NYC summers are a vibe. Rooftop cocktails, park picnics, and that undeniable buzz in the air. Then again, the heat, humidity, and crowds can leave you dreaming of an escape. Enter the ultimate staycation: your own space, refreshed with summer home decor ideas that turn your apartment into a personal retreat. No Hamptons house required. Just a few vacation-inspired interiors that bring the getaway to you.
Here are the summer home decor ideas we recommend to turn your NYC apartment into a getaway:
Lighten Up Your Color Palette
Dark, moody tones? Save those for sweater season. Summer is about light, fresh energy. Swap anything that feels heavy—like deep throw pillows or bulky blankets—for colors that reflect the sun and sea. Think soft white, sky blue, sea glass green, or sandy beige. Coastal decor for city apartments should feel breezy, not beach-themed.
Try this:
- Trade winter throws for airy cotton or linen in a soft coral, blues, bright greens or ivory
- Swap in lighter fabric pillow covers in white, oceanic hues, or delicate pastels
- Add a peel-and-stick wallpaper in a leafy or wave-inspired pattern for instant vacation vibes
Bring in Natural Textures
What do coastal cottages, beach bungalows, and dreamy resorts have in common? Natural textures that say, “Kick your shoes off and relax.” Channel that same feeling in your NYC apartment with rattan, jute, linen, and bamboo.
Quick upgrades:
- Lay down a jute rug for instant beach-house energy
- Swap plastic bins for woven baskets (yes, even storage can look chic)
- Add a bamboo tray to your coffee table to corral remotes and iced tea
Add Greenery That Works in the City
You might not have a backyard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a little urban oasis. These plants are perfect for NYC summer apartment updates because they bring the tropics to you without requiring a green thumb.
Low-maintenance favorites:
- Areca Palm: sunshine lover with major vacation energy
- Pothos: practically unkillable and endlessly pretty
- Bird of Paradise: makes a bold statement, no passport required
No plant skills? No worries. Try a self-watering plant, or even a palm-print throw pillow or oversized botanical art instead.
Refresh Your Bedding for Hot Nights
That plush comforter felt great in February. Now? Not so much. Switch to breathable fabrics like linen or cotton percale to stay cool and sleep better.
Easy swaps:
- Trade your duvet for a lightweight muslin quilt
- Keep it light and clean with white or soft blue sheets
- Add a woven lumbar pillow for a subtle nod to coastal style
Create a Mini Outdoor Escape
Even if your outdoor space is technically just a window ledge, you can still make it feel like a vacation spot. These summer home decor ideas work no matter your square footage.
Try this:
- Bistro set (if it’s foldable, all the better!) for your balcony or fire escape
- Potted lavender or mini lemon trees for scent and style
- Sheer white curtains to mimic a breezy Mediterranean retreat
Set the Mood with a Summer Scent
One of the fastest ways to change the vibe? The right scent. You can turn your apartment into a seaside escape, a fresh forest cabin, or a spa depending on what’s in your diffuser.
Scents that say summer:
- Coconut, sea salt, or white tea candles
- Eucalyptus or citrus room sprays
- A stovetop pot with lemon slices and rosemary for a DIY refresh
The NYC Summer Retreat You Actually Want to Come Home To
You don’t need a flight or a rental car to feel like you’re on vacation. With these summer home decor ideas, you can refresh your NYC apartment in a way that’s easy, affordable, and perfectly in season.
Want help designing your perfect summer setup? Book a free consultation and we’ll help you bring the getaway home.