Long lazy days, gatherings of friends and family, having fun with the kids in the pool, that’s what magical summer days are made of. With the right furniture, finishes, lighting and decor, you can enjoy that summer vibe all year round.
Celebrate nature’s beauty
Summer is all about endless sunshine, enjoying the outdoors and creating lasting memories. Justine Wilson, founder of Vault Interiors Property Styling, says to capture that feeling, incorporate colours and textures that are organic. “Consider sisal rugs that evoke feelings of beach shacks or sand, linen fabrics and soft cottons. Selections that are soft to touch and allow airflow are great for curtains or pillow covers,” she says. Trish Khoury, founding director of Grace Interior Designs, says terracotta or ceramic decor such as vases, trivets or fruit bowls can work well. “Think about ways to bring the outdoors in with plants in jute baskets, and include the use of summer colours such as yellow, which is a positive and happy colour,” she suggests.
A splash of summer
Colour your home happy with shades that uplift. Trish says orange encourages expressiveness, blue reminds us of the sea and sky, and white works as a neutral for warmer temperatures, but notes the best colour is ultimately your favourite. Paint can make a space feel expansive and create a summer vibe regardless of season. Linda Brander from Wattyl recommends Wattyl Badaboom, “upbeat, highly optimistic and full of sheer joy”, and lavender hues such as Wattyl Blueberry Yum Yum for a soft neutral backdrop. A textured wall using FX Super Easy Concrete adds character and depth. For flooring, think cork, bold tile patterns, or handcrafted rugs in seagrass, sisal and jute for relaxed luxury.
Summer vibe spaces
A light-filled, welcoming home captures that endless summer feel. For a home office, Trish suggests a light timber desk, maximised natural light, greenery and purposeful storage. In the bathroom, swap heavy towels for Turkish-style ones and add plants, summery fragrance and organic soaps on a ceramic dish. In the bedroom, Justine recommends swapping the duvet for a coverlet and layering lightweight cotton in neutrals or soft colours mixed with pattern.
Play with light
Lighting shapes mood and ambience. Dario Dal Ponte of LightCo says the right balance of natural and artificial light transforms a setting from flat to layered and inviting, a sculptural pendant suits living and dining areas, while playful lamps with organic forms work well in bedrooms. Patrick Lourie of Euroluce recommends uplighting for living and kitchen spaces and colourful table or wall lights for bedrooms. Glass and natural timber finishes are having a moment, as are sculptural pieces that double as artwork. A well-positioned skylight boosts natural light, energy efficiency and airflow year-round.
Take it outside
Summer living is all about cooking outdoors. Update your barbecue, source quality appliances, and consider a pizza oven and smoker. An outdoor kitchen with plenty of preparation space simplifies entertaining a crowd.
Art for ambience
Artwork is the final touch for a space that feels light, bright and personal. Nancy Donaldson, CEO and founder of Art Lovers, says trust your instincts, “pick a piece that resonates with you emotionally; if it makes you stop and smile, you’re on the right track.” Choose landscape shapes or softer palettes for bedrooms, and go bigger and bolder in living spaces. Aim for artwork two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture beneath it. Slimline frames create a modern look; frameless canvases suit a contemporary or urban edge.