Let The Sun Shine In
Summer Inspired Design Ideas
Written by Belinda Albo – Interior Designer and Author
Read Belinda Albo’s Bio

The summer months are usually when we get to indulge in many of our interests. That’s why it’s the perfect time to take note of them and find ways to bring those elements in as a part of your design process.

In Your Nature
Whether it’s your cottage or your backyard garden, nature is always a great place to turn to for inspiration.

Choosing a colour palette can sometimes be tricky, but if you draw from what you love, whether its cottage living or backyard gardening, a whole new spectrum of choices can open up.

Use colour-matching technology found in many paint-stores to create a room with a very personal touch:

• Take photographs of your favourite flowers or plants
• Bring postcards of some wonderful Canadian landscape artists
• Go through your travel photography for shots that capture the particular look and colour of the country you were visiting

Beach Couture
The beach is another wonderful spot to draw inspiration for your home:

• A large collection of sea shells can be displayed inside two large cylindrical hurriane vases with a candle nestled in each
• Beach glass (glass that’s been molded and weathered by the sand and surf) take on wonderful colours that can be used as a foundation for your decor
• Beach inspired fabrics such as large stripes, polka dots and over-scaled prints are another great addition
• Use the water itself as inspiration – create reflective surfaces within your room, like mirrors with silver accents or use the surf’s warm yet soft-cool colour combinations as a base on which to build.

Souvenirs With Style
Travel is always a wonderful source of design inspiration and it’s never a bad idea to take advantage of your favourite destination’s cultural influence:

• Utilize colour schemes from the places you fell in love with – whether it’s the rustic earth-coloured elegance of Tuscany or the warm Cuban inspired colours of Miami Beach
• Buy a wonderful large tapestry or fabric and have it stretched on a canvas and hung
• Make a set of drapes, pillows, tablecloth or sofa throws from fabric patterns that are indigenous to that culture
• You can even stock up on candy, nuts, coffees or teas from that country so you can feel you’ve never left.

Surrounded By Inspiration
By using these tips you can see how easily it is to draw from your own life in order to get the perfect look that you want to achieve. So while others think of the summer season as merely a brief interlude from winter, you know that in reality it can be your resource for a never-ending supply of design ideas.