A Breath of Fresh Air: 5 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Warmer Weather

The first real warmth of the year has arrived. In Bristol, Bath, and across Somerset, there’s a collective sense of lightness in the air. Windows are cracked open, heavier layers are packed away, and the urge to freshen up our homes seems to rise with the temperature. It’s not summer yet but the weather has taken a welcome turn, inviting us to embrace a seasonal shift in how we live and how our spaces feel.

At Design Seven, we believe your interior should evolve with the rhythm of the year. A few thoughtful changes can help you feel more in tune with your environment, creating calm, clarity, and comfort. Whether you’re in a period terrace in Clifton, a new build in Bath, or a rural retreat in Somerset, here are six simple yet transformative ways to bring a breath of fresh air into your home this May.

1. Introduce Seasonal Colour Accents

You don’t need to repaint your whole house to embrace a seasonal refresh. Simply introducing a few accent pieces in spring-inspired tones - think fern green, sky blue, terracotta, or pale clay - can lift a space and subtly signal the change in season.

Cushions, ceramics, glassware, even artwork are easy ways to test a new colour without commitment. Layering in natural colours can also make your home feel more in tune with its surroundings.

Where to look: Reason Interiors in Bishopston, Bristol, offers a curated selection of home accessories and gifts in seasonal tones, perfect for adding subtle pops of colour to your interiors.

2. Refresh with Greenery

Plants are one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to bring energy and freshness into your home. A few well-chosen houseplants can completely change the feel of a room. Consider sculptural greenery like monstera or fiddle-leaf figs for living spaces, or smaller herbs and trailing plants in kitchens and bathrooms.

Plants don’t just look good - they improve air quality and promote a sense of calm. And as a bonus, they bring that unmistakable sense of life into a space.

Where to source: Botanica Studio in Bath offers a curated selection of indoor plants, pots, and accessories, perfect for refreshing your space this season.

3. Maximise Natural Light

In May, natural light is abundant - so make the most of it. Pull back heavy curtains during the day and consider replacing them with sheers or lighter blinds to let the sunlight filter in.

Mirrors are another smart solution: placing one opposite a window can double the light in a room. Look for pieces with soft, rounded edges or natural wood frames to keep the mood relaxed and organic.

Where to look: Mon Pote in South Bristol offers a curated selection of home accessories, including mirrors and lighting solutions that can help enhance the natural light in your home.

4. Curate a Calmer Space with Decluttering

The warmer weather often brings a desire to streamline and simplify. Take stock of what you have and what you no longer need. A good declutter can be as refreshing as a new coat of paint. Focus on open surfaces, clear sightlines, and thoughtful object placement.

You might not need to go full minimalist, but even a few conscious edits can make your home feel more spacious, clean, and calming. Use decorative storage to keep essentials close but out of view.

Where to browse: Berdoulat in Bath has a gorgeous selection of handmade and reclaimed pieces, including storage that doesn’t sacrifice on style.

5. Add Natural, Sustainable Touches

The shift into warmer months is a good time to rethink materials. Natural textures - rattan, cork, wood, jute - feel fresher and more seasonally appropriate than plastic or metal-heavy alternatives. They also help soften a space, making it more tactile and inviting.

Small changes can have big impact: a jute rug in place of a dense wool one, a rattan lamp in the corner of your lounge, or a handmade wooden bowl on the table.

Where to shop: Prior Shop in Bristol is a brilliant resource for sustainable homewares made by independent UK makers.

Final Thoughts

A seasonal refresh doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. By making just a few mindful changes - lightening fabrics, letting in more light, adding greenery and calming textures - you can create a home that feels ready for the warmer months, while still grounded in your personal style.

Whether you're based in Bristol, Bath, or further afield in Somerset, Design Seven offers tailored interior design services to help you feel more at home, in every sense of the word.