Recently, I have been receiving questions on my radio show about how to update a home for summer. In 2005, Living did a story about updating the home for any season, and I wanted to share some of those tips, which are still so relevant. Today, let's take a look at simple ways to update the living room. Tomorrow, I will focus on the bedroom.
Bring the outdoors inside with flowers and seashore finds. Send heavy floor coverings to be cleaned, leaving the floor bare or adding a mat in a natural material, such as sisal or bamboo.
The mementos of the season, such as vacation photos and found treasures, decorate a mantelpiece in an unfussy style. The fireplace—dormant for several months—can be turned into a stage for your favorite objects, such as these porcelain jars and cachepot.
Cushion and pillow covers in batik style printed cotton with contrast piping create an easy-living feel while protecting fine upholstery from wear and sun. These accents freshen the sofa’s look and are less expensive than slipcovering the whole thing.
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Rowaida Fl | 6/19/12 at 7:08 am
Beautiful and I spiring ideas Love it all. Thank you Kevin
From: Gina | 7/6/12 at 2:26 am
I noticed the cushion covers don't seem to be what came with the couch. Is t possible to add cushion covers of a coorditing color and pring without having to reupholster the whole sofa and/or love seat? If o do you know of website I my ind for reference .
From: Elena Bourke | 7/24/12 at 3:48 pm
Growing up on Long Island, N.Y., when summer arrived my mother used to remove the heavy, patterned, winter draperies and hang light colored solid ones instead. Cream color fabric slipcovers would then cover all chairs and sofa. The dark oriental rug would be rolled up and sent for cleaning and storage and a 'straw' rug would replace it. This signaled the change of season, the end of school and I loved the feeling of it. I live in Texas and 'summer-ize' my own home. It is a lighter, brighter feel in this hot climate and I like that it is a nod to my mother's tradition .