If there’s one thing I love doing once the warm summer days arrive, it’s give my home a light and bright refresh. For me, that means updating my domain with more plants, brighter colors, and natural textures and bringing my small outdoor space to life. To get some inspiration and direction, I tapped interiors expert Justina Blakeney, founder and creative director of the joyful and vibrant home décor site Jungalow, and asked for her insight on what to buy with a limited budget this season. Below, the New York Times best-selling author shares her cool and summer-ready home décor recs, from cool plant pots to fun pillows. And keep scrolling to shop more of our editors’ favorite Insta-worthy (and budget-friendly) items to get you in the summer spirit.
“Outdoor hangouts are so much more fun when the bugs stay away, but citronella candles don’t have to be boring!” — Blakeney
“I live near the L.A. River and see egrets flying overhead all the time. I was inspired to bring the outdoors in with this indoor planter.” — Blakeney
“You can’t get any more summertime than this! Sun, sea, and a little R&R.” — Blakeney
“These are great year-round, but summer nights outdoors are a lot more comfortable if you light a citronella candle to keep unwanted visitors away, so keeping your matches handy in a chic cloche is a major upgrade.” — Blakeney
“Who doesn’t love a multipurpose floor lamp? This is great for adding brightness and a little surface area to any room.” — Blakeney
“Summertime usually means entertaining outdoors, so I like to have some creative options on hand (pun intended) for popping a bottle of wine in the backyard.” — Blakeney
“If you have an outdoor space that gets a lot of sun, adding a scalloped umbrella is a great way to get those vintage Palm Springs vibes.” — Blakeney
“Warm nights, dining alfresco under the glow of string lights, and sipping on something bubbly is my idea of a perfect summer night.” — Blakeney
Serve your homemade lemonades, fruity water, and sangria in style.
Insta-worthy glassware.
The perfect way to make your summer more relaxing.
Sure, we love real plants, but if you’re not the greatest at upkeep, this beautiful faux plant will add the perfect touch of green to your space.
Okay, how fun are these summery coasters?
Zara’s floral melamine collection is exactly what we want on our table right now.
For a French-countryside look, opt for vintage-inspired linen stripes.
Get inspired by our contributor’s coffee table décor book.
Add natural textures to your home with these rattan planters.
The perfect summer throw pillow for your indoor or outdoor space.
This vintage-inspired embroidered tablecloth is winning our hearts.
The loveliest way to add some vibrancy to your kitchen.
How chic is this pitcher though?
Create a warm and romantic atmosphere outside with these elegant and affordable candle lanterns.
A stripey towel exudes the ultimate vacation vibe, even in your garden.
Summer-fy your outdoor space with this super-cool deck chair.
Go for a dreamy coastal look, and set this on your mantel.
Your breakfast table just got prettier.
We are obsessed with this wallpaper.
Woven planters add a natural touch to your home.
Table tennis anyone?
These wine caddies are perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Place your plants, candles, and books on this practical and cool wood storage shelf.
