As summer heats up, there is no better time to update your apartment’s décor. This is a time to transition from darker colors to brighter colors that liven up your space. While it may seem like this could be expensive, you can easily do this on a budget without even painting your walls. There are plenty of ways to add touches of summer to your space, both inside and out (if you have outdoor space).

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Rent a grill

Consider renting a grill for the summer if you have an outdoor space in your apartment. This will give you an opportunity to have fun backyard get-togethers with friends and make good food. Renting a grill will help save money and you will not have to worry about where to store it over the off-season months. Just be sure you know how to use it safely and correctly. Look up recipes for delicious and unique grilling dishes to wow guests you have over.

Porch décor

In addition to a grill, if you have outdoor space, add some outdoor furniture and décor items. Again, you may opt to rent these furniture pieces to help save space in the non-summer seasons. There are furniture pieces that have bright colors, and you can buy outdoor décor items such as garden ornaments to help further the summer look. Consider buying outdoor string lights to brighten up the space for the nights when you have friends over and they are there as it gets dark out.

Summer colors

For indoor spaces, colors are just as important. You may not be able to paint the walls of your apartment, but you can add color in other ways. Use décor items such as pillows and even rented furniture pieces to help add a touch of color to your space. Artwork and photographs that feature beach images and other summer scenes can help add a touch of the season and add some color to your walls. Just be sure you hang the pictures without damaging the walls.

Embrace nature

One of the best parts of summer is being outside and embracing nature. Even if your apartment is in a city, you can still bring in a touch of nature to add a natural feel to your space. Consider making use of natural sunlight as much as possible to brighten your apartment. Use floral and botanical patterns where possible, and you can bring in real or artificial plants. If you prefer the natural aspects of the beach, use things such as driftwood and seashells to accent different parts of your apartment. You may even opt to have a sea creature-themed comforter for your bed.

Clean and organize

While it is currently summer, it is not too late to do some spring cleaning. Go through all of your décor items and get rid of pieces you do not use anymore. Try on your summer wardrobe and donate items that do not fit or that you do not plan to wear anymore. You may even be able to sell some of these pieces to make some extra cash that can be used to purchase more décor or clothing. Your space will feel fresh after you clean out things you do not need and organize the things you decide to keep.

Maximize air circulation

One of the biggest costs as a college student is your utility bill. Over the summer, your air conditioning is factored into this bill. However, there are things you can do to help reduce the cost and keep the air moving throughout your space. Keep your bedroom and bathroom doors open, if possible, so that these rooms get air. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of or near an air conditioning unit. These units need to have at least a 45-degree angle in front of and sideways in order to help circulate air. Utilize fans, either a ceiling fan or a desk fan, to help keep you cool and circulate air.

Change your bedding

During the summer, you likely used fleece and flannel bedding to help keep you warm. For the summer, swap these out for cotton and linen sheets that are lighter and more breathable to help keep you cool. As mentioned earlier, use a summer-themed bedspread and comforter to add a summery touch to your bedroom décor. You may even opt for pillows that feature bright colors and fun patterns to help accentuate the summer feel of your space.

Stay cool

Ultimately, a massive part of making your space summery is being able to stay cool and comfortable for yourself. Stay hydrated and wear loose, breathable clothing. Keep a bowl of cool water near your bed so you can dip your feet in it if you wake up and feel warm in the middle of the night. Take cooler showers when you wake up or before bed.

Adding summer touches to your apartment can help get you in the mood for embracing all the fun the season has to offer, even if you are on campus for classes or work.