Summer school
These lessons in this season’s style hacks will help to add a little sunshine to any home
Summer is firmly here, and, as well as high pollen counts, it brings with it plenty of interior design trends to sink your teeth into. And while it might not be the season to give your home a full-on revamp – after all, who wants to be stuck indoors when the sun is beating down – there are plenty of minimal effort hacks which will pack your pad with maximum style points.
ANYONE FOR ICE CREAM?
If you’re fans of strawberry or mint ice cream, chances are you are going to love the colour craze heading our way this summer.
Pastel colours more often found in an ice cream parlour are set to invade the home.
Soft pinks, mint greens and bubblegum blues are soon to be seen everywhere – not just the freezer.
The easiest way to adopt this hot colour trend is by introducing a plethora of accessories. And don’t just stick to one shade either; like all good ice creams, don’t be afraid to mix up the flavours.
Feeling a little more bold? If your décor is fairly neutral why not vamp it up by painting an internal door in one of these subtle hues.
INDULGE WANDERLUST
You wouldn’t be alone if all thoughts turned to travel and not the home during the summer months. But this year travel is heavily influencing interiors, with trends from around the world heading to the UK.
Terracotta has been making a slow and steady comeback since 2017, but expect to see it everywhere from now on. Its earthy tones complement the natural textiles and patterns that are also beginning to emerge.
Global-inspired pieces are going to be especially popular when it comes to small ticket soft furnishings, think blankets, cushions and bedding, making it really easy – and inexpensive – to apply in the home.
But if you really want to be authentic, why not book a roundtrip to your favourite destination and snap up some pieces. Although you may need to check your baggage allowance first.
Artwork inspired by all corners of the globe is becoming more prevalent, with options at all price points.
However, you can combine two of this summer’s hot looks by investing in a huge piece of global-inspired art. This season, gallery walls are going to be increasingly replaced by a single piece of art – the bigger the better.
It will place the global trend at the heart of your room, providing a focal point and setting the tone for the rest of the décor.
HERRING-CHROME
This next trend combines two staples of the interiors world, monochrome and herringbone, and unites them in a beautiful, yet unconventional manner: on the walls.
Herringbone has long been a design classic when it comes to floor coverings, but it is becoming increasingly popular on the walls. And when combined with the striking two-tone look of monochrome it makes a real style statement.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating your own wall covering: opt for a mix of black and white tiles, with matt and gloss variants thrown in for good measure.
Or simply go with tiles in one colour and grout in another for a bold, dramatic effect.
■ Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.
The once-popular gallery wall is set to be replaced by single pieces of large art