HOME + GARDEN
HOW TO ... BRING SUMMER INTO YOUR HOME
WITH THE WEATHER FINALLY SHOWING SIGNS OF SUNNIER DAYS TO COME , IT ’ S TIME TO DUST OFF THE WINTER BLUES AND PREPARE THE HOME FOR THE NEW SEASON . JUST AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO CHANGING OUR CLOTHING TO LIGHTER AND MORE COLOURFUL SUMMERY CHOICES , IT CAN BE SIMILARLY UPLIFTING TO EMBRACE THE SAME IN OUR HOME STYLING . HERE , JULIA KENDELL , INTERIOR DESIGNER FROM BBC ’ S DIY SOS , A REGULAR ON ITV ’ S 60 MINUTE MAKEOVER AND RESIDENT INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERT AT THE SOUTHERN HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW SHARES HER TOP 10 QUICK REFRESH IDEAS .
1 . With longer days and warmer nights , it ’ s no longer necessary to cover windows with heavy curtains which , while they create a cosy environment throughout autumn and winter , can absorb a lot of daylight entering rooms . Take down curtains and store carefully ready to pull out at the end of the year . Replace with light , linen voiles in white or light pastel colour for a fresh and ‘ wafty ’ vibe . A breath of fresh air in the home !
2 . Add a burst of fresh colour with a selection of new accessories . Pops of colour can bring a whole new energy to a space , whether it ’ s a set of colourful kitchen accessories or new cushions in the sitting room . Pick a colour that makes you feel good and enjoy the same good energy in your home .
3 . Brighter days draw attention to tired paintwork . Refresh your woodwork in your home to make the room feel instantly updated and ‘ clean .’ It might seem an unnecessary job , but even refreshing the ceiling can dramatically enhance the light levels in a space .
4 . Linking your home and garden can help to increase the feeling of space and a flowing indoor / outdoor setting for the spring and summer months . Choose the same colour palette in bedding / plants as the accessories in your home to create a smooth transition between the areas .
5 . Bring spring / summer colouring new life into your home with cut flowers . For an eclectic , country feel , pick up bud and single-stem vases and bottles from charity shops .
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