Summer is the time for inviting the outdoors in, and bringing the indoors out. That's the focus to summer decorating - everything comes down to that!

Indoor summer decorating is based on light colors, light styles, and light fabrics. Furniture is light and cool, curtains are light and breezy, and everything is arranged with breeze and sunshine in mind. So how can you actually do this in your home? Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

First take a look at your colors... if you've chosen light colors for your year-round look in your home, then you won't have much changing to do. But if you've chosen dark colors, then giving your home decorating a summer touch will be a little more challenging. I suggest taking a look at your colors to see what lighter variations of your color scheme you can create for the summer. Do you usually use a lighter color for an accent color? Maybe you can use that color more prominently. Do you usually use a dark blue? Maybe there is a shade of lighter blue that will look wonderful. Or maybe you can just use more white and ivory and turn your darker colors into accents! Whatever you decide, keep this new color scheme variation in mind as you work more specifically on your summer decorating.

Slipcovers are great for their practicality, as well as for their look. When you and/or children are running in and out all summer, the furniture will get soiled faster, so it's wonderful to be able to slip the covers off and throw them in the wash! But they're great for adding a summer touch, too. What better way to lighten up your comfortable warm winter sofa, then to cover it with a creamy yellow chintz slipcover for summer? There are many slipcovers that take only basic sewing skills; and many places now offer one-size-fits-most slipcovers. Or you can go for the formal look and have custom-fitted slipcovers made... you should be able to find someone in your area to come and create a unique pattern for each piece, directly from your furniture. And if none of these are within your budget or capabilities, then try draping a white or ivory throw over the back or your darker furniture, and putting light-colored covers on the sofa pillows to lighten it up and create a new summer look.

You can also do quite a bit by just changing or adding tablecloths or runners on your dining table, bedside tables, decorator tables, and coffee tables. Even just a little bit of white lace on a dark wood sofa table can really add a lighter, summer touch.

What can you do with your heavy winter draperies? You don't have to take them down to lighten the look... consider changing just the valence and tieback to a lighter color. Or maybe you can hang them in a different way. Look through catalogs and magazines for unique ways to hang draperies.

Bring the outdoors in! Add fresh flowers or grasses in vases or baskets to tabletops, counter tops, and shelves. Explore the possibilities... you don't have to buy roses or carnations. Azaleas, forsythias, lilies, and many other common yard shrubs and flowers can make beautiful casual arrangements. Even twigs and branches can be quite decorative if you use your imagination. You can change your scarf valence's scroll brackets with small grapevine wreaths for a rustic summer touch. And use silk florals to add a touch of the outdoors to windows and walls. Browse my Florals department for ideas or to order something!

And bring the indoors out! Extend your living areas to a porch, lanai, patio, or yard. Create an outdoor room with seating, tables, accessories, and lighting. For seating, bring out some of your indoor furniture, especially simple, light chairs and tables. If you already have outdoor furniture, brighten them up with colorful cushions or slipcovers. Drape a light table cloth over your patio table and bring out a decorator table or two with bright table skirt. Bring out a few accessories to make the space more inviting. Vases, baskets and candles make nice outdoor accessories. Include your hanging and potted plants as accessories in your room. And choose some lighting for cooler evening hours. Candles and lanterns are nice choices, and many can be purchased that double as bug repellent. Bring them all together to form a comfortable outdoor room that will beckon you and your visitors to enjoy summer's relaxing pleasures.