vibrant patterns. Plus, they’re practical just wipe them clean after meals!
For under $10 each at most home stores, these placemats deliver major style impact without the designer price tag. They’re also lightweight enough to hang on walls as mini art pieces when not in use.
2. Jute Table Runners That Create Instant Coastal Vibes
Walking into a home with a jute table runner instantly transports me to a seaside cottage. The natural fibers bring an earthy, relaxed feel that’s perfect for summer entertaining or everyday use.
My clients are always surprised by how this single piece can anchor an entire tablescape. Pair it with white dinnerware and blue accents for a classic coastal look, or mix with brightly colored dishes for a more tropical feel.
Starting around $15, these runners are incredibly durable and versatile. They work beautifully on dining tables, console tables, or even draped across a bed as an unexpected textile layer. The neutral tone makes them perfect foundations for seasonal decorating.
3. Rattan Storage Baskets For Stylish Organization
Summer living calls for simplicity and organization, which is why rattan baskets top my recommendation list. These versatile pieces solve storage problems while adding natural texture and visual interest to any room.
Most of my clients are amazed at how these baskets can corral everything from beach towels in the bathroom to magazines in the living room or fruits in the kitchen. The woven details add depth and dimension that flat storage solutions simply can’t match.
Available from just $12, these baskets come in various sizes and shapes. I particularly love the ones with handles for easy transport between rooms. They’re perfect for creating that relaxed, collected-over-time look that defines casual summer decorating.
4. Cork Coasters That Protect While Adding Warmth
If you’re looking for a small yet impactful upgrade, cork coasters should be your go-to. I’ve watched clients transform their coffee tables and bar carts with these simple additions that protect surfaces while adding organic texture.
The beauty of cork lies in its natural variation and warmth. Each piece has unique patterns that create interest even when they’re just stacked on a side table. They’re also incredibly practical for summer entertaining, absorbing condensation from cold drinks without getting soggy.
At just $7-15 for a set of four, these coasters are one of the most affordable ways to refresh your space. I recommend buying several sets to scatter throughout the house – they’re especially lovely when paired with green plants and natural wood elements.
5. Linen Napkins For Effortless Entertaining
Switching from paper to linen napkins instantly elevates your summer gatherings without much effort. The slightly rumpled, casual look of linen perfectly captures that relaxed summer mood I try to create in clients’ homes.
The magic of linen is that it actually looks better slightly wrinkled! This makes it ideal for laid-back hosts who want style without fuss. I love recommending these in soft, washed-out colors like pale blue, sand, or soft terracotta that evoke seaside sunsets.
Starting around $20 for a set of four, these napkins become more beautiful with each wash. They’re an investment that pays off in both sustainability and style. For maximum impact, try mixing complementary colors rather than matching sets – this creates a collected, unfussy table that invites people to linger.
6. Seagrass Placemats That Add Textural Dimension
Among all natural fiber placemats, seagrass offers the most interesting textural qualities. The tight weave and subtle variation in color create a sophisticated foundation for summer meals that my clients absolutely adore.
What makes these placemats special is their ability to bridge different decorating styles. They work equally well in modern, minimalist settings as they do in more traditional or eclectic spaces. Their natural water resistance makes them perfect for outdoor dining too.
Priced from $8-12 each, these placemats are an affordable luxury that instantly refreshes your dining experience. I often suggest layering them with simple white plates and colorful glassware for a look that’s both grounded and festive – exactly what summer entertaining should be.
7. Cotton Throw Pillows For Quick Color Updates
Summer calls for lightweight textiles that can breathe, which is why cotton throw pillows are my secret weapon for seasonal refreshes. The right pillows can completely transform a space without requiring a full redesign.
My clients are often surprised by how switching from heavy winter fabrics to crisp cotton instantly lightens the mood of their living rooms and bedrooms. I recommend choosing covers in summery patterns like stripes, botanicals, or abstract watercolors in shades of blue, green, or coral.
Starting around $15 each, these pillows deliver major impact for minimal investment. Look for removable covers that can be washed – summer living should be carefree, not precious. For maximum style, mix different patterns while keeping a consistent color palette for that designer-curated look.
8. Wooden Serving Boards That Elevate Casual Meals
Wooden serving boards have become my non-negotiable recommendation for summer entertaining. There’s something inherently convivial about presenting cheese, fruit, or appetizers on a beautiful piece of natural wood that encourages gathering and sharing.
The tactile quality of wood brings warmth to any table setting. I advise clients to look for boards with interesting grain patterns or live edges that become conversation pieces. They’re perfect for indoor use but also transition beautifully to patio dining.
Available from $20, these boards are versatile workhorses in the summer home. Beyond serving food, they can display candles, hold cocktail ingredients, or act as trivets for hot dishes. I especially love how they develop a rich patina over time, becoming more beautiful with each use.
9. Glass Bud Vases For Single-Stem Summer Blooms
Small glass bud vases have transformed how my clients display flowers in summer. Instead of elaborate arrangements, these miniature vessels showcase individual blooms or small cuttings from the garden, creating delicate moments of beauty throughout the home.
What I love about this approach is its simplicity and sustainability. A single dahlia, cosmos, or even a sprig of herbs becomes a focal point when displayed in a sleek glass container. They’re perfect for nightstands, bathroom counters, or clustered as dining table centerpieces.
With prices starting around $7, these vases make flower arranging accessible to everyone. I recommend collecting various heights and shapes in clear glass for maximum versatility. The transparency allows the stems and water to become part of the display, creating a fresh, minimalist aesthetic that epitomizes summer style.
10. Ceramic Citrus Bowls That Brighten Kitchen Counters
Ceramic bowls designed specifically for displaying citrus fruits have become my favorite way to bring summer energy into kitchens. Their typically wide, shallow shape allows for perfect arrangement of lemons, limes, and oranges that add instant color and freshness.
My clients are always amazed at how this simple styling trick makes their kitchens feel more alive and inviting. The contrast between bright fruit and a handmade ceramic bowl creates a still-life moment that’s both functional and beautiful – after all, you’ll actually use the fruit!
Starting around $25, these specialty bowls are worth the investment for the daily joy they bring. I recommend choosing white or neutral-toned ceramics that let the fruit colors pop. For extra impact, place the bowl where natural light can illuminate the fruits, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting their vibrant colors.
11. Raffia Trivets That Add Artisanal Texture
Raffia trivets have quickly become one of my most-recommended summer accessories. These handwoven pieces protect surfaces from hot dishes while adding a distinctly artisanal quality to table settings that mass-produced items simply can’t match.
The beauty of raffia lies in its subtle variations and organic imperfections. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship that elevates even the simplest meals. I love how they reference traditional basketry techniques while feeling thoroughly modern in their application.
Available from just $12, these trivets offer exceptional value for handmade items. They work beautifully on dining tables but are equally striking hung on walls as textural art when not in use. For maximum impact, I suggest collecting several in different patterns or subtle color variations to create a cohesive but interesting collection.
12. Bamboo Utensil Sets For Eco-Friendly Outdoor Dining
Summer entertaining should be stylish yet sustainable, which is why bamboo utensil sets have become my go-to recommendation for clients who love outdoor gatherings. These lightweight sets eliminate single-use plastic while adding natural warmth to table settings.
The honey-toned finish of bamboo brings an organic element that plastic simply can’t replicate. My clients appreciate how these utensils feel substantial in the hand despite their lightweight nature. They’re perfect for picnics, beach days, or casual backyard dinners.
Starting around $15 for a complete set, these utensils offer tremendous value. Many come with convenient carrying cases made from linen or cotton, making them easy to transport. I especially love sets that include reusable straws – they’re the perfect finishing touch for summer beverages and show guests you’ve thought of everything.
13. Faux Succulent Arrangements For Maintenance-Free Greenery
Realistic faux succulents have revolutionized summer decorating for my clients who travel frequently or lack green thumbs. Today’s high-quality artificial plants capture the architectural beauty of succulents without requiring any care – perfect for vacation homes or busy households.
The key to successful faux plants is quality and placement. I recommend choosing varieties with subtle color variations and slightly imperfect details that mimic nature. Small arrangements in concrete or ceramic pots work beautifully on bathroom counters, office desks, or as dining table centerpieces.
With prices starting around $15, these arrangements offer long-term value compared to fresh flowers or plants that might not survive. For the most natural look, I suggest lightly dusting them occasionally and placing them where real plants would logically grow – near windows or in bright corners – to maintain the illusion of living greenery.
