Seasonal home decor: how to refresh your space to go with the seasons

Your home decor does more than make your space look pretty — it sets the tone for your home. What fills up our walls and empty spaces is a reflection of who we are and what we love. But just like our wardrobes and our coffee orders, our homes' atmospheres can benefit from a seasonal refresh. 

Rotating your framed photos and decor with the changing seasons is a simple, yet powerful way to keep your living space feeling lively and current. This practice not only keeps your home in tune with the world outside, but also infuses a welcoming, lively, and dynamic energy to your daily surroundings. Your walls can serve as a gallery that evolves throughout the year, celebrating the unique beauty of each season. With just a few thoughtful changes, your space can feel vibrant and in tune with the time of year.

5 practical tips for seasonal home decor swaps

Incorporating seasonal art and decor doesn't have to be a major undertaking. By focusing on thoughtful, manageable changes, you can transform your space without the stress of a full-on renovation. Here are five practical tips to get you started.

1. Make it meaningful by involving your family members. Turn it into a fun family activity! Let everyone in the household have a say in choosing the decor for each season. The kids can help arrange where everything goes, making the process a shared experience that strengthens your family’s connection. Who knows, maybe your kids will look forward to this family tradition every few months.

2. Rotate artwork or frames as the seasons change. You don't have to replace every single framed photo in your home. Keep a few staple pieces and simply swap out a handful of frames in the main areas of your home. These swaps could be as simple as one seasonal statement piece or replacing a few tabletop frames. If you want to go big, you could have one designated gallery wall that rotates every season, but it should be the same layout each time, so that all you have to do is swap the frames out. Two simple options for a seasonal gallery wall include the triptych or the single file gallery.

3. Mix permanent base pieces with seasonal accents. To add more seasonal flair to your home decor, consider festive wreaths, holiday decorations on the walls, and string lights in the winter. For the spring, you can sprinkle in hints of pastels and fresh flowers. In the summer, consider coastal decor pieces and make the most of all the natural light in your home. Then in the fall, add seasonal accents like pumpkins, dried flowers, pine cones, or Halloween decor if you’re feeling extra festive. 

4. Invest in florals that complement your seasonal decor. Speaking of flowers: one easy way to let the vibe of your home go with the seasons is to add flowers into your home. Find vases that match your seasonal decor or keep it simple with vases that go with every season. Then, fill your home with fresh florals that are aligned with the current time of year. Spring calls for any colored bouquet under the sun, while autumn is a great time to find warmer tones like orange and red, as well as eucalyptus or pampas.

5. Properly store your frames and decor. Appropriate storage is key to keeping your decorations and frames looking its best each year. As you pack away your out-of-season decor, take a moment to wipe them down and dry as needed, ensuring they’re ready for their next rotation. Store each piece carefully, using bubble wrap or acid-free paper to prevent damage. A dedicated storage box for each season will keep everything organized and easy to find when the next season rolls around. Lastly, be sure to store the box in a cool, dry place where nothing will bend, fade, or break.

Family photo ideas for each season

One of the best ways to bring a personal touch to your seasonal decor is by framing family photos that capture the spirit of each quarter of the year. Doing so will also give you options for choosing the best holiday card photo once winter rolls around. 

For any season, it’s always fun to color-coordinate your outfits with your family to create a cohesive and visually appealing look. If you’re overwhelmed by taking the role of stylist for your entire family, you can never go wrong with asking everyone to wear a white shirt and jeans, no matter what season it is. 

Fall Family Photo Ideas

In the autumn, plan a day for photos in a park while the leaves are turning, or schedule a Thanksgiving photo shoot to capture family moments. Halloween lovers out there can also get a kick out of creating a gallery wall featuring Halloween costumes over the years — a playful and nostalgic way to celebrate fall.

When considering what to wear for fall family photos, warm tones like tan, brown, and red work beautifully against the backdrop of falling leaves. Plaid and checkered patterns are also perfect for the season, especially paired with boots, coats, and scarves. 

Winter Family Photo Ideas

Winter offers both festive and serene photo opportunities! Twinkling lights, decorated trees, or frosty winter scenes make beautiful backdrops. If you live near snowy landscapes, take advantage of them! Outdoor photos bundled up in cozy sweaters and scarves surrounded by snowflakes add a magical touch. 

Your annual Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas family photo is something you and your family will always cherish, so these are a no-brainer to frame and display every winter.

Spring Family Photo Ideas

Spring is the most colorful season, and your photos should reflect that energy. Embrace pastel shades, floral prints, or light linens for a fresh look. Outdoor locations like flower fields, botanical gardens, parks, or even your own blooming backyard set the perfect scene. Capturing candid moments of your family enjoying the outdoors will bring a cheerful, natural feel to your spring gallery wall.

Summer Family Photo Ideas

Summer calls for carefree, sun-filled photos. The beach is the ultimate summertime backdrop, whether you’re capturing playful waves, sandy toes, or golden sunsets. If the beach isn’t an option, a lake, poolside setting, or even a picnic in the park works just as well. One unique idea is to book a family photo shoot if you have time on vacation. These summer shots will radiate joy and warmth long after the season ends. 

Summer family photo outfits can be light, breezy clothing in whites, blues, and yellows. If you’re curious to learn more, we go into more detail on spring and summer family photo ideas here!

That’s a wrap

Updating your home decor to match the seasons is a fun way to keep your home dynamic and personal. With just a few updates every few months, your space can tell a story that evolves with the year, reflecting your memories, moods, and the beauty of the world around you. By incorporating personal memories and photos, your walls become a visual timeline of your family’s life, filled with moments that bring joy and warmth. Be thoughtful when arranging your framed memories to influence the mood of each room. This practice is more than just decorating — it’s about celebrating your home as a living, breathing space that grows with your family.

How will you refresh your home with the changing seasons? We’d love to see it. Take photos of your space and be sure to tag us @frameologynyc for a chance to be featured on Instagram 💙