Our Favorite Summer Colors for Interior Design
Discover the best summer colors for interior design in 2025. See how Justine Sterling Design uses coastal blues, greens, and warm neutrals to create timeless, sophisticated summer-inspired interiors.
Summer is a great opportunity to refresh your home with a new palette. Inspired by the natural beauty of New England, our favorite colors this season feel relaxed, refined, and perfectly suited to summer living. Here are a few ideas for bringing them into your own space.
1. Coastal Blues: Timeless Summer Look
Coastal blue is a perennial favorite for summer interiors. Inspired by sea glass, open skies, and gentle ocean waves, these soft blues bring a serene and comforting atmosphere to any space.
DESIGN TIP: Incorporate coastal blue through accessories like throw pillows, cushions, poufs, or rugs to add subtle pops of summer color. These accents bring freshness and lightness to a room without overwhelming the existing palette.
Osterville Coastal House — A family-friendly beach house designed to feel easy-breezy and joyful, with thoughtful touches and pops of coastal blue that echo the Cape’s natural beauty | Interior Design and Styling: Justine Sterling Design LLC
2. Fresh Green: The Nature-Inspired Neutral
Green hues inspired by nature can instantly lift a space, adding a sense of vitality and calm. This soft, fresh green works wonderfully as an accent color, whether in fabrics, decor, or artwork, to create a welcoming, cheerful atmosphere.
DESIGN TIP: Incorporate green accents through patterned textiles, furniture pieces, or statement lighting to subtly connect your interior to the outdoors. In one of our recent projects, these lively green touches bring a playful yet grounded feel that fits perfectly with everyday family life.
Mid Century Meets New England — A nature-inspired palette, drawn from the marshy landscape, infuses warmth and personality into this updated Colonial home, reflected beautifully in the mid-century modern details | Interior Design and Styling: Justine Sterling Design
3. Warm Whites: Classic and Airy
A bright, warm white is a summer essential in any interior color palette. White reflects natural light, making spaces feel larger and more open — exactly what you want in summer.
DESIGN TIP: Layer different textures and patterns within the warm white family to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space. Think textured wallpaper, linen Roman shades, whitewashed wood, cane details, and cozy linen upholstery, all working together to create a cozy yet airy summer vibe.
Rhode Island Coastal — A light-filled, inviting beachside home designed for relaxed summer gatherings, with seamless flow between living spaces. “Reimagined Rhode Island Escape Welcomes Visitors to the Shore,” as featured in Ocean Home. | Interior Design: Justine Sterling Design | Styling: Sean William Styling | General Contractor: Innovative Design Concepts
4. Sunny Yellows: Cheerful Summer Tones
Yellow is a joyful, energizing color that brings a sense of warmth and optimism to a space. Inspired by summer sunshine and fresh citrus, soft lemony shades can brighten interiors while still feeling elegant and balanced.
DESIGN TIP: Incorporate yellow through patterned wallpaper, cushions, or upholstery for a playful accent, or go even bolder by creating a statement with a painted vanity or a yellow backsplash!
Norwell Pool House Guest Suites — A vibrant all-season retreat designed for a fresh and uplifting guest experience. “A Massachusetts guesthouse provides an all-season escape at just the right time,” as featured in New England Home. | Interior Architecture, Design and Styling: Justine Sterling Design
5. Sandstone Beige: The Perfect Coastal Neutral
Sandstone beige is inspired by beach dunes and driftwood, bringing subtle warmth while maintaining a versatile, neutral palette. This soothing shade creates an effortless sense of calm and pairs beautifully with natural textures.
DESIGN TIP: Use sandstone beige on larger accent pieces, such as armchairs or storage pieces, to anchor the room with a soft, welcoming feel. This versatile shade pairs beautifully with wood finishes, woven textures, and greenery.
Tranquility in Weston — A serene family living space featuring layered neutrals and sandstone-inspired tones, designed to feel calm and connected to the garden views outside | Interior Design: Justine Sterling Design
How to Choose Your Summer Interior Colors
Summer colors should reflect your personal style while keeping things fresh and timeless. Whether you choose blues, greens, yellows, or natural tones think about:
How the color feels in natural light
How it pairs with your existing finishes
Whether you want a bold accent or a soft, subtle change
Ready to Refresh Your Home?
Timeless and elegant interiors tailored to your lifestyle are what we do best. If your home is ready for a refresh with a thoughtful summer palette, let’s get you signed up with a consultation with us to get started.
Warmly,
Justine
