From Coastal Chic to Eclectic Maximalism, Designers Weigh In on the Must-Haves of Summer

As the temperatures rise, so do the expectations for summer decorating trends. Designers and industry experts are predicting a season of laid-back, effortless style, with a focus on comfort, texture, and personality. In a season where coastal chic meets eclectic maximalism, we scoured reports from Pinterest and Houzz, and spoke to interior designers to get the inside scoop on what’s trending this summer.

According to Ursula Carmona, a home style expert and Featured Finder for HomeGoods, “Right now, it’s all about pieces that bring personality and charm into the home.” And that’s exactly what designers are delivering. Elevated coastal influences are making a comeback, but this time around, they’re more refined and understated. Neutral palettes and soft cabana stripes are setting the tone, while deeper sandy hues and nautical navy are resurfacing in a more layered, lived-in way.

The coastal look is all about comfort, with a minimalist approach that maximizes relaxation. “Furniture is low, oversized, and lounge-worthy—creating that relaxed, coastal minimalism that feels like a vacation at home,” says interior designer Jenny Reimold. And it’s not just about the furniture – soft, sculptural shapes are also taking center stage. “Sculptural, low-profile pieces are everywhere—curved sofas, oval dining tables, and chunky armchairs that invite you to sink in,” says Reimold.

But it’s not all about the coastal vibe. Designers are also predicting a shift toward cozier, classic design – a trend that Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of The Brownstone Boys are calling ‘soft heritage.’ “This season, we’re seeing a shift toward warm minimalism with historic undertones,” says Slocum. “Think vintage silhouettes, relaxed upholstery, and just a touch of quiet luxury. It’s a look that feels elevated, but is surprisingly attainable.”

As the summer season heats up, designers are also turning to warmer, earthier aesthetics – inspired by sunbaked destinations like African deserts, the Australian outback, and the American Southwest. “Rustic neutrals, clay tones, and natural textures like raffia, jute, and worn leathers are everywhere right now,” says Bordelon. And for those looking to make a bigger statement, paint is always an option. “Warm neutrals with a touch of pigment—soft olive, chalky peach, and weathered terracotta—are everywhere right now,” adds Bordelon.

But it’s not just about the big-ticket items – texture is also playing a major role in summer decorating trends. “It’s all about comfort you can feel,” says Carmona. And that’s exactly what designers are delivering. Velvet, tweed, raw linen, and washed cotton are all top picks, while woven accents like grass cloth furniture, basketweave lighting, and chunky knit throws are adding dimension without visual clutter.

And finally, designers are predicting a season of joy and color. “There’s a lighthearted vibe making its way into interiors—from checkerboard motifs to handblown glassware and punchy ceramics,” says Slocum. “It’s less about rules and more about joy, and we love mixing in those unexpected touches.” Whether it’s a strawberry vase or shell-themed tchotchke, designers are seeing more and more personality. “Whatever your obsession, chances are it exists in accessory form to help bring that playful energy into your home,” says Carmona.

With summer decorating trends that are all about comfort, texture, and personality, it’s clear that this season is all about embracing the laid-back, effortless vibe of the season. So go ahead, add some berry and jewel tones to your space, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and textures. After all, as Carmona says, “Summer is the perfect time to invite some joy and color into your space.”