How to Create the Perfect Summer Interior

A heat wave is on its way (apparently!) and what better way to celebrate the sunshiny weather than with a luxurious and uplifting summer interior. For me there is no better feeling that bringing the feel good atmosphere of a hot summers day into the home where it can be enjoyed 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Here are three of the easiest and most effective ways that you can create the perfect summer interior in your home no matter what your taste and style preferences.

Coastal

The coastal look is hot on trend this season and is probably one of the simplest summertime looks to achieve in your own home interior. When choosing your colour scheme opt for cool blues, crisp white and nautical navy and look for seaside and maritime inspired accessories that will give a nod to gorgeous beachfront villas. When selecting furniture items, choose plain, white painted furniture or natural, reclaimed wood items that can be further complimented with a stylish driftwood floor.

Keep fabrics as plain and simple as possible with plain white, navy and glacial blue tones and add a few accent cushions in navy and white stripe, anchor prints or shell designs to add visual detail to a sofa or bedding set. Curtains and rugs can be given a little more pattern with a swirling wave like design or a gorgeous ombre style pattern in a blend of blue colour tones. Make your own accessories by filling clear glass storm jars with sand, coral and seashells or create a beach inspired mirror with a selection of shells and pebbles that can be stuck around the frame for a 3D texture and appearance.

This coastal look can also be created using a pastel colour palette if you prefer a more beach hut inspired look. Select baby blue, pink and mint and opt for striped stick of rock style patterns for a hint of the Great British seaside. Add some quirky beach hut wall art, vases filled with sticks of rock and boiled sweets and select some fun and fabulous crab, seagull and deckchair cushions for a splash of colour and vibrancy.

Afternoon Tea

Shabby chic interiors are still as popular as ever and for me evoke the elegant and uplifting ambiance of a British afternoon tea. From ladylike baking items and crockery to cosy and comfortable linens and fabrics this trend gives a perfect balance of style and practicality. For this look select subtle pastel tones such as pink, lemon and blue and combine with botanical palettes of green, red and lilac for a fresh and elegant finish.

When selecting your fabrics, go for simple polka dots, stripes and heart prints or for a more traditional feel then select floral designs in classic rose patterns for a more bold and eye catching design. Select cushions in simple crisp white and pink and partner them with floral designs for a mix and match of patterns that is a key feature of shabby chic interiors. Team these with a floral print rug and ditsy polka dot curtains for a truly cosy and feminine feel.

Of course no afternoon tea would be complete without a fabulously laid table where you can sit back with a scrumptious cup of tea and a slice of cake while you catch up with friends. Lay the table with a plain lace or shabby chic print table cloth and then lay your table with classic vintage style cups and saucers, tea pots and cake stands in a mix and match of designs. Place silver cutlery and a cake knife alongside your crockery for a truly authentic and luxurious finishing touch.  Furnish the rest of your interior with crisp white furniture or DIY painted pastel items with slightly distressed edging or floral inlays on the drawer fronts and doors for a truly vintage look that is elegant and stylish.

Holidays

Interiors that remind us of our favourite holiday or destination are a great way of capturing memories and emotions that take us back to those hot and sunshiny shores and provide a relaxing atmosphere that will brighten up even the rainiest of British Summers. From Italy, Greece and Spain to the Caribbean, Morocco and Egypt there are a vast array of colourful and uplifting interior designs that are sure to bring a splash of summer into your home. Select bold and vibrant colour schemes such as purple, red, yellow, lime and turquoise and place alongside bright white for a distinct contrast in colours.

When choosing your fabrics and upholstery then either mix and match your designs for an eastern inspired look or co-ordinate with your decor for a more Greek influenced finish. If you love the luxurious and flamboyant styles of Morocco and the Caribbean then select the most vibrant and patterned cushions you can find in neon colour tones with metallic embroidery and tassel and sequin embellishments. For a Grecian inspired design then select blue and white colour tones with simple Greek key patterns or urn style designs. Alternatively for more natural Spanish style designs choose beige, cream and terracotta cushions in linen and cotton fabrics.

Select accessories that you have collected on your travels or those that co-ordinate with the style in which you have chosen. If you want a relaxed, tropical feel then add some elegant palm trees to the corner of the room and add ornaments and artwork featuring birds and pineapple print and combine with weathered wood furniture for a beach side elegance and authenticity. For a more classic Italian or Greek ambiance then choose simple marble or plaster busts, columns and plinths that will create a palatial feel on a more subtle and refined scale. If you prefer to embrace an eastern style interior design then select some bright and colourful lanterns and team them with brass or pewter candle holders and mosaic ornaments for a bright and illuminating focal point.

For more ideas on creating a summertime ambiance in your home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Summer Interiors