BRIGHT IDEAS:

With Claire Hornby

AT last we now know what it means to say it’s hotter than July… even if we know our foray into real summer weather is just a blip.

Cool, however, goes on forever – and even in the midst of the hottest days, a dash of Nordic minimalism goes a long way to helping everybody chill.

So how do you inject a breath of Scandinavian fresh air into your existence? It’s all a matter of clearing out the clutter to leave simple, stylish lines that make every piece of furniture a style statement.

Take the Nevada coffee table. Beautifully crafted in solid walnut, it has stacks of retro style, with its flared legs and rich colour – it’s a great centrepiece for a living room.

That angularity needs highlighting, though, and a perfect counterpoint is provided by the Savalen corner chaise. Its uncluttered lines provide a suitably minimalist hit, but it’s also luxuriously comfortable.

Colour is a crucial component in a Nordicstyle room, focusing mostly on the cooler side of the colour spectrum – that’s blues, teals and greys. But pattern also has its place here, and can really lift a room out of the mundane.

Look out for geometric wallpapers, and also strongly-patterned rugs – the Serengeti rug together with the coffee table creates a real focal point for the room.

It all adds up to a space where there’s room to relax and chill, with every accessory and piece of furniture carefully chosen to add to the tranquillity of the surroundings.

It’s minimalist, but not bare – and a look that will be cool long after the summer sun has set.

Claire Hornby is creative stylist at Barker and Stonehouse. For more design ideas visit www.barkerand stonehouse.co.uk