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How to Create 'Summer' Decor in Your Home
In northern climates
when the sun comes out (even if it's only for a few
months of the year) many decor-savvy individuals like
to freshen the look of their rooms. Bring summer indoors
in full force - without losing the comfortable and cozy
furnishings you desire in the cooler months.
How can you transform your home into
a summer retreat? It's easy!
"Let the SUNSHINE In..."
Summertime is all about light. Put the
heavy drapery away and make the widows a focal point.
While the light is great during the day - especially
if you don't need to turn on interior lights - you may
dislike the cavernous black holes that they become late
at night. For privacy and appearance, keep up the retractable
blinds during the day and put them down at night behind
a sheer curtain.
Use mirrors to capture the sunlight
and bounce it around. This doesn't mean a major change
in your decor but you may find moving a large mirror
to a different wall will optimize the light reflection
in the room. Try it across from a window or on a wall
that corners against the window wall for the most light
distribution.
Open Up the Room...
While some people change their furniture
arrangement all the time, others rarely consider it.
Moving the furniture into a 'summer arrangement' can
optimize your space and give it a more airy feel.
If you normally place the living room
furniture to focus on the fireplace consider turning
them to face away. This can open up the space and make
it more inviting for summertime get togethers. If you
barbecue you might even switch the dining and living
room area around if it will give you a better flow for
entertaining and enjoying the evening sun during meals.
Roll up the area rugs, leave the table
bare and get rid of excess blankets, pillows and other
'comfy' materials that tend to warm up the space.
If you find that look is too plain,
consider buying or making covers for the pillows that
compliment your summer scheme. Celadon green, aqua blues,
a hit of orange or even nautical navy and white stripes
work great. You might also throw in a rattan or bamboo
covered pillow (for looks - not comfort!).
If you have plenty of storage space
(you've packed away all the winter clothes and drapery
so you should be fine) you might like to use white cotton
or canvas slipcovers on the furniture. Not only will
it brighten the room, but they can come off easily to
be cleaned so you needn't worry about stains - which
is never a good look!
Bring the Outdoors In...
A large tropical with palm leaves will
give an instant injection of summer to your rooms. Adding
some colorful cut flowers will add further summer appeal.
However, too much of anything is not good. Don't clutter
your rooms with so many plants it feels like a conservatory.
Using one or two of these suggestions
will be sure to help you take full advantage of summer
- while its here!
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