As summer approaches, our homes become sanctuaries where we seek to soak up the season’s warmth and light. Embracing the essence of summer within your space can invigorate your home, making it a bright, welcoming retreat. Let’s explore how to create a summer-ready home featuring sunshine colours, clever mirror placement, a balance of natural light with thoughtful lighting design, the addition of vibrant plants, and practical tips for summer activities and entertaining.

Prepped and Ready

Summer often means spontaneous visits and al fresco meals. Prepare your kitchen to handle these visits with ease.

Outdoor essentials. Have a designated space for storing outdoor essentials like sunglasses, picnic blankets, and BBQ tools. This makes it convenient to prep for outdoor meals without hunting through cupboards. Using portable storage vessels are always great for any hastened returns inside when the unpredictable British weather starts to turn.

Prep stations. Set up dedicated prep areas for grilling and assembling picnic dishes. Consider incorporating herbs or small potted plants into your kitchen or dining area. Not only do they add a fresh look, but they also provide convenient access to fresh ingredients.

Helpful Hallways

Sunshine colours. The palette you choose can transform the atmosphere of any room, and with hallways carrying the tone for your home, it’s a great spot for the sunshine palette. For a summer-ready home, think about incorporating colours that reflect the season’s vibrancy. Shades of yellow, orange, and soft greens can mimic the sunny outdoors.

Introduce dimmable lighting designs to adjust the brightness according to the time of day and mood. This flexibility allows you to transition smoothly from daylight to evening relaxation.

Ensure your hallway is ready for quick exits and returns. Hooks for bags, hats, and jackets, along with a bench for putting on shoes, or under, make it easy to get out the door for summer adventures.

Experiment with groupings of smaller mirrors or choose a large statement piece. Unconventional shapes and frames can add artistic flair while serving a practical purpose of making often darker hallways, seem bigger and brighter.

Lighter Living Rooms

Incorporate natural elements. Organic elements, like wood and upholstered furnishings, not only add texture but also blend seamlessly with bright summer colours, creating a harmonious and lively environment.

Feature statement lighting pieces that not only serve their purpose but also act as décor, as they will be switch on less in the brighter season. Our handcrafted sculptural pendants bring a touch of nature indoors and provide beautiful, warm lighting.

While natural light is abundant in summer, strategic lighting design ensures your home remains inviting as the sun sets - balance is key. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Pendant lights, floor lamps, and wall lighting can create layers of light that complement natural illumination.

Summer of Self Care

Choose the right plants. Opt for plants that thrive in moisture rich environments, such as succulents, snake plants, and peace lilies. These plants thrive in typical bathroom conditions and add greenery to your space.

Creative displays. Use a variety of plant stands, hanging planters, and shelves to display your plants. Mixing different heights and pot styles can create an engaging and dynamic look, whilst adding a breath of fresh air.

Refresh yourself. A midday refresh makes a huge difference in those hotter months. Keep your SPF and face cloths in easy reach, homed in beautiful pots, for an at home zen spa atmosphere.

Mirrors are magical elements. They can amplify natural light, make spaces appear larger, and provide vital reflection for sunscreen checks. Position mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light deep into the room.

Posted: 14.06.24