Summer Living
How to keep your home feeling cool and looking stylish this summer
This is the first of what will be a quarterly feature on key seasonal ideas for your home interiors.
Summer really feels like it has arrived in full swing with a full-on heatwave. I spent last weekend in Bournemouth where my daughter was taking part in a Cheerleading competition. This is not a place I would generally head to on such a sunny weekend because of the inevitable traffic jams but once there it was amazing to see the British coast resemble the Costa del Sol with people staying on the beach and in the sea until the sun went down.
Bournemouth Beach, June 2025
Bournemouth was fun, the hotel however was not so great, the room was so hot and the decor was wall to wall grey. This got me thinking about how we can decorate our homes to stay cool and capture a care-free relaxed summer vibe both inside and out so here’s some top tips starting with practical advice on making rooms look and feel cooler.
1. Choose a Light Colour Palette
Although it might be too late to start changing wall colours for this latest heatwave, with climate change and the likelihood of more hot summers in our future, you might consider changing the colour palette of any rooms in your home that get particularly hot.
Repainting walls in a fresh white or light pastel instantly cools the visual temperature.
Light colours reflect heat and give your space a breezy, airy feel so opt for white, soft neutrals, cool greys, or pale blues and greens
Avoid heavy, dark colours which absorb heat and visually “shrink” a room.
2. Swap Out Heavy Textiles
Ditch the winter fabrics for something lighter and breathable.
Replace velvet, wool, or thick weaves with linen, cotton, and gauzy fabrics.
Change out heavy curtains for sheer or light cotton drapes to let air flow and use cool-touch sheets and light bedding in the bedroom.
3. Declutter and Simplify
Minimalism isn't just a style—it’s practical for summer.
Remove excess decor and accessories to make rooms feel more open with a cleaner and cooler look.
Store heavy rugs and unused blankets that hold the heat and save them for the colder months.
4. Bring in Natural Materials
Furniture or accent accessories in natural textures like bamboo, jute, wicker or rattan create a breathable, relaxed vibe and they contrast beautifully with light walls and textiles.
Woven baskets, wood frames, and natural fibre rugs are stylish and seasonal.
5. Use Reflective and Glossy Surfaces
Maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial heat-producing lighting.
Mirrors bounce light into dark corners and make rooms feel larger and cooler.
Choose glass, metal, or high-gloss finishes for accessories or furniture.
6. Add Cooling Greenery
Plants cool the air and bring a refreshing look to any space.
Use indoor plants like ferns, palms, snake plants, or pothos and pot in light-coloured containers to avoid heat retention.
Credit: Edmund Barr
7. Install or Upgrade Window Treatments
Windows can magnify the heat so choose window treatments carefully - particularly in sunny rooms.
Add thermal or blackout blinds behind light drapes for insulation.
Roller shades, bamboo blinds, or Roman shades can be both stylish and functional.
Keep blinds down during peak sunlight hours (usually midday) to prevent rooms from heating up.
8. Use Fans Creatively
Position fans to draw in cool air from shaded windows.
If you have a ceiling fan, set them to rotate counter-clockwise in summer for maximum cooling effect.
9. Embrace Open Spaces
Hot weather calls for more space and movement so consider rearranging your furniture in the summer months to improve airflow and open walkways.
Avoid blocking windows or vents with large items.
10. Introduce Summer Scents and Colours
Sensory cues can trick the senses into feeling cooler and more refreshed.
Use citrus, mint, eucalyptus, or ocean-inspired scents through candles or diffusers.
Accessorize with cool-tone decor like aqua, teal, seafoam, or crisp white ceramics.
Some of my favourite accessories to add some bright and breezy summer style to your home.
So your interior is now summer ready but what about outside? Naturally most people enjoy being outside when the sun is shining - particularly here in the UK when it doesn’t happen often - and whatever outside space you have can be a welcome and stylish extension to your home.
1. Start with Zoning: Think of It as an Outdoor Room
Image credit: Oka
Just like your indoor living space, your outdoor area benefits from thoughtful zoning.
Define key functions: lounging, dining, entertaining, even working.
Create a lounge zone with weatherproof sofas, layered rugs, and side tables.
Design a dining nook with a sturdy outdoor table, ambient lighting, and comfy chairs.
Include a quiet corner for reading or solo coffee mornings—think bistro set and potted plants.
Using outdoor rugs, planters, or even pergolas can help delineate each area visually and practically.
Cheltenham 6 Seater Round Metal Garden Dining Set with Natural Cushion Carver Chairs, Neptune
2. Focus on Comfortable, Weather-Resistant Furniture
Outdoor furniture has come a long way in both style and durability. Look for:
Materials like teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker.
Cushions with quick-dry foam and UV-resistant fabrics.
Modular pieces that can be rearranged to fit different occasions.
For a cohesive look, choose pieces that echo your indoor style—whether it’s Scandinavian minimalism, boho charm, or coastal chic.
3. Lighting: Set the Mood After Sunset
Picture Credit: Taryn Elliott
Lighting transforms your outdoor space from day to night. Mix practical and decorative lighting for layered impact:
Festoon lights for a warm, magical feel.
Lanterns or hurricane candles for soft, flickering ambience.
Solar stake lights for pathway illumination.
Hardwired sconces if you're designing a semi-permanent setup near the house.
4. Bring the Indoors Out with Soft Furnishings
What makes indoor spaces feel complete? Texture and layering—and the same applies outdoors.
Outdoor rugs anchor furniture and add softness underfoot.
Throw blankets are perfect for chilly evenings.
Plush cushions and pouffes make seating even more inviting.
Curtains or shade sails add drama and sun protection.
Choose tones and patterns that complement your interior palette for a seamless transition between spaces.
5. Planting
In addition to any lawn and border planting. Think about using potted plants to add structure and help zone different areas of your outside space.
Potted plants or vertical gardens work well for balconies or small patios.
Herb gardens are both beautiful and practical near a dining area.
Raised beds or border planters can frame a lounge zone and add privacy.
Stick with easy-care plants like lavender, rosemary, grasses, and succulents if you're new to gardening.
6. Entertain with an Outdoor Kitchen or Bar Cart
Summer is the season of relaxed hosting. An outdoor kitchen or mobile bar setup keeps the vibe casual and fun:
Install a built-in grill or pizza oven for serious outdoor cooking.
Style a bar cart or serving station with drinkware, ice buckets, and your favourite summer spritz ingredients.
Add a mini fridge or cooler for convenience.
Don't forget a Bluetooth speaker to complete the setup.
7. Think About Flow from Inside to Out
If you’re planning a larger project, like patio doors or a deck extension, focus on how your indoor and outdoor spaces connect. Consider:
Sliding or folding glass doors to open up the space.
Continuous flooring (like tile or decking) to create a visual link.
Colour continuity in décor, fabrics, or furniture for flow.
The goal is to make stepping outside feel effortless.
Photo credit: marvingreplacement.com
Outdoor living isn’t just about soaking up the sun—by treating your exterior spaces with the same care and creativity as your interiors, you can enjoy a seamless, stylish, and serene summer retreat—right outside your door.
In summary, designing for summer so that you can enjoy the weather without feeling hot and bothered means creating a calm, light, and breathable atmosphere. With a few seasonal swaps and design tweaks, your home can stay cool, and look fresh. Combine that with a carefully curated outside space will mean that your home will feel like a summer retreat.
Need help designing your home? Get in touch to book a Discovery Call.