Summer decorating is so much fun — it’s a great excuse to update your decor. Summer activities can take you inside and out this season, and that means you’ll have plenty of spaces to decorate. The key to a summer makeover is light fabrics, bright colors and even a touch of beach-inspired decor. You can update your home for the season with just a few accessories or go big and add a stunning dining set. .

 Of course, there are some gorgeous pretty colours to embrace too, but when it comes to decorating the home, the emphasis is on choosing designs that are classic and longer lasting, rather than something you’ll get tired of quickly.

Here are few of our favorite ideas for making the most of your summer at home:

Summer decorating is about more than just the visuals. Tropical and citrusy scents can set the mood for summer in your home. The secret to getting that perfect mix of scents is to choose only a few scents for your home, all in the same product line or brand. Match your candle holders and diffusers to each room for a customized look, even with only one or two scents through your home.

When herb gardens overflow with more than is needed in any kitchen, why not use the extra yield in a fragrant centerpiece? Mix shapes and textures, and add color with edible flowers and herb blossoms. This arrangement, which could include dill, rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, lavender, nasturtiums, and flowering herbs, sits in a high-sided bowl; a smaller bowl within keeps the stems in place. But a vase, pitcher, or jar would work just as well.

The shells that the ocean cast at your feet this summer—the ones you so carefully collected—make lovely remembrances of the season with candles formed inside them. Even better, a collection of candle-filled shells brings natural charm to any table. Deep shells like scallops and clams work best and burn longest.

Clean, modern pieces made from jute, rattan and other durable fibers are easy to find and look fresh indoors year-round. Caning is known for its signature octagons and becomes the base material in these simple vase covers and light-catching wall hangings—both of which are a breeze to make.

Mustard hues have been the go-to shade over the warmer months. No longer content with smaller pops of mustard, we are seeing a move towards larger investment pieces of furniture which add a bold, refreshing burst of colour to our living spaces. It’s a versatile shade that works brilliantly with millennial pink, teal and indigo blue, and of course, crisp white if you want to create more of a fresh look.