Summerize Your Home

By this time of year, your house shouldn't have a trace left of the colder seasons. Furry throws, thick comforters, pumpkin and cranberry accessories -- all of it should be packed up with your winter coat and Uggs.

Now is the time to make your living space welcoming to a pitcher of lemonade, sipped while wearing a halter maxi dress. That's right, it's time to summerize your home. We consulted Marcus Giannella, Allied Member ASID Interior Designer at Robb & Stucky Interiors, on how to transition your home into summer. Take a look at the tips he offers.

PICTURE SHOW

A quick, inexpensive way to immediately set a summer tone is with picture frames. Get rid of the dark and moody wood frames and replace them with seashell or sunburst-embellished styles. If frames don't fit into your budget, switch out the photos. "Put up pictures of old summer vacations instead of Grandma by the Christmas tree," Giannella says.

COLOR WHEEL

For those trying to lift the mood in their house, but prefer to do it without reaching too deeply into their wallets, paint is the magic word. Pick an accent wall in the living room, kitchen or dining room and cover it in a fashionable summer hue. Need inspiration for the shade? Giannella suggests scoping out the beach towels at your favorite home goods store.

LIGHTEN UP

You're no longer cozying up to the fireplace at night so get rid of the chunky throws and cozy pillows. Replace them with something lightweight and vibrant. It's the simplest way to punch up a neutral couch. Use the opportunity to incorporate another texture into your deco palette, too. We suggest fringe detail.

SCENT OF A HOME

Don't forget the other senses that come into play when creating an ambience. Rather than burn the ol' sugar cookie candle before guests come over, Giannella recommends avoiding candles altogether. "They create warmth," he says. "Try potpourris, scented oils, even plug-in room fresheners." Anything fresh or citrus-scented will make seasonal sense.

THE EXTRAS

If you have the resources -- cash and energy -- to go the extra mile, don't disregard wall art and other knickknacks. Any theme associated with water -- nautical, oceanfront, lighthouse -- will cool down the mood of your living space. An inexpensive option is to fill various-shaped vases with seashells or turquoise stones.