We Answer Wednesday - How to make my home look summer-y

"How can I make my home look summer-y? The cold weather is finally gone but my home still looks kind of winter-y"

Yes, the weather is absolutely beautiful these days and it looks like those chilly days are behind us (at least for a few months).  It's nice to celebrate the changing of the seasons and if you live in an area like ours, the changes in weather are pretty drastic! We love to have the inside of our homes light and airy like the summer weather so here are some ideas that we use at home.

1 - Flowers - bring in some beauty of the spring/summer season.  If you have a lovely garden cut some of your own flowers, if you don't have a garden to pick from the local Farmer's markets have tons of beautiful flowers this time of year.  We love the see arrangements on coffee tables, dining tables and even bedrooms.



2- Pillows and throws - chances are if you live in a colder climate (like us) your pillows and throws (on your bed and sofa) you colour motif is likely deep and dark, so for the warmer seasons lighten it up!  Can this get expensive? Sure.  But if you are smart you can do this on a budget.  Try pillow covers instead of all new pillows.  This way you can keep the inserts, change the covers seasonally and send the off-season covers to be professionally cleaned.  Tuck away your off-season pillows and throws in a closet or a trunk during these warm months.  If you stick with a spring/summer colour scheme and a fall/winter scheme you will get a lot of use of your accent decor pieces. For spring summer, we love a pop of yellow.  Yellow works with blue, green, orange, pink ..... plus it is so sunny and bright!

 

3 - Drapery and window coverings - we aren't  suggesting a new set of window dressings is mandatory but if you have heavy drapery such as velvet or a really dark colour, you might want to consider a lighter option during the spring/summer months - this will completely transform the look of your home.  And much like the idea with the pillow covers, take the cold season drapery to be cleaned. If you aren't open to 2 sets of drapery, pull back the curtains and pull up the blinds and let the light in! this will brighten up the room



4 - Fireplace - the fireplace is a focal point in your room no matter the season.  In those cold winter and crisp fall months, it is easy to style the fireplace but what to do in the warm months? The fireplace likely won't be in use but it is a big piece of your room.  Style it with some softer textures and tones. You have lots of options but we suggest adding elements that work with your spring/summer colour scheme and adding some botanical pieces (that could be floral arrangements or a seasonal art piece).  We love the image below because it has that summer ease - the plants are a great touch and that mirror in the fireplace is such a great idea.  The garden stool adds a pop of colour but is also another seating option when needed.



5 - Texture - in the warmer months we all love to get outside, so to make your home decor more 'summer-y' bring the outdoors in!  Yes, we already mentioned flowers but there are other outdoor elements that you can bring inside.  Think about natural textures like wood, rattan and sisal - they add that soft and natural factor but also a warmth.  These are great options if you lean towards neutrals, in terms of your decor palette.  The richness of these textures adds a sophistication to any space.




 You can create a welcoming entry in the summer by adding a summer themed wreath and planters.  Maybe even a bench with some outdoor pillows - this will create a warm and inviting vignette for family and friends.

Vacation Home Decor

You might be one of the lucky ones that has a vacation home like a summer cottage on a lake or perhaps a mountain chalet...

If you are one of the lucky ones you may be thinking about making a more permanent move to the vacation residence or maybe you want to start using it as another revenue stream.

If you are in that position, think about making your vacation home look a little more 'home-like'



I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to many different places with my husband and my children - Greece, Jamaica, Mont Tremblant QC, Seattle WA, St Simons Island GA and many more.  From my experiences staying in condos, villas and homes in these amazing vacation spots I can say that the overall look played a big role in why we chose the vacation rental that we chose.

Cleanliness and budget were obvious factors but did the home have a comfortable feeling and look? Did it fit the surroundings and reflect the lifestyle?  If you are looking at renting out a vacation home remember you are fulfilling a travel fantasy so play into it.

But how your vacation rentals looks in photos is important.  If someone is spending their hard earned money on a holiday they want it to be the best one and they want a place that will be just that.

A beach house should look like one.  This about the interior paint colours - personally soft tones, like sand, various whites and beach glass are great options.  Natural materials like stone and wood feel organic and calm.  Plush towels in white give a spa like feel.  Other details like local artists' work on the walls, bowls of shells and sand, candles and sea glass accents.  Play with the local flavour - a porch swing and rocking chairs at the home we stayed at in St Simons Island, GA were just perfect for watching the rainstorms and hanging out with family on hot summer evenings.

 

A mountain home always looks great with warmer and a bit darker tones like Cognac leather club chairs, a fireplace, natural elements like stone, wood beams and slate.  Add lots of touchable textures (leather, wool, fur) and blankets for cozy winter nights.  Some great art ideas would be photography or framed maps of the area. Area rugs make a hardwood floor look and feel warmer.  In the winter months, it gets dark early so think about having lots of light (recessed or floor and table lamps)

 

If this is a great spot for families - try having board games, movies and books already there for guests to enjoy.  Kitchen items that they may need - pots, pans, cookie sheets and more...Extra linens for bed and bath.  Take-out menus and recommendations for sightseeing and restaurants.  Make your guests feel and home and they will want to come back again and again.

No matter what type of vacation rental you have, make it a true getaway for guests and yourself.

Cottage Life At Home

The hot sunny weather is finally here!  I know everyone is complaining about the heat but I love it! And, really we only have it for so long, so enjoy it before the snow arrives :)

If you are lucky enough to have a cottage or summer home, I'm sure this weather is perfect but for those of us that don't (but wish we did), here are some great ideas to get that cottage look at home so you can kick back and relax cottage style but right at home.

1.  Think about colour.  What are the colours of summer? Light and fresh tones like blue, yellow, white and green are my favourites and they blend nicely with classic neutrals like grey, navy and khaki.  Try adding some summer colour in floral arrangements, pillows, art, candles, bathroom towels and other easy decor pieces.  You can re-use these items every summer season.



2.  Think easy fabrics.  Summer is all about casual entertaining and relaxing, so keep it simple.  Add some slipcovers to existing sofas and chairs to give them a new look but keep it simple with great basics like denim and canvas.  These fabrics are so easy to care for just wash and wear (or sit) and they get softer with every washing.  Again so simple to tuck away for the winter months and re-use when the summer season returns.



3.  Think texture.  When I think of summer I think about the outdoors - I'm not a cold weather person so I hibernate in the winter months.  In summer, I like to swim, walk, hike and take my kids to the park to play.  So bring the textures and beauty of the outdoor indoors!  Floral arrangements are an easy way to do just that but think about more creative ways like wicker furniture with comfy and cozy pillows and throws, bowls or fruit and veggies from the garden, an herb garden, hurricane lights with decorative sand and simple candles, or a soothing water feature wall from the local garden centre - so zen!



4.  Think outdoor furniture.  Not all of your time outdoors will be active so think about seating, lighting and entertaining outdoors.  Over sized candles in large lanterns is a great look with a large group setting or just for yourself.  Tiki torches are fun and festive plus they can keep the bugs away too.  Rocking chairs are great for reading, easy conversation or just soaking in the sunset.  A porch swing, a hammock so soothing...also outdoor fabrics are great for screened in porches, decks and sunrooms - they wash well, don't fade, easy to care for, too...Comfortable seating is a must - outdoor 'sofas' and even 'outdoor' bean bags are great and easy options that are perfect for lounging.  Don't want to spend a fortune on furniture that can't be used all year round??  Summer is the perfect time to fins deals and if you are a DIY guy or gal, try yard saling or thrift stores- it's amazing what deals you can find and what a can (or two) or spray paint can do...



5.  Think lighting.  In the summer the sun is so bright there's no real need for day time lighting but in the evening keep it low key and low energy with soft candle light and for reading be sure to have proper light but why not have some light fixtures with a more rustic, nautical or nature inspired look. 



6.  Think family.  One of my favourite childhood memory's is going to my cousin's cottage with the whole family.  We had some much fun - swimming, sunning, listening to music, BBQ's, playing cards and other board games, telling stories etc...so relive and record those moments by hosting family game night and host friends and family over for snacks and games be sure to take lots of photos of those memories, too!  And find a way to display your memories like with a photo gallery wall, photo album out and available for friends to view or scrapbook.  Surrounding yourself with things and the people you love will make your space more enjoyable for everyone!!