It’s only natural
With the onset of warmer weather and longer days, more focus is put on outdoor living. It’s almost like creating an indoor space outdoors, with living rooms and dining rooms being taken outside, as we tend to want to take advantage of the warmer weather while we can. Creating outdoor rooms is easy with the availability of fabulous looking furniture made for the outdoors. The plastic chairs and tables NEED to be eliminated from outdoor décor. Instead, think of using materials such as teak, rattan, or woven plastic furniture. Outdoor fabrics are also coming out with an array of patterns and colours that again, will add to your outdoor areas.  Not only will focusing on outdoor living spaces allow you to take advantage of the short summer months but will also increase the value of your home. Your outdoor space should really be an extension of your indoors. Keep in mind that the fabrics and furniture you choose must be suitable for the outdoors.

Life’s a beach
The colour palette should consist of cool blues and greens, a perfect touch for this summer’s on-trend look. Take your cue from the beach, with its soft palette of blues and greens that complement the organic touches. Now, most people won’t opt to paint their whole house—but an accent wall is perfect to introduce some summer hues into your home. If painting is not your thing, then introduce these shades in the way of accessories: vases, pots, artwork, and accent pillows for a change which is easy on the wallet and one that will make your home feel fresh and new for the summer months. Touches such as stainless and glass lanterns, seashells, and other beachy-themed décor items are also the perfect addition for bringing the outdoors in.

Turn over a new leaf
Bringing the outdoors in is a great way of inviting the summer feel into your home. This doesn’t mean you need to turn your home into a rainforest! Keep it simple and add plants such tropical palms true to the theme. It can be as simple as having fresh flower arrangements—it doesn’t take much. If you do have a green thumb and like to have a lot of plants in the home, think about having them in the same coloured pots. This will create some sort of continuity. Freshening up your décor for summer need not be arduous or hard on the pocketbook. Simple and easy ways such as changing up accessories and bringing the outdoors in will get your home ready for the warm summer days.

Keep your cool
Remember to keep the look casual, comfortable, and light. The palette should be organic mixed in with cool colours. When thinking about summer, what comes to mind? Clear blue water, sand, seashells and a warm breeze, enjoyed with a delicious drink in hand. Take these elements with you when thinking about your interiors for the summer!

Compound organics
When it comes to the interior of your home, the trend is to go with all things organic. Introduce woven/tactile fabrics such as linens. These have an airy quality to them perfect for the summer, and give you a more of a casual look. You can incorporate linen through curtain panels or accent pillows in earthy tones. One way to introduce textures (such as sisal or jute) is in area rugs, adding another casual element that is perfect for the summer. These will also allow you to wear your shoes inside and not have to worry about ruining your area carpets, as they are all natural. So stow away the heavy knit throws and blankets you had to keep you warm in winter months, and introduce more organic elements for that earthy, laid back look of summer.

Happy Summer Decorating!