Summer mornings in the kitchen are magical. The sunlight makes everything bright. Your coffee tastes sweeter.
But what if your kitchen doesn’t feel sunny? I’ve been there, wanting a kitchen as bright as summer.
Changing your kitchen doesn’t need a big renovation. Just swap out old towels for new ones. Hang palm-print curtains to make it feel like the beach.
These small changes make every meal feel like a vacation. You’ll learn how to mix function with fun in this guide.
We’ll look at tableware and storage that’s both useful and stylish. You’ll find affordable options from Walmart and Sugar & Cloth. Great design doesn’t have to break the bank.
Ready to make your kitchen the happiest place? Let’s explore ideas that will make you want to host brunches.
Brighten Up with Colorful Appliances
Start your kitchen makeover with colorful appliances. They add fun and make your kitchen lively. Bold colors in everyday tools can turn your kitchen into a summer spot.
Bold Toasters
Get a Smeg 2-slice pastel toaster for $199. It comes in mint green, baby blue, and soft pink. These toasters are fun and make breakfast special. Add Walmart’s rainbow utensil sets for $12.99 to match.
Fun Blenders
The Ninja Foodi Power Blender System is $169. It’s in tropical teal and citrus orange. It’s great for summer smoothies and looks good too. Show it off with Amazon’s Creative Co-Op rattan-handled jars for a beachy feel.
Vibrant Cookware Sets
Carote’s 10-piece ceramic nonstick set is $129. It has colors from sunflower yellow to coral red. These pans are safe for the oven and add color to your kitchen. Use their matching silicone utensil holders for $18.50 to complete the look.
Pro Tip: Add metallic touches like copper cups or gold cutting boards. This balances the bright colors. It keeps your kitchen fun without feeling too much.
Lively Wall Art for a Fresh Look
Blank kitchen walls are like empty canvases waiting for summer energy. With strategic art choices, you can transform your cooking space into a vibrant retreat. Designer Joy Tan says: “Wall art creates instant focal points that guide the eye and elevate entire rooms.”
Tropical Prints That Transport You
Palm leaves and ocean motifs bring vacation vibes to your kitchen. Lane McNab’s nature-inspired color palettes work beautifully with brass-framed tropical prints. The Amazon Brass Metal Gallery Wall Frame ($45) offers an easy way to display these breezy designs. Pair 2-3 coordinating prints for maximum impact.
Fruit-Inspired Canvas Art
Nothing says summer like citrus bursts and watermelon slices. Etsy’s hand-painted lemon canvas ($28) adds cheerful contrast against white walls. For smaller spaces, try clustered mini-canvases in fruit patterns. These pieces work particularly well above breakfast nooks or coffee stations.
Playful Typography Designs
Words add personality to your kitchen decor. Minted’s “Aloha Vibes” poster ($59) combines bold fonts with tropical accents. Consider mixing typography art with other styles using these guidelines:
| Style | Price Range | Best For | Top Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Prints | $35-60 | Accent Walls | Amazon |
| Fruit Canvases | $25-50 | Small Spaces | Etsy |
| Typography Art | $40-75 | Statement Pieces | Minted |
Rotate artwork seasonally to keep your kitchen feeling fresh. Combine different frame materials like rattan and painted wood for eclectic charm. Remember – the best summer-themed kitchen decor tells your unique story while enhancing functionality.
Cheerful Tableware Options
Make your meals more fun with bright tableware. Designer Artem Kropovinsky says, “Bright colors make us hungry and happy.” Today, we like sets that are both useful and fun.
Bright Dinner Plates
Walmart has a 16-piece floral dinnerware set for $39. It’s perfect for adding garden vibes to your meals. The plates are dishwasher-safe and have cool hibiscus designs in coral and turquoise.
Match them with plain bowls for a pop of color. Studies show this makes food look 40% better.
Colorful Glassware
Libbey’s jewel-tone drinkware is $35 for 6 glasses. It’s a statement piece for your drinks. The colors, like emerald green and sapphire blue, help you relax.
It’s great for iced tea or just water. It’s a stylish way to stay hydrated.
Playful Serving Bowls
Amazon’s Mud Pie Cream Waffle Towel Set is $28. It comes with textured bowls for summer salads. The bowls are easy to clean and add a fun touch.
For fruit, pick oval bowls that look like market baskets. This is a popular choice for casual gatherings.
| Product | Price | Key Feature | Dishwasher Safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Floral Dinnerware | $39 | 16-piece set | Yes |
| Libbey Jewel-Tone Glasses | $35 | 6 vibrant colors | Yes |
| Mud Pie Serving Bowls | $28 | Speckled finish | No (hand wash) |
When picking out kitchen decor, think about what’s durable. 73% of hosts like things that last. Mix seasonal items with basics for a look that’s always in style.
The right tableware makes every meal feel special. It’s like celebrating summer, even when it’s just leftovers.
Bring Nature Indoors
Adding natural elements to your kitchen makes it feel fresh and lively. Plants bring life to your space, making it look good and feel welcoming. Here are three ways to add plants to your kitchen for a lively, natural look.
Potted Herbs: Fresh Flavors & Style
Herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary are great for cooking and decorating. Walmart has ceramic planters for $17 that look good on windowsills. Plant stylist Alexandria Kochinsky says herbs like thyme or parsley do well in bright, indirect light.
- Top picks: Chives, cilantro, oregano
- Style tip: Mix terra-cotta pots with metallic finishes
Summer Flowers: Bursts of Color
Adding sunflowers, daisies, or zinnias to your kitchen makes it pop. Use Amazon’s Sage Green Leaf Pillow Covers ($24) nearby for a matching look. Remember to change the water and trim stems to keep your flowers fresh.
| Plant Type | Best For | Care Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potted Herbs | Windowsills | Moderate | $10–$25 |
| Summer Flowers | Table centerpieces | High | $15–$40 |
| Indoor Plants | Floor corners | Low | $20–$60 |
Indoor Plants in Bright Pots
Snake plants or pothos do well in low light. Use colorful or patterned pots to match your kitchen. Turn plants every week to help them grow evenly. Clean their leaves once a month to keep them shiny.
Tip: Use pots with holes to avoid too much water. A red monstera planter looks fun with yellow dish towels.
Whimsical Kitchen Textiles
Make your kitchen bright and fun with fabrics. They are both useful and cheerful. Textiles are easy to change without big fixes. They add color and warmth to your kitchen.
Patterned Curtains
Try light curtains with summer designs. Anthropologie has citrus-print curtains ($68) on linen-blend fabric. Bernadette from @happynestinthetropics says pair them with neutral walls for a pop of color.
Look for machine-washable curtains. They are easy to clean after fun days.
Vibrant Dish Towels
Williams Sonoma’s striped towels ($22 for 3) make drying dishes fun. Mud Pie has towels with tropical designs. Choose 100% cotton for better drying.
Use them to add color to your kitchen. Hang them up or stack them for a colorful look.
Fun Aprons
Amazon’s linen fringe apron ($16) is both useful and stylish. It has adjustable ties and pockets. For outdoor parties, try Sugar & Cloth’s waterproof aprons.
Hang aprons on colorful hooks as art when not using them.
| Product | Price | Key Feature | Washable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus-Print Curtains | $68 | Linen blend fabric | Machine wash |
| Striped Dish Towels | $22/3-pack | Premium cotton | High-heat safe |
| Linen Fringe Apron | $16 | Adjustable ties | Gentle cycle |
Brighten Up with Accessories
Accessories make kitchens look great for summer. They add fun without needing to change much. You can try out kitchen decor trends with them. They include useful tools and fun decorations.
Colorful Utensil Holders
OXO’s coral utensil crock ($25) is a great choice. It keeps things tidy and looks nice. Add Walmart’s SHOP PLACEMATS in matching colors for a neat look.
Change holders with the seasons, like @interioroverdose does. Try bright colors for summer and warm tones for fall.
Funky Salt and Pepper Shakers
Peugeot’s pineapple-shaped shakers ($38) are fun. They make your food look interesting. The design is perfect for colorful kitchen decorations.
Use them with Maison d’ Hermine’s fruit-print napkins for a fun table setting. It’s perfect for a summer brunch.
Fun Kitchen Timers
Amazon’s retro egg timer ($15) is stylish and useful. It has big numbers and a fun dial. It looks good with modern stuff.
Use it as a bookend when not timing meals. Or group timers for a fun display.
Pro tip: Mix different textures for interest. These accessories do more than just look good. They help organize and add fun to your kitchen!
Refresh with Summer Scented Candles
Nothing captures summer like the fresh smells of seasonal candles. These fragrances brighten your kitchen and warm up gatherings. You can choose from zesty citrus to calming ocean scents, making your kitchen feel just right.
Citrus Scents
Zesty lemon, grapefruit, or bergamot candles wake up your mornings. Capri Blue’s Volcano candle ($38) blends tropical citrus with vanilla. It’s a hit with everyone.
Match these scents with sunny yellow or striped decor. For small spaces, try Target’s Sea Salt & Sage wax melts ($10) in portable warmers.
Floral Notes
Jasmine, gardenia, or peony scents bring garden freshness inside. Nest’s Bamboo diffuser ($45) offers long-lasting floral beauty. It has earthy notes too.
Place these near windows or open shelves for better scent flow. Interior stylist Janine Genower suggests pairing floral candles with vintage holders for a rustic touch.
Ocean Breeze
Driftwood, saltwater, and coconut scents bring coastal calm. Look for candles with seaweed or amber for depth. Add woven placemats or sea glass decor to enhance the theme.
Walmart’s SHOP wax warmers are great with ocean-inspired melts. They spread the scent nicely.
Pro Tip: Change scents weekly to keep your kitchen lively. Group candles in odd numbers on trays for a nice look. Trim wicks to ¼ inch for cleaner burns.
Add a Splash of Color with Rugs
Rugs are not just for floors. They bring summer vibes to your kitchen and make it comfy. Choose from bold patterns or soft textures to match your decor. Pick rugs that are easy to clean and won’t slip.
Bold Area Rugs
Big area rugs with tropical or geometric designs make a big statement. Ruggable’s lemon-patterned rug ($189) is great for kitchens. It’s washable and perfect for busy spots.
Put one under your island or dining area. Jute rugs, like Hand Woven Jute Area Rugs, are natural and strong.
Colorful Runner Rugs
Long runner rugs are perfect for small kitchens or countertops. Safavieh’s striped cotton runner ($78) adds a coastal feel. Try colors like citrus or ocean blue for a splash.
Dana Feagles, a lifestyle blogger, suggests changing entry mats with the seasons. It keeps your space feeling new.
Outdoor-Style Mats
Outdoor mats are great indoors too! Amazon’s “Outdoor-Style Mats” ($35) have fun designs like pineapples or palm leaves. They’re water-resistant and easy to clean.
They add a relaxed, beachy vibe. Match them with woven baskets or plants for a unified look.
Create a Fun Wall of Memories
Blank kitchen walls are perfect for showing off your personality and summer vibes. Turn them into a fun collage of memories and sayings. This will make you happy every time you cook.
Framed Family Photos
Make your kitchen more personal with framed photos. IKEA’s FISKBO frames (5 for $15) are great for showing off summer fun. Hang them in a fun way above your breakfast area or on empty walls.
Designer Alexandria Kochinsky says to mix black-and-white photos with colorful mats. “It adds contrast and keeps the focus on the memories.” Add small frames for recipes or kids’ art to keep things fresh.
Summer Travel Postcards
Bring the beach home with Amazon’s vintage postcard set ($12 for 50). Use washi tape to change up the look on cabinet sides or backsplashes. Mix real souvenirs with store-bought cards for a unique look.
For a lasting display, frame 3-5 postcards in Amazon’s rustic wall sconces. Place citrus prints near coffee or beach scenes above sinks. This adds depth without making small kitchens feel cramped.
Fun Kitchen Quotes
Add some humor with Etsy’s “Eat Drink & Be Merry” wooden sign ($45). Hang it above your pantry or with floating shelves holding citrus bowls. Choose fonts that fit your style, like bold for modern or script for farmhouse.
Pair quotes with useful items like chalkboard trays or menu planners. Try changing them with the seasons. For example, “Iced Coffee Season” in July or “Watermelon Forever” in August. These fun touches make cooking feel like part of the summer fun.
Summer-Themed Magnets
Make your fridge a summer party with fun magnets. They add style and hold up notes or pictures. Choose from beachy to retro designs to update your kitchen easily.
Nautical Designs
Bring the beach to your kitchen with anchors, sailboats, or seashell magnets. Try Anthropologie’s ceramic anchor magnets ($18/set) for a coastal look. Add driftwood frames or striped towels for a full beach feel.
Fruit-Themed Magnets
Amazon’s silicone watermelon fridge magnets ($9/set) are colorful and safe for kids. They’re soft and fun to move around. Place them near fruit or citrus art for a matching look.
Vintage-Inspired Options
Etsy has retro Coca-Cola bottle cap magnets ($14/set) for a fun touch. They look great with old-style floors or appliances. Mix them with modern steel for a cool contrast.
Pro Tip: Use magnets for summer receipts, invites, or photos. Change them with the seasons to keep your kitchen looking fresh!
Funky Lighting Fixtures
Lighting makes your kitchen feel like a summer paradise. Change basic lights to fun designs that add warmth and personality. Try bold pendants or quirky accents. These ideas mix function with style for a bright kitchen decor.
Colorful Pendant Lights
Put colorful pendant lights above your island or dining area for a splash of color. West Elm’s terrazzo pendant ($199) has cool patterns for summer kitchen design. For a boho look, try a 6-light rattan cluster that makes cozy shadows.
Pro tip: Use dimmable bulbs to change the mood. From bright for breakfast to cozy for dinner.
Fun String Lights
Twinkle Star’s LED string lights ($16) make any space magical without high energy costs. Hang them on shelves or windows for a starry feel. Designer Jennifer Astrop says outdoor-rated strings are best above sinks for a smooth indoor-outdoor look.
Pair them with boho decor for more charm.
Quirky Table Lamps
Target’s pineapple lamp ($45) adds tropical fun to countertops. IKEA’s citrus-slice lamp adds zesty charm. Look for lamps with:
- USB ports for charging
- Adjustable brightness
- Textured shades for interesting light
These small lamps are great for apartment kitchens with little floor space.
Playful Storage Solutions
Clutter-free counters meet cheerful design with these vibrant tools. Summer kitchens are best when everything has a place. Playful storage keeps things easy to find and adds fun colors.
Brightly Colored Canisters
OXO’s POP containers ($35 for a set of 3) keep food fresh and visible. They come in bright colors like lemon yellow and coral red. Place them on shelves or counters for a fun look.
Food Network’s Ree Drummond likes clear mason jars for dry goods. Add colorful lids for a pop of color!
- Stackable design saves cabinet space
- Easy-to-read window shows contents
- Wide mouths fit measuring cups
Fun Baskets
World Market’s seagrass baskets ($22 each) add coastal charm. Use them for market finds or napkins. They look great with scalloped shelves.
Pro tip: Line them with citrus-print fabric for hidden messes.
Unique Storage Cubes
Amazon’s modular cubes ($49 for a 6-piece set) create custom walls. Pick colors like turquoise or sunflower-yellow for a summer feel. They’re perfect for hiding blenders or herbs.
The cubes are light, making it easy to change things up.
Embrace the Outdoors with Open Shelves
Open shelving makes your kitchen feel light and airy. It’s perfect for summer. Joy Tan says it’s all about blending natural textures and style.
Let’s see how to make these shelves look great and useful. They can add a seasonal charm to your kitchen.
Natural Wood Shelves
Raw wood shelves add warmth to your kitchen. IKEA’s FJÄLKINGE shelves ($65) have a weathered look. They look great with green plants like ivy or small succulents.
For more texture, add woven placemats or rattan baskets under your items.
Display Colorful Cookbooks
Use stands to display summer recipe books. Amazon’s angled stands ($19) are perfect. You can arrange them by color or theme.
Place small potted herbs like basil or mint with them. It’s a smart way to mix style and function.
Stow Away Summer Accessories
Use clear bins to organize picnic and pool items. The Container Store’s bins ($28) are great. Label them with chalkboard tags for fun.
Put in reusable straws, colorful drink umbrellas, and mini sunscreen bottles. This keeps your kitchen tidy and ready for summer.
Change what you display every month. It keeps your kitchen feeling fresh all summer.
Statement Kitchen Islands
Make your kitchen island the star of the season. Use bold colors and playful accents. This space can be the heart of your summer kitchen.
It offers extra prep area or casual seating. With a few updates, it becomes a focal point. It feels both functional and festive.
Colorful Paint Options
Refresh your island with vibrant hues. Behr’s “Island Dream” ($45/gallon) is a breezy aqua. It matches summer kitchen decor trends well.
For renters or those wanting flexibility, try removable peel-and-stick wallpaper. Pair painted surfaces with natural wood open shelves. This balances bold tones.
Fun Bar Stools
Amazon’s rattan bar stools ($129) bring tropical flair. They are budget-friendly. Choose seats with woven textures or citrus-colored cushions for a summer vibe.
Pro tip from stylist Alexandria Kochinsky: “Mix metallic gold stool legs with bright seat cushions. This adds vacation-inspired luxury.”
Creative Centerpiece Ideas
Crate & Barrel’s marble tray ($89) is elegant. It’s perfect for displaying seasonal items. Try these displays:
- Fresh lemons in a glass bowl with sprigs of mint
- Sand-filled jars holding grilling utensils
- Mini succulents in terracotta pots
For quick summer updates, swap centerpieces. Use thrifted trays and dollar store finds. This is a budget hack Kochinsky loves.
Utilize Seasonal Decor
Changing decor with the seasons makes your kitchen feel new. Summer brings chances to add bright colors and beachy feels. These changes are fun and don’t hurt your kitchen.
Summer-Themed Wreaths
Put a Magnolia hydrangea wreath ($68) on your kitchen door or above cabinets. It adds charm. You can also add:
- Rattan accents for texture
- Pastel-colored ribbons
- Miniature watering cans
Tip: Use Bernadette’s method to layer wreaths with sheer curtains for more depth.
Seasonal Table Centerpieces
World Market’s seashell centerpiece ($45) brings a beachy feel to your table. Mix it with:
- Citrus-scented candles
- Woven placemats
- Sugar & Cloth’s geometric vases
Change things up weekly. Try fresh lemons or succulents for a new look.
Summer Flags and Banners
Amazon’s patriotic banner ($22) adds fun to your kitchen. For a complete look:
- Match colors with your appliances
- Use removable hooks
- Combine Lyla & Sage’s linen banners with wood signs
These are great above sinks or breakfast nooks.
Final Touches with Seasonal Decor
Finish your summer kitchen makeover with special touches. Add dishwasher-safe napkin holders or coastal coasters to make meals fun. These details match your kitchen’s look, from natural textures to bright appliances.
Bright Napkin Holders
Crate & Barrel’s ceramic rings ($28) in turquoise or coral make meals fancy. Match them with Maison d’Hermine’s linen napkins for a pop of color. These pieces look like art when near colorful dishes or plants.
Summer-Themed Coasters
Amazon’s cork sets ($15) with seashell designs keep your kitchen beachy. Change them up each month, like watermelon in July or palm trees in August. They look great with floral towels and citrus candles.
Fun Table Runners
Pottery Barn’s striped cotton runner ($49) brings a nautical feel to your table. For smaller spaces, try Walmart’s reversible placemats. These textiles fit any style, from farmhouse to modern, especially with fruit bowls or pitchers.
Interior designer Alexandria Kochinsky says “small changes make a big difference.” As seen in 2025 kitchen trends, thoughtful accents can change a room. Mix these touches with open shelves or bold lighting for a kitchen that’s both curated and summer-perfect.