Feel Good Home: How to Hang On to the Laid-back Spirit of Summer
Extend those lazy summer days well into autumn with these relaxed ideas designed to stretch out the season
Just because the summer holidays are over and school uniforms are back in the ironing pile, it doesn’t mean the end of those relaxing sunny moments or alfresco gatherings. Make the most of the golden light of late summer and the fresh, colour-rich days of early autumn with these simple ideas.
Let the light in
The sunlight is a little thinner than it was, so make sure you maximise its impact. White voile curtains provide privacy while allowing beautiful diffused light to filter through. They’re also thin enough to draw back almost entirely, so when they’re open they can practically disappear. Throw open a window and let them billow for a summer breeze that would put the Isley Brothers to shame.
The sunlight is a little thinner than it was, so make sure you maximise its impact. White voile curtains provide privacy while allowing beautiful diffused light to filter through. They’re also thin enough to draw back almost entirely, so when they’re open they can practically disappear. Throw open a window and let them billow for a summer breeze that would put the Isley Brothers to shame.
Plan your planting
A bit of strategic sowing will ensure your garden gets a blast of floral colour even as autumn arrives. There are plenty of late-blooming flowers, such as these vibrant Heleniums, that will help you to see out the season in a blaze of glory.
A bit of strategic sowing will ensure your garden gets a blast of floral colour even as autumn arrives. There are plenty of late-blooming flowers, such as these vibrant Heleniums, that will help you to see out the season in a blaze of glory.
Be prepared to dine outdoors
The first rule of late summer sun is grab it while you can, so be ready to move your meal outside at a moment’s notice. Have a weatherproof table, such as this zinc-topped farmhouse design, and comfortable chairs set up in anticipation and eat out whenever the weather allows.
The first rule of late summer sun is grab it while you can, so be ready to move your meal outside at a moment’s notice. Have a weatherproof table, such as this zinc-topped farmhouse design, and comfortable chairs set up in anticipation and eat out whenever the weather allows.
Introduce year-round blooms
Nothing says summer like abundant blooms. But if your flowers have seen better days, recreate the impact of vibrant plant life indoors with some stunning floral fabric. Curtains are a good choice, allowing a large expanse of colour, or try cushions or a rug.
Nothing says summer like abundant blooms. But if your flowers have seen better days, recreate the impact of vibrant plant life indoors with some stunning floral fabric. Curtains are a good choice, allowing a large expanse of colour, or try cushions or a rug.
Recreate that holiday mood
Transport yourself back to carefree afternoons at the coast with a dose of beach-hut chic. Sun-bleached wood, broad stripes, a touch of tongue and groove and, most importantly, a deckchair will keep any ideas of autumn well and truly at bay. Just add a summer blockbuster to complete the mood.
Check out how to create coastal style
Transport yourself back to carefree afternoons at the coast with a dose of beach-hut chic. Sun-bleached wood, broad stripes, a touch of tongue and groove and, most importantly, a deckchair will keep any ideas of autumn well and truly at bay. Just add a summer blockbuster to complete the mood.
Check out how to create coastal style
Decorate with mellow yellow
Lift your interior with a hit of the sunshine hue. Accessorise with colourful cushions, a bright rug or grouped ceramics to boost the mood in an instant. If bright yellow is a bit too much, go for a palette of pales, from lemon to muted green.
Discover ways to bring a sunny mood to your garden with yellow
Lift your interior with a hit of the sunshine hue. Accessorise with colourful cushions, a bright rug or grouped ceramics to boost the mood in an instant. If bright yellow is a bit too much, go for a palette of pales, from lemon to muted green.
Discover ways to bring a sunny mood to your garden with yellow
Exploit good glazing
If there are any corners in your home with plenty of glazing, consider creating a permanent relaxation spot. That might mean a table and two chairs to enjoy tea for two, or it could be an armchair for morning coffee gazing at the treetops. Whatever your view, being able to see the sky is a massive mood booster, and all that glass will translate any sunshine into a gorgeously warm glow.
How do you prolong that summery mood at home? Tell us in the Comments below.
If there are any corners in your home with plenty of glazing, consider creating a permanent relaxation spot. That might mean a table and two chairs to enjoy tea for two, or it could be an armchair for morning coffee gazing at the treetops. Whatever your view, being able to see the sky is a massive mood booster, and all that glass will translate any sunshine into a gorgeously warm glow.
How do you prolong that summery mood at home? Tell us in the Comments below.
As the shadows lengthen, relocate your lounger to the sunniest corner of your garden or terrace. Take note of the optimum time of day for catching a few rays and, if possible, plan your hours accordingly. Also remember that retailers often reduce the price of garden furniture at this time of year, so it could be a great moment to invest in a set of loungers or a modular outdoor sofa.
See great ways to create a chill-out zone in your garden