10 Ways to Prep Your Home for the Arrival of Summer
Come November the temperatures rise, so get your house ready to welcome in the warm weather with these cool ideas
Say goodbye to the cooler months and let the light in with some simple seasonal updates, to make your home ready for the hotter weather. Add lighter-coloured accessories and banish the last vestiges of winter by carefully storing heaters, heavy blankets and rugs away. Make this your starting point for a summery space free of clutter and full of light, fresh air and bright decor.
2. Paint the front door
Give the exterior of your house a quick summer makeover with a splash of fresh paint in a bold colour on the front door. The key to any paint job is the preparation of the surface. Start by cleaning the door and ridding it of any debris. Follow up by giving the surface a good sand. I use a little hand-held electric sander to get the job done quickly.
Tape around the door’s edges and its hardware and put down a drop cloth to catch any drips of paint. The first coat should be a primer coat, which will eliminate the need for several top coats. The top coat finish can be flat, satin, semi- or high-gloss, but I recommend at least a semi-gloss as it isn’t quite as shiny but still easy to clean. Once done, step back, admire your work and put up a wet paint sign.
Give the exterior of your house a quick summer makeover with a splash of fresh paint in a bold colour on the front door. The key to any paint job is the preparation of the surface. Start by cleaning the door and ridding it of any debris. Follow up by giving the surface a good sand. I use a little hand-held electric sander to get the job done quickly.
Tape around the door’s edges and its hardware and put down a drop cloth to catch any drips of paint. The first coat should be a primer coat, which will eliminate the need for several top coats. The top coat finish can be flat, satin, semi- or high-gloss, but I recommend at least a semi-gloss as it isn’t quite as shiny but still easy to clean. Once done, step back, admire your work and put up a wet paint sign.
3. Brighten the entrance
You’ve breezed through painting the front door and freshened up the exterior only to find a dull entrance hallway. Don’t panic. With a lick of bright paint or summery wallpaper you’re on your way to creating a welcoming entrance to your home.
If that’s not an option, something as simple as installing a funky coat rack, a plant and some cool artwork is all you need to make a statement. Hang some light, bright Turkish towels on the rack, as they’ll be handy to grab on your way to the beach or pool, and will also add some colour to the space. And, if you’re lucky enough to have a bit of room to play with, think about adding a side table with a dish for keys, decorated with a leafy pot plant.
You’ve breezed through painting the front door and freshened up the exterior only to find a dull entrance hallway. Don’t panic. With a lick of bright paint or summery wallpaper you’re on your way to creating a welcoming entrance to your home.
If that’s not an option, something as simple as installing a funky coat rack, a plant and some cool artwork is all you need to make a statement. Hang some light, bright Turkish towels on the rack, as they’ll be handy to grab on your way to the beach or pool, and will also add some colour to the space. And, if you’re lucky enough to have a bit of room to play with, think about adding a side table with a dish for keys, decorated with a leafy pot plant.
4. Add a mirror
A mirror can transform a room. It can light up a dark corner, create an illusion of space in a small area and add a feeling of opulence to an otherwise dull space. But, in order for a mirror to look its best, it must be clean, which is why you should turn your attention to cleaning all the mirrors in your home.
The secret to a streak-free mirror is simple: use a cleaning solution of one part vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle to spray the surface of the mirror. Using a microfibre cloth in a circular motion, remove any dust and grime. A soft toothbrush will get any grit out of corners and edges. Finish off with a polish using a dry microfibre cloth.
A mirror can transform a room. It can light up a dark corner, create an illusion of space in a small area and add a feeling of opulence to an otherwise dull space. But, in order for a mirror to look its best, it must be clean, which is why you should turn your attention to cleaning all the mirrors in your home.
The secret to a streak-free mirror is simple: use a cleaning solution of one part vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle to spray the surface of the mirror. Using a microfibre cloth in a circular motion, remove any dust and grime. A soft toothbrush will get any grit out of corners and edges. Finish off with a polish using a dry microfibre cloth.
5. Sneak in a pantry
We’re seeing more and more elaborate and spacious pantries popping up in kitchen renovations these days. But what if you aren’t renovating, yet need more pantry space to cater to your fresh, flavour-filled summer menu? Consider looking for redundant space on the inside of cupboard doors to add shelves, racks or even a magnetic board for metal containers.
You could also use a narrow space beside a refrigerator to install a flatpack shelf unit on casters. Other ideas include placing dividers in a deep drawer to keep pantry items in order, and making use of kickboard space to install shallow pantry drawers.
See more sneaky storage ideas
We’re seeing more and more elaborate and spacious pantries popping up in kitchen renovations these days. But what if you aren’t renovating, yet need more pantry space to cater to your fresh, flavour-filled summer menu? Consider looking for redundant space on the inside of cupboard doors to add shelves, racks or even a magnetic board for metal containers.
You could also use a narrow space beside a refrigerator to install a flatpack shelf unit on casters. Other ideas include placing dividers in a deep drawer to keep pantry items in order, and making use of kickboard space to install shallow pantry drawers.
See more sneaky storage ideas
6. Care for your jewellery
With the warmer months, you are more likely to wear lighter clothing, including short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts, which means it’s time to get out your most interesting jewellery. By all means, adorn bare arms with your finest accessories, but first make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Give all your jewellery a dust with a fine soft brush and clean metal jewellery with the following solution.
Start by lining a small bowl with aluminium foil. Add a tablespoon each of salt, bicarbonate of soda and dishwashing detergent. The combination of these ingredients creates a chemical reaction called ion transfer, which can naturally clean metals. Pour in a cup of hot water and the mixture will start to fizz. Throw in your jewellery and leave to sit for 10 minutes. Remove your jewellery and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove wedged-in grime. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth for a ‘just new’ shine.
With the warmer months, you are more likely to wear lighter clothing, including short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts, which means it’s time to get out your most interesting jewellery. By all means, adorn bare arms with your finest accessories, but first make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Give all your jewellery a dust with a fine soft brush and clean metal jewellery with the following solution.
Start by lining a small bowl with aluminium foil. Add a tablespoon each of salt, bicarbonate of soda and dishwashing detergent. The combination of these ingredients creates a chemical reaction called ion transfer, which can naturally clean metals. Pour in a cup of hot water and the mixture will start to fizz. Throw in your jewellery and leave to sit for 10 minutes. Remove your jewellery and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove wedged-in grime. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth for a ‘just new’ shine.
7. Let the fresh air in
When the warmer weather arrives we often throw open our doors and windows to air out the house. You should also do the same for storage units, such as cupboards and drawers, that contain clothing or linen. Leave doors and drawers open for a couple of hours and let the fresh air in.
Muggy weather can produce a lot of moisture. Check cupboards for any mould and clean it off if it’s there, and replace any moisture absorbers. After giving any ceiling or pedestal fans a good clean, switch them to summer mode if they have that function; it will push the hot air up and out of the room. Also make sure your air-conditioner is working efficiently by replacing the filter. Be sure to regularly vacuum the dust from the unit so that you’re not blowing it around the room.
When the warmer weather arrives we often throw open our doors and windows to air out the house. You should also do the same for storage units, such as cupboards and drawers, that contain clothing or linen. Leave doors and drawers open for a couple of hours and let the fresh air in.
Muggy weather can produce a lot of moisture. Check cupboards for any mould and clean it off if it’s there, and replace any moisture absorbers. After giving any ceiling or pedestal fans a good clean, switch them to summer mode if they have that function; it will push the hot air up and out of the room. Also make sure your air-conditioner is working efficiently by replacing the filter. Be sure to regularly vacuum the dust from the unit so that you’re not blowing it around the room.
8. Summer spa
Give the bathroom a good clean, then open up the windows all day when the sun’s out to let in fresh air. This will also reduce the possibility of mould gaining a foothold in any dampened crevices.
Fold away any dark-coloured towels and floor mats and replace them with something summery. Lightweight Turkish towels are a lovely addition to a bathroom and are easy to wash and dry too. Similarly, a lightweight cotton bathmat in a cheery summer colour and some greenery in the form of potted tropical plants, succulents or flowers will broadcast that summer has arrived. Seagrass or light, woven bamboo baskets make great storage options and will also sing summer style.
Browse more beautiful bathrooms
Give the bathroom a good clean, then open up the windows all day when the sun’s out to let in fresh air. This will also reduce the possibility of mould gaining a foothold in any dampened crevices.
Fold away any dark-coloured towels and floor mats and replace them with something summery. Lightweight Turkish towels are a lovely addition to a bathroom and are easy to wash and dry too. Similarly, a lightweight cotton bathmat in a cheery summer colour and some greenery in the form of potted tropical plants, succulents or flowers will broadcast that summer has arrived. Seagrass or light, woven bamboo baskets make great storage options and will also sing summer style.
Browse more beautiful bathrooms
9. Embrace indoor outdoor areas
Move your primary living space from a lounge room to any indoor/outdoor area. If this is near the kitchen, make sure to clean it thoroughly so it gleams – this is probably going to be the place where your guests will congregate through summer, so it’s best to make an effort to give it a deep clean now.
The decor for any outdoor terrace or deck should reflect your indoor style, but with more robust furnishings that are weather-resistant. If you’ve had your outdoor furniture for a while and it’s starting to look tatty, it might be time to buy something new. Create a stylish outdoor dining space and, if you have the room, a dedicated chill space with armchairs and a coffee table. Throw down an outdoor rug to pull the area together, then add some great lighting and greenery and you’re well on your way to having a fun spot to entertain all summer long.
Move your primary living space from a lounge room to any indoor/outdoor area. If this is near the kitchen, make sure to clean it thoroughly so it gleams – this is probably going to be the place where your guests will congregate through summer, so it’s best to make an effort to give it a deep clean now.
The decor for any outdoor terrace or deck should reflect your indoor style, but with more robust furnishings that are weather-resistant. If you’ve had your outdoor furniture for a while and it’s starting to look tatty, it might be time to buy something new. Create a stylish outdoor dining space and, if you have the room, a dedicated chill space with armchairs and a coffee table. Throw down an outdoor rug to pull the area together, then add some great lighting and greenery and you’re well on your way to having a fun spot to entertain all summer long.
10. Clean screens
Take advantage of the warm weather to check, mend and clean any fly screens on your windows. If you can, remove the screens and lean them against a fence or wall, or lay them down on a clean surface. Then use a hose on medium pressure to remove any loose debris. Give each fly screen a good scrub with soapy water and a soft but firm brush. Then give them a final rinse and leave to dry in the sun.
For fixed screens, start by vacuuming away the dust. Lay towels down on the floor or sills and use soapy water and a brush to gently clean the screens, then rinse with clean water and wipe down with a cloth.
TELL US
What are your best tips for cleaning your home for summer? Share them in the Comments section below.
MORE
Read more cleaning tips
Take advantage of the warm weather to check, mend and clean any fly screens on your windows. If you can, remove the screens and lean them against a fence or wall, or lay them down on a clean surface. Then use a hose on medium pressure to remove any loose debris. Give each fly screen a good scrub with soapy water and a soft but firm brush. Then give them a final rinse and leave to dry in the sun.
For fixed screens, start by vacuuming away the dust. Lay towels down on the floor or sills and use soapy water and a brush to gently clean the screens, then rinse with clean water and wipe down with a cloth.
TELL US
What are your best tips for cleaning your home for summer? Share them in the Comments section below.
MORE
Read more cleaning tips
It’s time to pack up the darker-coloured cushions and woolly throws in living areas, and heavy pillows, sheets and blankets in bedrooms, and replace them with light-toned cotton and linen. Roll up the heavy floor rugs and replace with lighter, natural-coloured mats. Expose some floorboards if you can.
Pull down any heavy drapes and have them dry cleaned and stored away until next winter. If you can, consider replacing darker curtains with light, flowing linens and sheers in bedrooms and leave living room windows bare. Think of your summer sitting room or bedroom as you’d think of your summer wardrobe … light, easy, relaxed and cool.
How to keep your cool on steamy nights