When the weather outside starts warming up and the sun sticks around a little longer each day, it’s only natural to crave a change indoors too—especially in the place where you spend most of your daylight hours. That office you’ve been sitting in all through winter? It probably still has the same heavy vibe that made sense back when the days were gray and short. But now? Not so much. Summer calls for something lighter, something fresher. Something that makes you feel like rolling up your sleeves and tackling the day instead of slogging through it with another lukewarm coffee. If your workspace is feeling stale, you don’t need to knock down walls or buy all new furniture. Just a few thoughtful changes can make the entire space feel like a breath of fresh air.
Start With Color—Even Just One New One Can Change the Mood
Nothing sets the tone in a room quite like color. That deep gray or moody green you loved in October might suddenly feel like it’s pressing in on you now that the sun is blazing outside. The quickest fix? Swap it for something lighter. If repainting feels like too much work, think in smaller ways. A new throw pillow on the guest chair, a pastel or sunny-hued desk mat, a swap from dark storage bins to something in wicker or cream—little updates like that can shift the whole feeling. Even your pen holder can contribute. When the colors in your space start to reflect the world outside—sky blues, leafy greens, sand tones—you’ll find yourself breathing a little easier just sitting down.
Natural light should get to do its thing, so if you’re still using blackout curtains or heavy blinds, it might be time to reconsider. Lightweight cotton or linen curtains let in soft light without blinding you. And if you’re one of those folks who doesn’t get much sunlight because your office is in the basement or tucked away, bring the feeling of it in through color. Yellow accents mimic sunshine. Pale wood furniture feels like the boardwalk. Think about what summer feels like to you, and try to sneak that into the palette.
Clear Out the Clutter and Make Space for Movement
During winter, it’s easy to let your desk become a bit of a catch-all. There’s something comforting about layers and stacks when you’re trying to stay warm. But once summer hits, all that stuff starts to feel like it’s closing in on you. Even if you swear your piles are organized, they’re still piles—and they weigh on your brain. Clearing out physical clutter almost always makes mental space.
Start by picking up everything and asking yourself if it belongs there. That extra stapler you haven’t used since December? Gone. The stack of receipts from last quarter? File it or shred it. If you can see your desk surface again, you’re off to a good start. Try rearranging things to encourage movement. Maybe your filing cabinet works better a little farther from the desk so you have to actually stand up and stretch to get to it. Small changes like that trick your body into being more active, even in tiny ways.
And speaking of small changes, think about scent too. A light citrus or herbal candle—or even just an open window—can freshen the air and make you feel like you’re working somewhere completely new. The trend of coworking spaces leans into this concept: open, breezy, and minimal. There’s no reason your home office or private desk can’t do the same. You just have to be intentional about it.
Bring in Art That Actually Feels Alive
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel brand new is to hang something different on the wall. But don’t just grab the nearest framed quote and call it a day. Summer energy is all about creativity and movement, so bring that in with something unexpected. Watercolor prints, line drawings, mixed-media pieces—these all add texture and depth without overpowering the room. And if you’re looking for a conversation piece or something that really shifts the feel of the space, start browsing original abstract drawings for sale online. There are tons of artists putting out vibrant, energetic work that can totally redefine your wall—and your headspace. Skip the big-box stuff and find something that feels personal. The right piece of art can quietly shift your entire mood each time you glance at it.
If you’re not ready to commit to nails in the wall, lean your art on a shelf or even set a small piece right on your desk. Art doesn’t have to be precious or formal to count—it just has to make you feel something. And in the long stretch of summer workdays, having something visual to break the monotony is surprisingly helpful.
Let Your Desk Reflect the Season, Not Just the Job
Think of your desk as a mini version of the office itself. If it’s still all winter-dark and heavy, you’re missing a chance to breathe some life into your workday. You don’t need a beach theme or a full-blown makeover. Try a plant. Even a tiny one. Or swap out your old notebook for one in a lighter color. A new mug for your iced coffee. A wireless charger in a fresh material. Desk decor is like jewelry—it should change with the season, even if just a little.
And don’t underestimate the impact of texture. A rattan desk organizer, a stone coaster, a ceramic tray for paperclips—these are all ways to add summer style without adding clutter. Your desk doesn’t need to be showroom-perfect. It just needs to make you want to sit down and stay awhile.
Don’t Forget About Comfort—Summer Style Doesn’t Mean Stiff
Finally, check in with how your office actually feels, physically. Is your chair still doing its job, or has it become more of a prop? Is your back sore by 3pm because you’re leaning toward the screen? Summer is the season of ease—so lean into that. A new lumbar cushion or lighter fabric seat cover can be surprisingly refreshing. And don’t ignore your feet. Swapping in a woven rug or even a smooth bamboo mat under your desk changes the feel of the entire workspace.
If you’re barefoot at home during the summer, your office floor should feel good underfoot. Comfort matters. It’s not a luxury—it’s what keeps you from counting the minutes until the end of the day.
In the end, summer decorating isn’t about being trendy or doing what everyone else is doing. It’s about paying attention to what your space needs to help you feel good again. A little color, some breathing room, fresh art, and a touch of comfort might be all it takes to turn your office into the one place you actually want to be on a warm, bright Monday morning.