The warmth of summer calls for bright, cool and casual home décor. There’s no single style that sums up the essence of summer but there are common elements that can help give your home that fresh summertime feeling.

Fabric
Capture that envied playful summer style by choosing the right fabrics to capture the light.   Faded florals, narrow ticking stripes, bright checks, perky plaids and wide cabana stripes are cornerstone patterns.  You do need to give your room some “breathing room” so be sure to limit the number of patterns you choose.  For example, on the couch you might combine pillows in a crisp two-tone stripe with those in a bright solid. This pared down hit of pattern is visually less intrusive.  When fall rolls around throw in some more patterns, say floral pillows and a paisley throw, to warm up the look.

Let’s face it, for a complete summer décor overhaul; you’ll need to disguise all those heavy winter fabrics (such as velvet, brocade, and chenille). Think of loose fitting cotton and linen slipcovers as the decorating equivalent of a summer shift.

Summer’s also a perfect time to embrace a palette of fresh pastels.  Go for a splash of pale aqua or a blush of lavender, they work beautifully with deeper tones to lighten and brighten stale rooms.  Look for accessories like vases, throws, and lamps in trendy pastels to enliven neutral colour schemes.

Furniture
The look of summer calls for modest furniture either locally-made or comfortably worn in.  Look for items where detail carving is kept to a minimum or done “loosely”, sometimes with more enthusiasm than skill. 

Wood can generally be divided between the formal and informal.  The more casual wood types - pine, beech, poplar and maple – look freshest when left in their natural state or lightly white-washed.  Painted wood or iron furnishings also promote a feeling of freshness, especially when finished in pale colours such as mint, coral, icy blue, shell pink, and sand.   White, of course, is a category all its own! An infinite variety of white tones can be used to decorate the house. Rely on texture to spice up your white scheme; maybe pair matt and glossy surfaces with rough and smooth finishes.

Wicker is effortlessly elegant any time of year, but it looks its best in summer.  Armchairs, settees, tables, and benches are readily available, sometimes painted in crisp white or left in more natural honey tones.  Soften your landing with comfortable cushions.

Flooring
Flooring is ideal when it’s Easy-to-Care-for. Those with kids at home know this is especially true during summer when there’s a constant flow of traffic between the back yard and the kitchen.  Varnished hardwoods such as maple and oak are considered low maintenance (beyond sweeping and occasional mopping). 

Honed ceramic and stone tile pass the test but may need softening with an area carpet or matting. Grass matting such as seagrass and sisal provide casual barefoot beauty underfoot and a pleasing contrast to the stone, tile, or hardwood floors they complement.  Don’t forget about Linoleum! It’s an environmentally-friendly option that works beautifully.

Paring down
Before July and August roll around, instantly brighten your rooms with these tips:

• Allow breezy sheers to remain by removing heavier side panels from your drapes
• Keep patterned or heavy carpets out of sight.  Start appreciating the hardwood or stone floors which are usually covered!
• Remove extra layers such as heavy pillows and throws from rooms - store those and the heavy carpets until fall returns

<< Back to In Print