Farmhouse Cottage Bedroom: Summer Refresh
As the summer season arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh your farmhouse cottage bedroom into a serene retreat. To achieve this, consider these 10 simple yet effective tips. The key to creating a relaxing summer bedroom is to incorporate elements that promote calmness and tranquility. This can be achieved by simplifying your decor, introducing airy and light-filled spaces, and embracing the peaceful ambiance of the season.
By removing heavy blankets and storing away winter clothing, you’ll create a cooler, calmer, and more collected space perfect for a restful night’s sleep on a warm summer evening. For me, the summer season is always filled with fond memories of my childhood days spent in Iowa. As a native Iowan, I have a deep appreciation for the state’s rolling hills and endless fields of corn.
It was during one such summer when I turned sixteen that I had the opportunity to travel back to my hometown and spend time with extended family. One particular memory that stands out is the night I spent at my maternal grandmother’s home. The heat and humidity of that sweltering Iowa evening were forgotten as I settled into her cozy attic bedroom, surrounded by the sweet scent of fresh linens, the soothing sounds of cicadas outside, and the gentle rustle of billowy curtains in the breeze.
It was a night filled with peace and tranquility. These are the things I try to evoke when designing my own summer bedroom – a space that exudes warmth, coziness, and serenity. By incorporating these elements, you too can create a retreat that welcomes relaxation and rejuvenation.
10 Tips for a Refreshing Summer Bedroom
To transform our rustic farmhouse cottage bedroom into a serene oasis, I rely on a few effortless yet effective strategies. By adopting these ideas, you can effortlessly create a haven that reflects your unique taste and complements your home’s character.
#1: Change Your Sheets
Upgrade your bedding for a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience this summer. Ditch those heavy winter flannel sheets and opt for lightweight, breathable cotton or linen alternatives instead. The natural breathability of these fabrics makes them an ideal choice for warm weather. You can find cotton and linen sheets to fit any budget. For instance, we’ve incorporated affordable options like the ones from Target into our bedding.
The Casaluna line at Target offers a more luxurious take on cotton sheets, while Pottery Barn’s selection is equally impressive. When shopping online, be sure to double-check the material of the sheets before making your purchase.
#2: Remove Heavy Bedding
As summer approaches, it’s time to swap out heavy comforters and blankets for lighter duvets and quilts. A lightweight duvet or quilt provides the perfect balance of warmth on a chilly night without overwhelming your bed during the warmer months. This season is also an excellent opportunity to experiment with bold prints or vibrant colors that evoke the carefree spirit of summer.
I recently introduced a block print/striped quilt in pink and white to our bedroom, which has added a playful touch to our space. The quilt’s eclectic design beautifully complements our large floral wallpaper, injecting a fresh dose of personality into our room.
Overall, there’s something liberating about embracing the lighter, brighter vibes of summer bedding.
#3: Declutter
As the seasons change, I like to take advantage of the fresh start to give my home a thorough cleaning. Summer is the perfect opportunity to tackle the bedroom, a space that can easily become cluttered and disorganized. Start by tackling that pile of winter clothes that’s been lingering in the corner, then move on to dusting furniture, vacuuming under the bed, and cleaning out those pesky sock and underwear drawers.
Don’t forget to purge your closet of old clothes that no longer fit or serve a purpose. By getting rid of items you no longer need or use, you’ll be left with a bedroom that feels lighter, brighter, and more peaceful. For even more tips on organizing your home, check out [link to blog post].
#4: Store Away Winter Clothes
As the seasons transition, it’s time to swap out your wardrobe staples. Bid farewell to bulky winter garments and welcome in the lightweight, breathable options that define a summer look. In our household, storage space is limited, so we employ a simple yet effective strategy: relegating winter attire to the rear of the closet while showcasing our summer favorites up front.
This tidy arrangement enables us to focus on the clothing items relevant to the current season, streamlining our morning routine and reducing decision fatigue.
#5: Add Fresh Flowers & Greenery to Your Bedroom
Throughout my home, I’m a big fan of incorporating fresh flowers and greenery into every room. This simple yet effective trick adds a touch of brightness and happiness to even our bedroom. One of the best things about using summer flowers and greenery is that you don’t have to venture out to the grocery store – simply head outside to your own backyard! With just a few snips, you can prune greenery and flowers from your landscape and bring them inside to brighten up your space.
I’m particularly fond of clipping greens from along our woodline, as well as gathering weeds and wildflowers to fill vases with. In fact, I find that these often-overlooked blooms can be just as beautiful styled in a vase as more traditional flowers. Case in point: the lovely wild roses we snipped from our woods!
#6: Remove Heavy Curtains
Our bedroom lacks curtains, and we’re perfectly content with the bright, unobstructed view it offers. We’ve instead opted for blinds that allow us to control the level of privacy we desire. For those who do have curtains in their bedrooms, consider introducing sheer or cotton panels during the summer months. These lightweight materials can help create a sense of airiness and lightness, which is essential for a comfortable summer bedroom.
On the other hand, thick fabrics like velvets, polyesters, and silks can make a room feel heavy and oppressive.
#7: Make Your Bed
There’s no better feeling than slipping into a freshly made bed after a long day. In fact, I strongly recommend that you make it a daily habit to make your bed as soon as you get up. Not only does it create a tidy and inviting space for the rest of the day, but it also sets the tone for a relaxing night’s sleep. As you settle in each evening, you’ll appreciate the subtle pleasure of sinking into a crisp, cool bed that’s been thoughtfully prepared just for you.
#8: Clean Off Nightstands
Every day, as part of my morning routine, I take a few minutes to tidy up our nightstands. This involves clearing away any empty glasses or water bottles, stashing away chargers and cables, and disposing of any trash or used tissues from the previous evening. By doing so, I’m able to create a clean slate every night, ensuring that our bedtime routine remains peaceful and relaxing.
And while it may seem like a small task, the end result is a fresh and inviting surface that sets the tone for a restful night’s sleep.
One of the benefits of keeping your nightstands tidy is that you don’t have to worry about creating a uniform aesthetic. In fact, I think it’s more interesting and personal when each nightstand reflects the individual who sleeps on that side of the bed.
It’s an opportunity to express your personality and style through the little things that make up your daily routine.
#9: Ditch the Bedroom Throw Pillows
Ditching bedroom throw pillows might just be the best decision you’ve ever made! At least, it was for me. I used to spend way too much time every morning styling our bed’s decorative pillows, only to have my husband come along and toss them aside like they were mere playthings. It got old fast. But when I finally stopped fussing with those pesky pillows, I gained a few precious minutes each day that I could use for something more meaningful.
#10: Turn Off the Television in the Bedroom
The quest for a tranquil bedroom often begins with a simple yet effective step: turning off the television. For many of us, it’s easy to get sucked into our favorite shows and lose track of time. However, I’ve found that leaving the TV off and opting for a good book instead can be a game-changer. Not only do I fall asleep faster, but my sleep quality also improves significantly. It’s as if the absence of screens allows me to fully unwind and prepare my body for a restful night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for ways to refresh your bedroom for summer or any season, start by making this one small change and see how it can positively impact your daily routine.
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