By Jane Lockhart
The summer is a time when we tend to feel thankfully unburdened by the unpleasantness of winter past. We can lean into the lightness of the season, the long bright evenings and a more casual lifestyle. And we can take pleasure in enhancing our homes with summer flair—rejuvenating all on its own.
There are a variety of decor items you can add or change to capture the sunny spirit and achieve “the look.”
Think about opening up window areas by taking down and cleaning heavier winter drapes, and replacing them with linen sheers in cream
or white. This provides a soft airy look and lets more natural light into your space.
This is the time of year to include summer accents on sofas and chairs. Creamy plump pillows in raw silk, mixed with woven lightweight throws in soft colours, can be put into action on an occasionally cool night. In the bedroom, invest in crisp white linen bed-sheets and a light quilted coverlet in satin for shine and texture. Increase the sense of brightness in main rooms by adding smooth textures and soft, billowy fabrics.
Accessories help define the style, and will often change the focus and feel of a room. To celebrate summer, capture shapes that will evoke a casual beach lifestyle. You might add weathered lanterns, driftwood tables and blond wicker baskets, and even display shells in jars. Purchase soft white lampshades, pretty china, and whimsical placemats and tablecloths to replace heavier coloured items. And, for a little fun, look to summery patterns that are reminiscent of cottage living.
For adding a sense of lightness to darker hardwood floors, consider switching out rugs used during the winter months with sisal or grass mats to add a neutral feel. Think about tone-on-tone striped patterns or textures, similar to awning ticking, for carpets at the front door, foyer or other visible areas in the house.
And nothing freshens up a room like a new coat of paint! Select pale breezy blues or spring-fresh greens to give your space a lift. These gentle hues can temporarily reduce the impact of cherished antiques and heavy wood furniture pieces while breathing new life and excitement into darker rooms.
So have fun and be a little playful—let the warm winds of summer catch your heart, give you new energy and freedom, and inspire you to lighten up. After all, a few simple fixes just might make summer 2015 even more memorable.
Room design: Jane Lockhart, BAAID, intern ARIDO. Principal Designer, Jane Lockhart Interior Design. Photo: The Loft
