Skip to Content

Give Your Apartment a Summer Glow-Up: Easy Refresh Ideas for Renters

A bright living room with a plush couch, a central coffee table, and shelves lined with various books.Summer is an ideal season for giving your living space a new look and feel. Even small, simple changes can transform an apartment into a lighter, brighter, cooler, more welcoming space for the summer months — no expensive renovations required! We’ve rounded up our top tips for a summer apartment refresh you’ll love, from renter-friendly decor ideas to ways to stay cool!

Small Changes for a Big Impact

An apartment refresh can be affordable and doesn’t require making any permanent changes to your home. In fact, a refreshed living space can boost comfort, improve your mood, and make entertaining more enjoyable, all without breaking the bank. With just a few small changes, you can complete an affordable refresh that is easy to implement on a busy schedule.

Start with a Clean Slate

Decluttering for a bit more breathing room is one of the best first steps in any apartment refresh. When the idea of decluttering feels tiring, try approaching it gradually instead. Here are a few simple things you can do to cut down on clutter around your apartment:

  • Remove items that are unwanted or no longer needed.
  • Tidy up your storage spaces.
  • Donate things sitting unused.
  • Open up crowded spaces by simplifying them.

Because it instantly makes rooms feel lighter and more open, reducing clutter is step one in any apartment refresh. You’ll also get a clearer sense of what you already own, and may spot unused items worth folding into your redecorating plans.

Bring Summer Comfort Indoors

Although heavy fabrics feel cozy in cooler weather, they can be too much once summer arrives. Swapping heavy fabrics for lighter-weight textiles is an easy way to give your home a quick refresh. For example, consider cooling bedding, sheer window curtains, and lightweight throws instead of heavier options. Using lighter colors and fabrics can also help create a cooler, brighter atmosphere in each room.

However, if wall-to-wall neutrals don’t appeal to you, adding seasonal color accents can also liven up a room nicely. In fact, a few season-inspired accents can quickly brighten your space and get your apartment summer-ready. With the right colors, you can transform a room without spending a lot. Colorful pillows, artwork, and seasonal accessories offer an easy way to refresh your decor for the season.

Maximize Natural Light

With summer’s longer days, there’s a great opportunity to let sunlight brighten up your apartment. Natural light can elevate your mood while putting your prized possessions in their best light. Increasing natural light starts with clean windows and clearing out anything obstructing the light. Choose lighter window treatments and position mirrors strategically to brighten up dark corners. Good natural light can make even small spaces feel more spacious and apartments feel more welcoming.

Extend Your Living Space Outdoors

A little outdoor influence is essential to any complete summer refresh. Summer is a great time to turn a balcony or patio into a comfortable outdoor oasis you’ll enjoy relaxing in. Cozy seating, extra cushions, string lights, and an outdoor rug are all renter-friendly ways to refresh a balcony.

Working natural greenery into your apartment is another simple way to refresh it. A few low-maintenance potted plants, vines, or shrubs can add texture, freshness, and visual appeal to any space, inside or outside. Given the right elements, your balcony or patio has the potential to become a favorite summer gathering spot.

Keeping Summer Organized and Guest-Ready

An apartment that’s refreshed and summer-ready includes practical organization along with guest-ready details. For instance, clutter tends to gather around entryways, closets, and areas used for gear storage. By investing in some organizing bins or cabinets, you can corral your favorite summer supplies while keeping your apartment clean and relaxing.

Part of this is making sure the setup suits both you and the guests you host. You might set up a beverage station, designate a spot for game night essentials, or add comfortable seating and dining, all of which help ready your apartment for guests. It also makes hosting a more enjoyable, easier experience for you!

Your Summer Glow-Up

Taking care of a few easy seasonal decor updates now can help you achieve a complete apartment refresh without spending a lot.

On the other hand, if you’re on the hunt for a rental home you’ll love all year long, give your local Real Property Management Bluegrass office a call! Our listings include quality rental homes close to you. You could discover a home that matches your lifestyle all year long!


This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details