With summer on our doorstep, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home and embrace the warm, sunny vibes of the season. Somerset, with its beautiful countryside and charming villages, offers a unique backdrop for interior design. Here are my top summer recommendations for interior design in Somerset homes that I always add in my projects to help you create a stylish and inviting home for the sunny months ahead.
Maximise Natural Light
Summer is all about bright, airy spaces filled with natural light. To maximise light in your home, replace heavy curtains with sheer, lightweight fabrics that allow sunlight to filter through. If privacy is a concern, consider layering sheer curtains with blinds that can be adjusted as needed. Mirrors can reflect natural light and make any room feel larger and brighter; place them opposite windows or in areas where they can catch and bounce light around the room. Lastly, declutter your space to create an open and welcoming environment.
Refresh Your Colour Palette
Updating your colour scheme is a simple yet effective way to bring summer into your home. Soft pastels, whites, and light neutrals can make your space feel fresh and airy, while bold, vibrant colours like turquoise, coral, and sunny yellow add a touch of summer energy. Nature-inspired shades such as greens, blues, and earthy tones draw inspiration from Somerset’s natural beauty and create a calming, harmonious environment.
Update Fabrics and Textiles
Swapping out your textiles is a quick way to update your home for summer. Opt for light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen for your curtains, cushions, and bedding. These materials are perfect for keeping cool during the warmer months. Incorporate seasonal patterns such as floral prints, botanical motifs, and nautical stripes to evoke the feeling of summer. Introduce natural textures like jute, rattan, and wicker to create a relaxed, summery vibe in rugs, baskets, and furniture pieces.
Bring the Outdoors In
Summer is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so bring some of that beauty inside. Houseplants and fresh flowers add a vibrant, natural touch to your home. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents and ferns, and display fresh flowers in vases throughout your space. I also love using a big branch in a ginger jar to enhance the scale of a room whilst bringing in a decorative element. Incorporate decor items made from natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo to create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. If you have a garden or patio, create a cohesive flow by using similar colours and materials in both areas, and add outdoor rugs, cushions, and lighting to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home.
Optimise Your Furniture Layout
Rearranging your furniture can make a big difference in how your home feels during the summer months. Arrange your furniture to promote a sense of openness and easy movement, avoiding blocking windows and pathways. Opt for lighter, more streamlined furniture pieces and ensure your seating arrangements are flexible to accommodate guests comfortably. Consider adding occasional chairs, pouffes, or floor cushions for additional seating, and bring outdoor furniture like wicker chairs or a hammock indoors for a relaxed, summery feel.
Enhance Your Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget about your outdoor areas! Invest in comfortable outdoor seating like loungers, sofas, and dining sets, and add cushions and throws for extra comfort and style. Use string lights, lanterns, and solar-powered garden lights to create a magical ambiance for evening gatherings, ensuring your outdoor space is well-lit to extend its use into the night. Decorate with accessories like outdoor rugs, planters, and decorative lanterns to make your garden or patio feel cosy and inviting.
Final Touches
To complete your summer transformation, pay attention to the small details. Use candles, diffusers, or fresh flowers to introduce seasonal scents like lavender, citrus, or sea breeze, enhancing the summer atmosphere in your home. Update your artwork and decor to reflect the season with coastal-themed art, beach-inspired decor, or pieces featuring summer colours and motifs. Finally, have summer essentials like lightweight throws, beach towels, and picnic baskets easily accessible so you’re always ready for spontaneous summer activities.
Conclusion
Embracing summer in your Somerset home is all about creating light, airy, and welcoming spaces that celebrate the season’s beauty. By maximising natural light, refreshing your colour palette, updating your fabrics, optimising your furniture layout, and enhancing your outdoor spaces, you can transform your home into a summer haven. At Sean Symington Interior Design, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Enjoy your summer and happy decorating!