Summer Color Play: Bold Accents for Outdoor Entertaining & Summer Home Decor

At Charbonneau Interiors, we believe that beautiful spaces don’t have to be complicated. When it comes to styling your outdoor area for summer entertaining, start with one bold accent piece that truly speaks to you. From there, build your color story thoughtfully and simply—this is how you create a look that feels fresh, inviting, and totally you.

Textiles are the easiest way to bring in personality and comfort. Think striped cushions layered on your outdoor seating, a cozy patterned throw for those cooler summer evenings, or a rug that helps define your space and ties everything together. These little details make a big impact and are easy to switch out whenever you want to refresh the vibe.

And don’t forget the poolside moments. Coordinated towels, playful floaties, and a chic umbrella can turn your backyard into your very own boutique hotel retreat. The trick is to keep your color palette cohesive so the space feels curated and intentional—not cluttered or chaotic.

How to Make It Work for You

The most important rule for color? Choose what makes you happy. Not what’s trending or what someone else tells you to do. When you love your colors, your space will always feel right.

Start with smaller seasonal accents—think summer towels, cloth napkins, or a statement umbrella. These pieces are affordable, easy to update, and perfect for trying out new colors without a big commitment.

Limit your palette to about three or four shades that harmonize well together. Sticking within the same color family creates a pulled-together look that’s sophisticated without feeling matchy-matchy.

Balance bold hues with neutrals like crisp white, warm creams, or natural textures. This adds softness and keeps your outdoor entertaining area feeling relaxed and welcoming.

In summary:

Pick colors that make you happy! Not what's trending—what genuinely brings you joy.

Start with seasonal items like towels, napkins, or a fun umbrella. They're affordable, changeable and easy to switch out if you want a change later.

Stick to a few shades that work well together—three or four tones from the same color family can make things feel pulled together without being too matchy.

Don’t forget to give bold colors some breathing room. Pair them with neutrals like white, cream, or natural textures to keep the space feeling balanced and relaxed.

Shop Our Summer Entertaining Style

We’ve curated a collection of summer-ready textiles, poolside accessories, and stylish accents to help you create an outdoor space that feels effortlessly chic and wonderfully livable. Each piece is chosen to work beautifully together so you can entertain in style all season long!

Not quite sure how to bring your vision together? Our custom furnishings and styling service, La Petite, is the perfect solution. With La Petite, one of our expert stylists will curate a personalized shopping board tailored specifically to your space, making it easy and enjoyable for you to shop and style on your own schedule. It’s the ideal way to get that polished, layered look without the overwhelm. Ready to learn more about La Petite and how it can transform your home? Discover all the details here.