Being in tune with the different seasons is a great way to feel grounded and at one with nature. Introducing seasonal elements into the home is the easiest way to give a nod to a particular time of year and the many associations it often brings.
With summer now in full swing, it’s the perfect time to revamp your interiors to reflect the warmest time of the year, while creating a stylish and comfortable setting. There are lots of ways you can achieve this, without needing to make costly, time-consuming or lasting changes. Here are some of them:
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Colour choices
Autumn and winter colours are rich and dark, while spring is a more pastel-coloured affair. When summer arrives, take inspiration from coastal hues and nature. Think all shades of blue, summery yellow, pink and green. In fact, anything that’s bright and cheery pretty much hits the spot at this time of year. With this in mind, introduce these summer-inspired colours to your home, whether through your choice of linens, cushions, towels, other soft furnishings or wall prints.
Seasonal patterns
As well as choosing colours associated with the warmer months of the year, fill your home with fabrics, designs and accessories that boast a summery flavour. Think along the lines of floral or nature prints, bird or butterfly designs, as well as nautical, tropical and beach themes or stripes.
Let there be light
With maximum light levels pervading at this time of year, ensure daylight floods into your home and bathes it in the warm colours of the season. Windows should be sparkling clean to encourage as much light as possible and you might want to replace heavy curtains with lighter, sheer panels that gently catch the cooling air. Studies show that exposure to light is good for our mood, so lap up light levels while you can.
Bring nature indoors
During summer, indoors and outside spaces intermingle. This means taking furniture outdoors, but it also means bringing the outside in. With the garden now in full bloom, make daily forays outdoors first thing in the morning to pick a handful of flowers to fill vases inside. Sow herbs and tomatoes in old tin cans and place on a sunny windowsill or table to enjoy summer’s harvest. Research shows that exposure to plants and growing your own is good for your mind, body and soul.
Remove rugs
Warm, thick rugs are a godsend during winter, but there’s no place for them on your floors when the mercury rises. Replace deep pile rugs with lighter options, such as jute or sisal, for a more comfortable and inviting space when it gets hot.
Ornaments and accessories
Every table, sideboard or dresser deserves a carefully-chosen centrepiece to set it off beautifully, but now that winter is firmly behind us, chunky candles should be put away for the duration. Instead, show your furniture off to its best with summer-inspired ornaments or accessories. Pots of seashells, dainty tealights, a bowl of lemons, or a bunch of sweet peas from the garden will all do the trick nicely.
Scents of summer
Bringing summer into the home is all about heightening the senses. As well as making visual changes, introduce summer fragrances that invoke nostalgic memories of hot lazy days outdoors. Dot fragranced diffusers around the home, as well as summery soaps and vases of flowers. Add a few drops of essential oils to the insides of linens. Citrus is an obvious choice, but fragrances such as lavender, rose, peppermint and jasmine are especially reminiscent of this season.
You can help to bring summer into your home and reflect other seasons with the right kind of furniture. If you’re looking to freshen up a setting, Furniture Rental Online provides professional services.