My brain tells me that we are still in the middle of summer. We still have holidays to take and sunny days to enjoy. But as if a switch has been turned on, August mornings just feel that bit chillier. The climbers in the garden have turned from fresh green to a mellow reddy green. A prelude to turning brown. My inbox is full of Autumn home makeover products and if you can believe it, Christmas gift ideas. Now come on a minute. It’s only the beginning of August for heavens sake!
But that very same switch has turned on a desire to keep summer going as long as possible. I’m ignoring those emails. I don’t want to start making the house cosier. I want it to be summer all year round. And I’m here to tell you there are a few things you can do to make that happen.
Image:Mylands Paints
Paint a Room in Summery Colours
There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to change the mood of a room. I love all of the fashionable dark colours but if you want a room to feel bright and cheery it’s best to choose a lighter shade to paint it. It doesn’t have to be white. Because believe it or not, white can actually make a room feel colder. Choose a colour(s), from the lighter shade of the spectrum but with a warmer tone. Pastel shades are perfect for creating a light but soft and welcoming atmosphere. Or if you prefer a more saturated shade, contrast it with a crisp white border on the skirtings and doors. It will have the same effect of brightening up the space.
Image: Dunelm
Bring the Outside In
For months now I’ve been wondering how long it will take me to save up for a conservatory, and I’ve been lusting after the inspiring examples at Phil Coppell Limited. There’s just something about sitting in a light filled room full of green plants that seems to banish the winter blues. But you don’t have to go to such lengths to re-create the same feeling at home. A sunny corner filled with houseplants can have the same effect. Especially if you have a comfy chair to relax in for coffee breaks and sneaky afternoons reading a good book. If you add soft furnishings and artwork with a botanical theme the effect will be even more uplifting.
Image: Lights4Fun
Invest in Some Extra Lights
Integral lights can’t be an afterthought, you have to plan for them at the decorating stage. But extra decorative lights can be added at any time and can turn dark corners into interesting little spaces. You can’t have too many table lamps in my opinion but don’t just stop at lamps. Strings of bulbs, floor lamps, uplighters, fairy lights, and clip on lights can be added anywhere and can be a decorative feature in themselves.
Image: Farrow & Ball
Treat Yourself
This is a rule of mine at any time of the year, but when the evenings start to draw in and the weather turns chillier it’s nice to have a few things around that remind you of summer. It could be a vase of flowers, a scented candle or a new piece of artwork that you bought on holiday. Anything that will extend the feeling of it being summer all year round.
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The post 4 Interior Design Tricks to Make Summer Last All Year Round appeared first on Dear Designer.
from Dear Designer http://deardesigner.co.uk/4-interior-design-tricks-to-make-summer-last-all-year-round/
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