It’s hard to believe, but we’re almost halfway through August. If June is considered the Friday of summer, then August is the laid-back Sunday morning. I’ve previously written about the colors of summer, specifically August colors, and it’s a topic rich with content to discuss.
While I do love talking about the romantic, poetic, and captivating essence of August as a season, I wanted to take an opportunity to provide you with some design ideas and August color palettes so you can take action and design some wonderful outdoor spaces for you and your loved ones to enjoy!
As the summer winds down into a more relaxed state and we slowly transition into fall, it’s important not to rush the seasons and appreciate everything each month provides us.
While August is still very much in the heart of summer, seasonally speaking, I find that August’s tones, hues, and color selections are much better suited to be a little more relaxed than some of the more “excited” colors we embrace in May, June, and July.
To me, August is sitting on the beach in the late afternoon, watching hazy skies and slow sunsets cascade soft pinks, greys, and purples across the sky. The sunlight transitions from a fiery yellow to a slightly softer white. The plants, grass, and trees have lost some of their rich and striking green as the lack of rain and summer heat have driven them into a more relaxed state. Nature is more subdued, and I find most people try to relax as well in August – so how do we represent the emotions of August with our decor?
Wait a minute… I must bring up a pet peeve of mine, and I think you’ll agree with me here. The mistake I’m referencing is adding fall-themed colors and decor long before the season has arrived. This design confusion happens because businesses of all types try to force the fall purchasing season to happen as early as possible (pumpkin ales in August?). But don’t feel that you need to fall into this buying trend.
While I love fall, cornucopias, pumpkins, cornstalks, and fall colors as much as the next person, this decor doesn’t belong in August, not when there are still 6+ weeks of summer left to enjoy! You CAN use rustic or farmhouse design elements in August, but don’t mistake something rustic for something fall-themed. Try to let each season get its deserved time in the spotlight – there’s plenty of time for fall design in late September, October, and November.
If you’re like me, you will cherish every blissful morning, warm afternoon, and lazy-hazy summer evening outside until the weather forces us to no longer use our outdoor spaces; this is why I implore you to take the opportunity now and update your porches, patios, or even poolside with August color palettes that support the beauty of the season!
The front door is often overlooked in the summertime, but it can be a place to highlight the colors and flora of the season. A wreath of sunflowers or dried wildflowers as a centerpiece can be a lovely way to represent August to all your visitors! The golds, lazy yellows, browns, and even rust colors are reminiscent of walking through a field on a sunny August afternoon.
If you’re blessed with a porch to lounge on throughout August, take some softer summery earth tones and dress them on furniture or architectural features. For example, some muted tangerine or warm yellow curtains, whether they are indoor or outdoor, bring the glow of the summer sun indoors, and give off a warm but relaxing presence. Another idea is adding soft gray or sage-green pillows atop rustic lounges and chairs to complete the vibe.
While looking for a relaxing atmosphere, don’t be afraid to add color to those rockers on the front porch. I suggest trying a dusty teal or soft blue. A color popular during the summer, but certainly a relaxing color to enjoy all year long!
The summer patio is a blank slate to inspired colors and decor, so use it to its fullest in August! Whether you have a slate patio bordering a garden, a cement poolside patio, or a simple pergola in the backyard, it’s prime real estate for August color palettes and decor.
Even if you don’t have tons of materials to work with, a color specialist can do much to bring a patio to life. Keeping things simple can often yield the best results. For example, fill some old mason jars with lemons, sunflowers, or sea glass, and boom, there’s a centerpiece for each table or end table!
A rustic picnic table with a soft khaki-colored table cloth adorned with pink and cream-colored flower arrangements looks delightful for an afternoon luncheon with family and friends. Hang some patio string lights above you to enjoy slow afternoons as they transition into enchanted evenings.
Spending evenings outdoors tends to happen often at the very end of summer in my family. Evenings outside, savoring the evening breeze, there’s nothing like it. That is part of the incentive for decorating at this time of year. Our needs change, and the space gradually slows down as summer comes to a close.
So, how do you feel about August? Do you enjoy the quieter aspects as the summer winds down, or do you keep your activities revved up all summer long? Let me know. Please comment below!
If you’re looking for some unique August color palettes or even wish to design your own, check out the Color911 app! It’s a one-stop color solution for people looking to surround themselves with inspiration. Take the opportunity to find your own inspiration by scrolling through the color themes, each with its unique vibe. You might find the fresh idea or new look you’ve been waiting for!
