'I'm an interior design expert - there are 8 ways to update your home for summer without spending a lot of time or money'

So, how can you go about creating the perfect summertime environment without breaking the bank? Here are some practical tips:

Change up the colours

Cushions, curtains, accessories – these are all items that can be changed easily without it becoming a huge expense.

And when it comes to preparing for the arrival of a new season, colours are one of the most important things to consider. Stripes are one of the staples of a summertime look, as well as brighter or pastel tones, soft yellows, sky blue, peach or mint green.

Financially, it also makes sense to own summery accessories when it comes to preparing your home for the warmer months, and then store them during the rest of the year, so that it doesn’t become an unnecessary expense.

Bring in greenery

Adding more greenery to your home is a great way to prepare it for the summer. It makes for a great first impression to walk into a home and see all those bright colours – it really does scream summer.

And there’s no reason why plants can’t be a part of your decor during other months, such as spring.

Create an outdoor living space

Having an outdoor space to make the most of the nice weather is a must, and not just for when guests come over. Having that dedicated corner in your garden or balcony gives you that sense of novelty and excitement that really gets you in the mood for summer, and it’s really the only season when you can do this.

But to make sure that what you buy isn’t just used for two or three months of the year, you should invest in versatile furniture such as chairs and tables that look good both indoors and outdoors. That way, once summer is over, you can re-use them to create a cosy little seating area indoors by adding throws, candles and cushions.

Switch up your wall decor

Changing up your wall decor is another great way to achieve a striking summertime look without spending too much.

Hanging up summer-themed art in the right colours, such as beach scenes or anything with flowers or leaves can help create the right environment for the right price.

Swap out textiles

Light, breathable fabrics such as linen, silk or cotton are key to creating a bright, airy, summer feel in your home. Adding light linens instead of heavy bedding, refreshing accent cushions, and swapping out dark, heavy curtains are all great ways to achieve this.

Embrace minimalism by decluttering

An open, airy feel is key during the summer months, so decluttering is another way to achieve this – and it's free.

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Putting away unnecessary throws and blankets, clearing clutter from corners and nightstands, and reorganising your coffee book tables and magazines can make a huge difference in how various rooms in the house look and feel. Using woven baskets to store all of this is really a win-win, as these are a particularly summery item.

Seasonal accents

There is a range of accessories you could bring in for the summer season that don’t have to be a huge expense. Think beachy or tropical decor: driftwood, anything with shells or jute rugs, for instance.

Consider lighting, too – using warm LED bulbs is preferable in the summer, and you could also try adding in a shell lamp, or a lamp with a woven or light-coloured shade for an extra touch.

Consider scents

Scents in a home are perhaps an underrated way to welcome in a new season. Use citrus, mint, or coconut-scented candles or oil diffusers to trigger a sensory shift into summer quite effortlessly.

Interior and homes expert Kate Conrad is the founder of Madison and Mayfair. For more information visit: https://madisonandmayfair.com/