How to Decorate for a "Tomato Girl Summer" All Year Long

The "tomato girl summer" trend has been around for a few years, perfectly capturing rustic charm and bygone summer days. Think Tuscany's vine-ripe tomato hues, Spain's sun-faded textiles and Greece's laid-back seaside tranquility. This inviting aesthetic exudes joy into your home with a vibrant palette, natural elements and whimsical motifs.

If you're ready to create the tomato girl-inspired home of your dreams, these stylish tips will help you embrace Mediterranean magic in every season.

What Is Tomato Girl Summer?

TikTok is no stranger to trends, and tomato girl summer continues to make a buzz on social media. Although it may be best associated with produce and pastry-patterned fashion, it embraces anything from fresh Mediterranean recipes to interior design.

Retailers Lisa Says Gah and Chefanie have entire clothing lines with apertivo embroidery, including oyster shells, caviar, olives and pasta, while Anthropologie's Fiona Beaded Bag has an actual tomato design. Even Billie Eilish wore a Campbell corset featuring tomatoes and marinara sauce graphics in 2021.

Of course, the trend doesn't just include food fashion. Neutral tones and cool, breezy fabrics like cotton and linen are also staples, such as the dress MexicanFaerie is wearing in their Instagram post.

When it comes to home styles, tomato girl summer pairs Mediterranean color palettes with rattan, wood and linen, inspired by coastal Italian villages and summer getaways. Ceramics, glassware and hand-painted pottery are also typical, while lemon and tomato motifs lighten the mood and make spaces feel curated, welcoming and comfortable.

6 Ways to Bring Tomato Girl Summer Into Your Home All Year

The tomato girl summer trend is more than a closet aesthetic. It's a style you can bring into your home year-round. Here are six ways to embrace a dreamy Mediterranean escape for carefree, joyful living.

1.   Choose a Sun-Drenched Color Palette

The colors in your home can impact your mood, so choose shades in the tomato girl color scheme wisely. Interior designer Suzie Lucas points out that crisp white walls are essential to the Mediterranean palette, absorbing less heat in the hot climate. However, it's characteristic to layer rustic orange, green, blue and yellow, which are reminiscent of seaside towns.

If you're not ready to commit to a paint job, you might opt for a Mediterranean-style ceramic tile backsplash, honey-toned wood floors or brightly colored pillows.

2.   Curate Vintage and Mediterranean-Inspired Decor

Vintage pieces and Mediterranean decor are cornerstones of a tomato girl's summer home. You might look for hand-painted ceramics, retro water glasses and rustic pottery at flea markets, estate sales and thrift stores for unmatched character.

This may also be an opportunity to display a few beloved family heirloom items, which add a bit of authenticity, history and personalization to your home. 

3.   Layer Natural Materials and Textures

Mediterranean interior designs often employ natural materials and textures, channeling the region's timeless, rustic appeal. For example, add rattan baskets with folded blankets or reclaimed wooden shelves and frames.

Terracotta pieces also beautifully accentuate the design and work well to elevate a neutral setting. Clay planters, in particular, can invoke a peaceful vibe in a home office or dining room while adding textural interest.

4.   Set the Mood with Lighting 

Ambient lighting can greatly set the mood in your sun-kissed tomato girl summer home. Hang lanterns and light tea lights for a soft glow. You can also add fairy lights across your bookcases and indoor plants. Installing string lights in your enclosed lanai or patio is another way to capture the allure and romance of a Mediterranean evening, creating a beautiful atmosphere for dining al fresco.

Depending on how you utilize each space, use mixed light sources to cast varying brightness and warmth. For instance, a small lamp may work best in a reading nook, while candlelight is ideal for sipping wine with friends late at night.

5.   Accessorize With Fruit Motifs and Playful Touches

Like how fruit and vegetable motifs are popular in tomato girl fashion, the same themed decor gives your home a playful touch. You don't have to include this look in excess. Even adding patterned tablecloths and dish mats will deliver the pop of color and intrigue you're after.

Consider do-it-yourself decor, such as decoupage tiles, glass tables or vases. You might also incorporate interesting, one-of-a-kind artisan finds.

6.   Bring the Outdoors In With Greenery

Trees, fresh herbs and potted plants will instantly transform your space into a tomato girl summer escape, giving your home a sense of elegance and comfort. Olive trees live eight to nine years and flourish in large windows with direct sunlight.

You can also grow basil, rosemary and thyme on your kitchen windowsill for a captivating aroma and delectable culinary delights. Imagine snipping fresh herbs right from the counter while cooking homemade marinara sauce.

Keeping the Look Fresh Year-Round

Most trends come and go. However, tomato girl summer is one aesthetic that you can keep throughout the year. As the weather changes to cooler months, incorporate cozy throw blankets, fuzzy pillows and heavier curtains in the same sun-drenched hues. This will create a physical and visual sense of warmth in your space.

Likewise, when the temperature rises in the spring and summer, you can bring back lightweight textiles, airy fabrics and sheers in bright lemon yellow or white. Swapping out accessories is another way to keep your Mediterranean home design fresh all the time.

Sustainability Sourcing for Mindful Decorating

The tomato girl design aesthetic maintains an organic vibe, so you should source materials and decorative items sustainably. Choose eco-friendly fabrics made from linen, bamboo and cotton. Reclaimed wood furniture is also more sustainable than newly manufactured pieces.

Visit secondhand shops to look for unique elements that fit the Mediterranean style. This will help you reduce waste and minimize resource consumption. Supporting small businesses and nearby artisans also decreases transportation emissions and boosts the local economy. You never know what beautiful things you'll find for your home.

Living the Tomato Girl Dream Every Day

The tomato girl summer trend is one you can personalize to your liking. Try out some fruity motifs or opt for a cooler, airier coastal vibe with natural elements. Whatever way you decide to create your Mediterranean-inspired home, always ensure it creates a sense of joy.