Sunshine, Style, and Sips: A Peek into Our Team’s Summer Favorites
Sure, they can pick the perfect paint color with their eyes closed. But what are our designers sipping by the pool? What summer songs are they blasting on their speakers? We asked the Affordable Interior Design team to share their warm-weather must-haves—from childhood memories to current summer interior design trends—and their answers did not disappoint.
Here’s how our team is soaking up the season:
What’s your go-to summer drink?
Betsy:
Josh Sparkling Rosé—dry, crisp, and basically made for a BBQ. Betsy pairs it with hot dogs or strawberry shortcake because she’s fancy like that.
Paulina:
Nothing beats a chilled glass of Italian Limonata—zingy, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing.
Anita:
She calls it her “Special Soda”: 50/50 flavored seltzer and low-cal lemonade. Super light, super refreshing, and delightfully bubbly.
Shannon:
When it’s five o’clock somewhere? A Painkiller cocktail. When it’s not? Lavender Lemonade. Equal parts laid-back and luxe.
Cocktail version. | Non-alcoholic version.
Bethel:
Hot tea with lime, no matter the season. Some habits are timeless.
What’s your favorite summer memory as a kid?
Betsy:
Sleepaway camp in Iowa. While most kids were dodging bugs, Betsy was doing endless laps in the pool, loving every minute.
Paulina:
Summers at the Baltic Sea—sun, sand, and sweet memories.
Anita:
Owning the pool club with her siblings. They had the grounds memorized, the snacks packed, and the best picnic setup on the lawn.
Shannon:
Shannon split her time between the Jersey Shore and summer camp in the Poconos. Double the adventure, double the fun.
Bethel:
Playing board games and bike rides with friends—classic, cozy, and completely carefree.
What’s one thing you always have in your beach/pool bag?
Betsy:
Cape Cod chips (because cravings are real) and her Kindle—good snacks and good stories are a summer must.
Paulina:
Sunscreen! Because glowing skin > sunburn.
Anita:
Sunscreen lip balm, Buddhist magazines, and probably the calmest beach bag in town.
Supergoop! Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm with Peptides and Shea Butter, $22 at Sephora
Shannon:
Sunscreen (naturally) and her trusty Target sandals—cute, comfy, and always on hand.
Bethel:
A wide-brim hat, because sun protection is always in style.
What summer song instantly puts you in a good mood?
Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter—nostalgic, sweet, and perfectly summer.
Paulina:
She couldn’t pick just one… but we’re guessing anything with a good beat and a summer breeze vibe fits the bill.
Anita:
A tie between Doin’ Time by Sublime and Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers—both guaranteed to turn up the chill.
Shannon:
Summer in the City by The Lovin’ Spoonful—retro, upbeat, and full of hot pavement energy.
Bethel:
Reckless Love by Cory Asbury—sunshine for the soul.
What’s your favorite summer design trend right now?
Betsy:
She’s all in on arched-top furniture. It’s tall, it’s graceful, and it softens those hard corners we’ve all had enough of.
Paulina:
Paulina is loving textures. It’s a summer interior design trend that never goes out of style. Think airy, layered linens, nubby upholstery, crisp rattan, and anything that begs to be touched.
Anita:
It’s all about Biophilic Design—natural materials like wood, stone, and clay bringing the outdoors in and serenity with it.
Shannon:
Give her traditional and vintage vibes this season. A little classic charm never goes out of style.
Bethel:
Mid-century forever. Clean lines and nostalgic flair? Yes, please.
Ready to Style Your Summer?
Whether you’re inspired by lavender lemonade or arched display cabinets, our designers are full of ideas to make your summer space stylish, functional, and full of personality. Need help bringing your seasonal vision to life?
Book a complimentary consultation with our team—and let the sunshine in.
