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Summer Color Trends: 5 Vibrant Hues To Brighten Up Your Space

By Victoria Christie On

There’s something about the warm weather and endless sunshine that inspires us to embrace bold color in our closets and in our homes.

From tart lemon to fresh mint, click through to learn how to decorate with five of summer’s juiciest hues.

Tart Lemon

A coat of sunny yellow paint — Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow — feel fresh and inviting in designer Luke Havekes’ charming country retreat in Knowlton, Quebec.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens
  • Designer Luke Havekes

House & Home September 2019

In this eclectic gathering place, a saturated yellow wall provides a place for the eye to rest, without taking away from the patinated furniture, quirky wallpaper and rich leather armchair.

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Jeff Stober, Joyce Lo & Carlo Colacci

House & Home August 2019

You’ll want to kick your feet up on this spacious L-shaped sofa in a zesty lemon hue. A kids’ media room is a safe place to take risks with color!

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Architecture by Superkül

House & Home January 2020

Designer Emily Griffin knows a thing or two about embracing bold design moves — and she’s not afraid to mix them all together! Graphic black and white chevron flooring and notice-me yellow wallpaper are an unexpected combination in an entryway.

Learn more colorful decorating tips from Emily on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Sian Richards
  • Designer Emily Griffin

House & Home October 2019

We can’t get enough of this cheerful 1970s camper named Poppy! The yellow exterior gives this family rig a vintage vibe — just think about all of the Instagram-worthy photo ops!

  • Photographer Phil Crozier
  • Designer Reena Sotropa

House & Home June 2020

In this colorful Montreal home, zesty yellow upholstery livens up the living room seating, encouraging guests to kick back and stay awhile.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens

House & Home June 2019

An unexpected shot of citrus takes this elegant pied-à-terre‘s principal bedroom from bland to bold. Embracing this summer color trend in small doses leads to big payoffs.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Colette van den Thillart

House & Home June 2019

This historic home’s entryway makes a cheerful first impression, thanks to the attention-grabbing rug and playful bird print by British photographer Luke Stephenson.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Stephanie Pellatt, Pivot Design; Leanne Tammaro and Adolphina Karachok, Designtheory

House & Home April 2017

You can’t help but smile when you look at this cheerful and whimsical playroom. Rainbow hot air balloons seem to be floating mid-air, while sunny yellow chairs ground the space.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Brittaney Elgner, Olly + Em

House & Home July 2018

Snob founder Denise Zidel masterfully mixes vibrant color with global-inspired design in her quirky principal bedroom — like this yellow velvet head and footboard paired with a two-headed camel bench.

Tour the colorful space on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Denise Zidel

House & Home February 2019

Shocking Pink

In designer Brenda Danso‘s newly-transformed daughters’ bedroom, a statement-making wallpaper — created by artist Brittni Bell — brings the compact space to life.

  • Photographer Janelle Gokule Interior
  • Designer Brenda Danso

If a vibrant pink wall seems a little out of your comfort zone, don’t fret. Designer Virginie Martocq embraced a sunset-inspired palette in small doses — on throw pillows, accent chairs and blankets.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Virginie Martocq

House & Home August 2017

For a Canadiana cottage feel, Emily opted for an antique pool table with a shocking pink-red velvet top. It feels right at home with vintage skis hanging on the wall.

See more of this cozy and colorful barn on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Emily Griffin

House & Home July/August 2020

Something as simple as a piece of art can enliven a room with color — just look to this dramatic principal bathroom. A crisp white wall provides a gallery-like backdrop for this commanding artwork.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Daniel Harland, Roundabout Studio

House & Home May 2020

Pair pink with other complimentary hues, like cobalt blue and zesty yellow. “The key is to choose what you love — as long as you can still see yourself loving it 10 years from now,” says designers Cuisines Steam of this playful kitchen eating area.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens
  • Designer Cuisines Steam

House & Home February 2020

A coat of bubble gum paint breathes new life into old wooden cabinets for an unexpected pop of color in the otherwise neutral kitchen.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens

House & Home June 2019

In designer Patti Rosati‘s collected condo, a burst of coral brings the hot summer weather indoors with this plush pillow. Sprinkling a room with colorful accessories is an easy way to test-drive trendy hues because they can easily be replaced season to season.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Patti Rosati

House & Home March 2019

“When we stumble upon things we love, we find a space for them,” says homeowner Ali Yaphe of the entryway’s shocking pink rug. Her daughter Annie seems to approve of the colorful space, too.

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Ali Yaphe & Mazen El-Abdallah

House & Home February 2019

If you want to fully embrace this color trend, give your home plenty of curb appeal with a bright door. A macramé wall hanging adds a bohemian touch.

  • Photographer Tracey Ayton
  • Designer Jennifer Scott

House & Home June 2017

In editorial director Alice Lawlor’s English-inspired kitchen, Osborne & Little’s graphic wallpaper — adorned with pops of pink — adds wow-factor.

Watch this galley kitchen makeover on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Sarah Hartill

House & Home March 2017

Electric Chartreuse

A curvaceous armchair and matching ottoman feel at home in this curated den. The sweet pea color can also be found in the artwork hanging above the fireplace.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Architecture by Superkül

House & Home January 2020

In this high-fashion principal bedroom, a pistachio rolled arm bench is the perfect place to perch while getting ready in the morning.

See more of this historical home on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Ines Mazzotta, Kelly Hopter Interiors

House & Home June 2017

You won’t believe this tropical-inspired hangout is a garage! Chartreuse bentwood bistro chairs pop against the dark teal millwork, drawing you to come closer and pull up a chair.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Artistic Gardens

House & Home July 2013

Who says cheetah and green don’t go together? A velvet headboard is the perfect place to add some wow-factor to your principal bedroom. Plus, this nature-inspired hue is timeless.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Michael Angus

House & Home August 2019

Speaking of nature, designer Robyn Rider’s garden-inspired living room brings the outdoors in. When paired with floral fabrics and earthy textiles, light chartreuse doesn’t feel overpowering.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Robyn Rider, Robyn Madeline Interiors

House & Home August 2019

“I love the idea that I made an old piece modern by setting on a lime green plinth,” says Denise of the antique vase that dates back to 800 B.C.

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Denise Zidel

House & Home February 2019

A pair of vibrant green chairs are a highlight in the neutral palette of this arts and crafts home, juicing up a classic mid-century shape.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Stephanie Pellatt, Pivot Design; Leanne Tammaro & Adolphina Karachok, Designtheory

House & Home April 2017

“I designed a banquette with Queen Anne-style legs and green velvet upholstery to add color to the kitchen,” says designer Joel Bray of his gutted-to-gorgeous Victorian abode.

Watch the impressive transformation on HHTV.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Joel Bray

House & Home April 2018

Palm leaf wallpaper makes this colorful Vancouver loft’s petite bathroom feel that much more spacious.

  • Photographer Tracey Ayton

House & Home September 2017

In this Victorian heritage home’s light-filled principal bedroom, chartreuse pillows tie in the lush foliage framing the bed and juxtapose beautifully with the tufted bubble gum sofa.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Elle Patille

House & Home December 2018

Fresh Mint

In this 250-square-foot bunkie, designer James Davie swathed his compact kitchen’s cabinets in a calming blue-green color. Matching light fixtures tie the whole look together.

  • Photographer Donna Griffith
  • Designer James Davie

House & Home August 2017

When the ocean is in your backyard, there’s no need to decorate to the nines. This Palm Beach bedroom‘s cool tones pay homage to the lapping waves just outside the window, while also reinforcing the comes-as-you-are sensibility of beach living.

  • Photographer Jessica Glynn
  • Designer Haynes-Roberts; Architecture by Addison Mizner

House & Home October 2019

Take a glass shower from drab to fab with eye-catching mint tiles in a unique semi-circle shape.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Ami McKay, Pure Design Inc.

House & Home March 2020

If you want to dip your toe into decorating with mint, try serveware in this sweet hue. Display ceramics on open shelving, so they can get the attention they deserve.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Vi Jull

House & Home July 2016

This laid-back principal bedroom is all about subtle contrasts. The peach velvet bed frame and natural wood side table juxtapose beautifully with the mint-colored portrait.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Jamie Hamilton & Greer Nelson, Oliver Simon Design

House & Home February 2020

The homeowners’ love of sea glass was the inspiration behind the frosted-glass backsplash in this Prince Edward Island kitchen.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Architecture by David Lopes

House & Home July 2019

No corner is left without a healthy dose of color in this cheerful abode, including the monochrome principal bathroom, where a frosty stool leaves a lasting impression.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens

House & Home June 2019

Swathing a door in a cool minty hue is an easy way to get beach house style, whether you’re in the city or the country — just look to designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski’s cozy getaway on Lake Huron.

  • Photographer Patrick Biller
  • Designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski

House & Home July 2019

A coat of vibrant blue paint refreshes a vintage chair in this charming entryway.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Janine Morrison

House & Home August 2018

“The color is so soft and subtle it can feel like a neutral,” says designer Ami McKay of the millennial-approved mint cabinets. “It can read more grey in the morning, depending on the light, and bluer at other times. We get tons of compliments on it.”

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Ami McKay, Pure Design Inc.

House & Home March 2019

Mossy Green

This handsome studio’s gold and green wallpaper, antique picture frame and storied desk oozes heritage charm.

  • Photographer Janet Kimber
  • Designer Colin Blanchard & Kenneth McRobbie, 31 Westgate

House & Home July/August 2020

“This kitchen is truly a bespoke experience and uniquely tailored,” says designer Jack Creasy of Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry. “I love the dramatic presence of the Lacanche range in that off-black color; it’s also soothing against the green.”

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Jack Creasy, Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry

House & Home March 2020

Brass and earthy green are a match made in design heaven! Designer Heidi Caillier energized this powder room with earth-toned beadboard walls, giving the space a cottage feel.

  • Photographer Haris Kenjar
  • Designer Heidi Caillier

House & Home March 2020

In designer Carmeon Hamilton‘s principal bedroom, a vintage leather armchair and textured drapery in this nature-inspired color add plenty of richness and depth.

  • Photographer Kim Thomas
  • Designer Carmeon Hamilton, Nubi Interiors

“The house is filled with different woods and black, gray and white so, in the kitchen, we wanted something colorful, rich and slightly traditional,” says homeowner  Kendra Patton of the green cabinets.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Peter Atkinson

House & Home May 2020

As soon as you step into designer Sam Sacks’ breezy and bohemian cottage, an earthy green door sets the tone. White barnboard walls, a rustic bench and woven accessories warm up the entryway.

Escape to Sam’s country oasis on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Sam Sacks

House & Home July 2019

Benjamin Moore’s Crushing Green (HC-125) makes this principal bedroom feel like a cozy alcove. Plus, a rich wood headboard and side table keeps the space from feeling too stark.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Kyla Bidgood & Kris Hageland, Bidgood + Co

House & Home March 2019

Designer Francesca Albertazzi makes a case for colored cabinets in her renovated childhood home. The custom cool-toned green hue punches up the understated backsplash and unconventional runner made out of carpet tiles.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Francesca Albertazzi

House & Home June 2019

For a dose of luxury, reupholster a tufted sofa in a rich green velvet, as seen in this Tuscan-inspired living room. Drawing inspiration from nature’s lush landscape brings the outdoors in.

  • Photographer André Rider
  • Designer Alexandre Blazys & Benoit Gérard, BlazysGérard

House & Home October 2018

A custom vanity — complete with brass hardware, quartz countertops and a coat of mossy green paint — gives this sleek bathroom a personalized touch

Watch this dramatic bathroom transformation on H&H TV.

  • Photographer Jason Stickley
  • Designer Orsi Panos

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