Provence-Inspired Spring and Summer Decorating Ideas for the Bedroom

In this post: Bring a touch of French charm to your bedroom with these Provence-inspired summer decorating tips, reflecting tranquil vibes and soothing color. ⇒

Sometimes you just know you’ve gone too far.

In my effort to switch my house over to a neutral base, I took pains to ensure all the major pieces were white, beige or greige. This vanilla underpinning is, in fact, the ideal backdrop for adding in accent color and affords you the freedom to change it up whenever you’d like.

My seating is now a ‘rainbow’ of every shade of white, and our list of wall paints is equally as laid-back.

I very much enjoy the uplifting atmosphere of a light and bright home and find it to be both cool and serene. Hence, in most of my rooms I was delighted with the results.

Except for one…

I’ve known for a while that when I removed the lovely spring green from our bedroom walls, I’d gone too far. Despite the fact that the color made my heart sing when I woke each morning, it felt limiting, and more to the point, was anathema to my current vision of a neutral home.

I should have realized while the painter was still here and I made him change the color twice (you can see it here), that perhaps it was the concept (and not the tone) that was the real mistake.

This became particularly obvious when I painted the dark furniture in a range of lighter shades. Instead of placid, it began feeling bland, more infirmary than Greek island oasis. And as time passed, I resolved it was time for the green to return.

But not the same green.

I took my time selecting the color and ordered more swatches than anyone should really need to choose from. Still, I feel confident I got it right. I wanted a tone that was similar in spirit to the original shade, yet a bit lighter and more subdued, so that it could function as a neutral.

Sure enough, when the room was first painted, I rejoiced in the look with my all-white bedding. Yet as spring and summer neared, I became excited to explore what a taste of Provence could do for the space.

Today I’m sharing my Provence-inspired bedroom to celebrate spring and summer, with tips for achieving the relaxed look in your home.

Pick Your Color Story or Theme

The first step in any decorating project is always to establish your color palette and aesthetic mood. What are you trying to accomplish with your refresh and what is the feeling you’re trying to evoke in the room?

For this bedroom I was inspired by the fields of lavender in Provence, a place beloved for its relaxed summer vibe. In addition to the general ambience this locale brings to mind, I also was attracted to the imagery of lavender stalks, themselves, for the way they coincide with my two main goals: to play off the fresh green walls with gentle color and to let the abundance of white in the room continue to take center stage.

Add a Few Bedding Accents

The beauty of accent decorating is that with a good foundation, you don’t need much to update your spaces. In the bedroom, this can mean simply changing a blanket and a few pillows. Here, I added the lavender print duvet cover and two shams, while leaving the rest of the bedding as is, in crisp textured whites.

What I appreciate about this pattern is the simplicity of the motifs, delicate in their scattered bunches, with lots of white background showing through. It helps maintain the overall sense of a white bed, while adding interest and conjuring thoughts of time spent in Provence.

Alternatively, you might add patterned sheets and a fresh boudoir pillow, or a throw blanket draped at the foot of the bed. Whichever pieces you add, it’s important to note you don’t need to change the entire bedding. Save money and use a light touch.

Use Creature Comforts to Your Advantage

One of my favorite decorating tricks is to use practical everyday items to bolster your decor. Crisp folded towels on an end-of-bed bench can make you feel like a guest at a chic hotel, while scented soap brings an aromatic lift and rich hand cream is a useful luxury.

Of course, the ultimate indulgence in every room is fresh flowers, and for me, the more fragrant the better. Purple hyacinths are utterly intoxicating, and the color works beautifully with the printed sheeting. As spring moves into summer, they can be replaced by lilacs, with their equally heady scent.

Don’t Ignore the Walls

Botanical artwork is a natural for spring and summer, and if your room doesn’t already have some, consider replacing what’s there with these charming drawings.

Mirrors are also lovely for reflecting light on sunny summer days. If you have heavy dark paintings in your bedroom most of the year, now is the time to lighten up your wall hangings.

And as I’ve already covered, you may consider painting the walls, even if it’s as simple as doing only the wall behind the bed.

Include Faux Flowers, Too

With floral printed sheets and a fresh bouquet near the foot of the bed, you might think you’ve got the flower concept covered. But not so fast. When the fresh florals fade, it’s nice to have a bit of faux to supplement the look.

Lavender, especially, is quite subtle, and can be added in several places without becoming overwhelming. A faux potted planter looks lovely on a bedside table, or a small cluster placed on a dresser adds a hint of color to the surrounding room.

Let the Light In

I’m not a heavy drape girl at any time of year, but especially in summer, it’s time to lighten up the window coverings. Use wispy window coverings in pale linen, pulled back to allow ample sunlight in.

You can also try plantation shutters on the bottom half of your windows for a wide open look, but they’re a bit of a commitment, so will likely be staying beyond the season. (You can add drapery panels over them in the colder months.)

Summer Bedroom Decorating Tips

• Swap in Lightweight Bedding – Change out heavy comforters for lighter, airier linens in soothing pastel prints or vibrant summer hues.
• Add Sheer Curtains – Replace thick drapes with sheer, flowing curtains that let in natural light.
• Incorporate Beach Elements – Decorate with seashells, driftwood, or a bowl of sand and pebbles to bring the beach indoors.
• Introduce Floral Accents – Use floral patterns in pillows, bed linens, or artwork for a fresh, garden-inspired look.
• Brighten with White – Add white elements (bedding, curtains, furniture) to make your room feel more spacious and airy.
• Hang a Hammock or Swing Chair – If space allows, a hammock or swing chair adds a fun, vacation-like feel.
• Use Light-Colored Rugs – Swap out darker rugs for options in lighter tones or with vibrant, summery patterns.
• Display Summer Reads – Stack a selection of summer-themed books on your nightstand for both decor and inspiration.
• Decorate with Plants – Bring in potted plants or fresh flowers to add life and a pop of color.
• Add a Pop of Color – Introduce colorful accessories like lamps, frames, or artwork.
• Create a Summer Scent – Use candles, diffusers, or room sprays with citrus or floral scents.
• Install a Ceiling Fan – Add a fan for a practical update that keeps your room cool and breezy.
• Refresh Drawer Knobs – Replace old knobs on dressers or nightstands with vibrant or novelty knobs.
• Lay Down a Straw or Jute Rug – Incorporate natural fiber rugs for a touch of rustic charm.
• Use Baskets for Storage – Wicker or rattan baskets add a practical, yet stylish storage solution.
• Lighten Up the Artwork – Hang artwork featuring landscapes, beaches, or botanical themes.
• Include a Bedside Pitcher of Fresh Lemonade or Water – For hydration and a touch of homestyle comfort.
• Update Lampshades – Switch to lighter-colored or patterned lampshades to refresh your space.
• Accent with Throw Pillows – Mix and match vibrant or pastel-colored throw pillows for an instant lift.
• Hang Fairy Lights – String up some fairy lights for a whimsical, soft lighting option in the evenings.
• Mirror Magic – Add mirrors to reflect natural light and make the space feel larger and brighter.
• Coastal Blue Touches – Use shades of blue reminiscent of the ocean to create a calm, cooling effect in the room.
• Boho Chic – Incorporate macramé hangings or cushions for a boho summer feel.
• Summer Quilt – Swap out your heavy quilt for a light, airy one with a summer-themed pattern or embroidery.
• Colorful Bed Frame – Paint your bed frame a light color or sand and whitewash it for a rustic, beachy look.

It doesn’t take much to welcome the warm weather into the bedroom with a refreshing decorative update. Take inspiration from a place you love to travel to or borrow imagery from somewhere you dream of. Your efforts will create a mood that will be with you all season.

The more pleasures you add to your bedroom, the more you’ll enjoy your private retreat. It will relax and rejuvenate you as your place of tranquility. What a perfect place to begin and end each day!