by Meghan Marron | Jul 22, 2025
As summer glows on and the days stay warm, we’re inspired to refresh our home’s interiors with simple, seasonal updates. Here, The Agency New York’s Luke Hoback shares his favorite ways to keep spaces bright and breezy through the rest of the season—without overhauling your entire décor. From textiles to uplifting scents to creating truly transporting moments, Luke’s tips will help your home feel fresh and inviting long past Labor Day.
What’s a simple change that can make a space feel instantly more summery?
When the temperature rises, I’m a big fan of moving away from heavy textiles like flannel and wool to lighter, more breathable options like linen and jersey. A winter sheet set and a summer sheet set can not only change the aesthetic of your bedroom but also make those warm nights much more comfortable. In the living room, opt for a jersey knit throw and fold up the wool blanket for when things cool down.
What room benefits most from a summer refresh—and why?
Surprisingly, bathrooms! It’s the perfect time to change your shower curtain liner, opt for a vibrant, bright shower curtain, and consider adding some freshness with a new fragrance diffuser or something similar. A summer refresh wouldn’t be complete without a deep clean, and it’s the perfect time to open all the windows in the house and get down to business with a scrub brush in those places that haven’t seen any love during the colder months.
Have any tips for reimagining a space for the summer?
As soon as the weather hits 80 degrees, I find myself craving a spritz so I can pretend I’m on a cobblestone patio next to Lake Como. An at-home spritz bar is a great idea, and you’ll be happy you set yourself up right once Friday at 5 p.m. hits. Opt for a few varieties of aperitif — Aperol (of course), St. Germain (for a Hugo spritz), and Limoncello are great options, and round it out with your favorite prosecco, seltzer, plus a citrus and herb garnish. The ensemble looks great on the bar cart too!
What scents, colors, or materials instantly make a home feel refreshed for summer?
Citrus, pastels, and florals all bring light and air into a space. I’m a big fan of using a grapefruit essential oil in my diffuser — it fills the room with a delicious, tart aroma and plays perfectly off the citrus you’re obviously now using on your spritz bar after reading this article!
What’s one easy-to-add element that brings a summer vibe home?
Bring fresh flowers into the house! If you’re lucky enough to have a vibrant garden outside, embrace the first opportunity to go out and snip together a beautiful arrangement for the kitchen table. At my house, we support our local bodega and get two bouquets every week — one for the foyer, and one for the living room. The colors play off of each other, and the variety from changing it week to week keeps everything feeling fresh.
In a summer state of mind? See our Summer Design Trends.
Already thinking ahead to Fall? Check out Luke’s tips to help revamp your home for the cozy season.