Designing Multifamily Communities for Summer Days and Nights
How apartment operators can style shared spaces for the warm-weather months.
When warm weather arrives, apartment residents head outdoors for relaxation, recreation and a comfortable spot to catch up on emails and other work-from-home activities. An apartment community’s common areas say a lot about the brand. Operators that strategically incorporate seasonal design elements are also reinforcing brand loyalty. Design tweaks that refresh shared spaces for the summer season will foster resident engagement. These gestures made by the team will likely be remembered by residents—and boost the multifamily community’s appeal— all year round.
Enable outdoor activations
“It used to be our work was just focusing on the interiors, but over the last decade, the exterior spaces have been part of our scope as well,” noted Mary Cook, president of Mary Cook Associates. Operators know residents spend more time in these spaces when weather permits.
Now, in the conceptual planning stages, Cook and her team integrate retractable walls and doors. When summer hits, operators can bring the outside in and open up common areas to expand the lounge, gaming and fitness spaces and activate outside places for movie lawns, grilling competitions and more.
These days there are many more fade- and mildew-resistant indoor-outdoor upholstery options to accommodate the passion for outdoor living. “It’s easy to extend the vibe outside from the inside with finishes, furnishings and even the area rugs, pillows and so forth,” said Cook.
“We’ve got pergolas that serve as a shade structure, but they also allow us to integrate lighting so those spaces can extend into the evenings and light them up and into the fall season, as well,” said Cook. “We’ve got plugins so people can share their playlist at the pool and for private events and parties near the entertainment area.”
A thoughtful refresh
In the days before air conditioning, the owners of the big estate homes used to roll up their wool area rugs in the summertime and send them out to be cleaned, Cook pointed out. They lived with their wood or stone floor during the summer because it was cooler and fresher. Today’s multifamily operators can do the same.
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Common areas can also be refreshed for summer by painting walls lighter or brighter and by adding decorative seasonal accessories. “If your large-scale upholstery items are a solid color or neutral, you could always change out summer pillows for winter pillows,” suggested Cook. “Summer patterns are generally lighter, brighter and more casual like plaids or a trellis motif.” Fun cotton prints and other lighter-weight fabrics like poplins and linens are also popular.
At Greystar communities, indoor and outdoor common areas are updated with lighter fabrics, summer-toned cushions and added shade from umbrellas or pergolas to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
“Soft, durable fabrics such as Sunbrella, paired with natural textures like rattan or linen, create a relaxed, welcoming feel,” shared Christina Perez, director of real estate at Greystar. Bold patterns and seasonal color accents add energy and personality without overwhelming the space. Seasonal artwork, outdoor murals, string lights or lanterns can bring the space to life in the evenings.
Engage the senses
To truly capture the spirit of the season, Bozzuto focuses on activating the senses by updating the hospitality bar with fruit-infused waters using seasonal ingredients or curating a playlist that reflects the mood of summer while staying true to the property’s identity. “Perhaps your property’s signature scent evolves for the season,” suggested Noel Carson, vice president of marketing & creative director at Bozzuto. “The goal is to celebrate the season in subtle, intentional ways.
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When a space smells fresh, sounds inviting and feels curated down to the smallest interaction, it elevates the everyday. Much like a great boutique hotel, the details quietly shape the entire experience.”
Bozzuto also considers how its teams are showing up visually. Wardrobe and styling choices that reflect the season are coordinated with the property’s brand elements as well as each team member’s personal taste. According to Carson, this creates a more cohesive and elevated experience. “It’s a delicate balance, but when done well, it reinforces a lifestyle-forward approach to service.”
While updating seasonal touches like pillows, books or games in shared spaces offers a quick win to keep things feeling current, Bozzuto has also found success in introducing art rotations that refresh pieces throughout the seasons and highlight local artists.
Furniture pieces that tell a story also leave a lasting impression. At its community Aster in College Park, Md., the company preserved an aging tree from construction site and transformed its trunk into a communal table. It now anchors one of the amenity spaces and gives residents a literal connection to the roots of the building. When furniture, finishes or art reference the fabric of the location, they create a more authentic and emotionally resonant experience, according to Carson.
“Your summer activations don’t have to be large or lofty either,” he added. “Even a simple door drop with a seasonal treat can be a thoughtful gesture that creates a meaningful touch point. These moments are designed to foster connection, celebrate residents with intention and help move someone from renter to brand advocate.”
Comfort, connection and curb appeal
Refreshing shared spaces so that they feel fun, relaxed and ready for summer is an excellent way to energize the community and enhance the resident experience. Outdoor movies, food truck nights and live music can turn everyday areas into memorable moments. Summer is also the perfect time to partner with local vendors for fitness classes, smoothie bars or weekend markets.
“Brightening up the landscaping with colorful flowers, fresh mulch and potted plants instantly boosts curb appeal and makes outdoor areas feel more vibrant,” added Perez. “If the budget allows, adding a small fountain or misting station is a great way to offer a refreshing touch during hotter days.” Simple, interactive additions like lawn games, hammocks or a flavored water station encourage casual engagement and also show residents you’re thinking about their comfort.
Furniture that promotes connection, including modular seating, swing chairs or cozy fire pit areas, encourages gatherings and shared moments, while interior nooks with lounge chairs and charging stations offer comfort and flexibility. Rich, wood furniture that’s so cozy in the winter can be covered with white linens and fresh florals for a summery conservatory feel.
Property managers can also reinforce their brand through small, thoughtful gestures. Offering branded water bottles or sunscreen by the pool—along with welcome baskets featuring local treats—adds a personal touch. “Unexpected touches like cold towels or popsicles make residents feel valued,” said Perez. “These simple efforts build stronger connections, encouraging engagement and lease renewals.”
