Embrace the Endless Summer with Colour!
Infuse Your Living Spaces with Refreshing Summer Vibes
By Michelle Mahoney
Summer invites us to indulge in lazy afternoons on the beach, unwind during cool evenings on a patio, and savour every moment in between. It’s a season when time seems to move slower, trading bustling days for a tranquil and unhurried pace that leaves us asking why these days can’t last forever. It’s also the perfect time to invite this lighthearted mood into our living spaces. From breezy colours to natural textures and vibrant accents, these tips will have you filling your home or cottage with summer vibes – creating a delightful retreat that is sure to inspire year-round.
Refresh Your Colours
Whether you are hoping to mimic the glow of a lakeside sunset or the serenity of a July afternoon, the perfect paint colours can transform a space into the oasis of your daydreams. Choosing light shades with warm yellow undertones will reflect light, offering a fresh sun-streaked glow. While colours with blue and grey undertones will be cool and airy on the hottest of days.
*Colour Tip: Always choose paint colours in the room where they’ll be used, as colour results can change drastically in different lighting.
Inspirational Shades
Sherwin Williams Alabaster – A classic white with a muted yellow undertone, this shade is the perfect backdrop for layering with texture or pops of colour.
Benjamin Moore Ocean Air – True to its name, this grey blue feels like a breath of fresh air and pairs well with billowing white curtains and natural wood tones.
Farrow and Ball Lulworth Blue – A fresh mid blue that exudes peace and relaxation.
Benjamin Moore Sunlit Coral – From sunset to garden blooms, this stunning shade mimics many of summer’s delights with a fresh colourful twist.
Layer on the Textures
While neutral and pastel colour palettes are a great way to evoke that light and easy summer feeling, it is texture that brings it all to life. From eco-conscious area rugs to woven rattan furniture, and any combination of outdoor inspired accessories, opportunities to please the senses are everywhere. Textured fabrics and finishes in light airy neutrals, combined with natural wood tones, add a touch of organic warmth, create visual interest and bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your space.
Bring the Outdoors In
From fresh blooms and potted plants to outdoor inspired fabrics, artwork and wallpaper, when it comes to creating a summer mood, no one does it better than Mother Nature. Not only do these natural inspirations invite colour and texture, but they also offer a chance to tell a story or highlight a favourite moment in time. Display a collection of shells or showcase a piece of driftwood on a mantel. Let your personality shine – and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the fun and excitement that summer brings. This is also an opportunity to punctuate with colour.
Whether your heart sings for the vibrant pinks, greens and yellows of the garden, the birch tree’s neutral sophistication or the intensity of a clear blue sky, the right combination will add a vibrancy that will bring a smile to your face whenever you enter the room.
By incorporating light and airy colours, natural textures and materials and unique accents and details, you can transform your living spaces into an endless summer atmosphere that uplifts the spirit and invites relaxation. Embrace the beauty of nature, play with colours and let your creativity soar as you create a summery refuge that reflects the mood of this wonderful time of year.
