WARMER summer months call for some easy changes around the home, to reflect the longer days and introduce a feeling of brightness into our living environment.

In the British Isles, we have become so used to prolonged winter days and grey skies, that it is of particular importance to celebrate the balmy summer weather with some easy makeovers here and there.

Warm colours, rich fabrics and soft throws are undeniably cosy and comforting when it’s grey and bleak outside, but as creatures of habit we often don’t even consider making changes as the heat returns. Decorative and accessory changes are not only good for our sense of wellbeing, but draw a line in the sand for the changing seasons and allow us to dust off some forgotten pieces as we give them the limelight for a while.

It’s the little changes that make all the difference, like removing the winter tog rated duvet from your bed and substituting a lighter summer version at the same time exchanging dark patterned decorative pillows and cushions for fresh floral prints to lighter plaids.

Reversible window dressings are always a good idea for the bedroom or guest room, allowing them to be turned easily from neutral to lively with the seasonal changes. Likewise the character of furniture is easily transformed with a few simple accessory additions.

Pillows, cushions, throws and slipover covers can all contribute to a lighter summery feel, and in the bedroom the same might apply to that well-loved iron beds, where luxurious winter linens make space for cooler summer patterns and lighter fabrics for balmy July nights.

A few minor accessory changes can also make a difference, so change those heavy pottery containers for clear glass or crystal vases to display bright seasonal flower displays and be sure to scatter a few garden magazines and flower books on the coffee or bedside table, to help bring the outside in and add colour and seasonal interest to your home.

These subtle changes can be made all at once or over a period of several days or weeks, as the inspiration takes us.

Any change, however small is sure to make a welcome difference, and should the winter months seem particularly long, just ditch the calendar and drag out a few summertime accessories anyway. Just because there is snow on the ground and ice on the windows needn’t mean that we have to forsake the uplifting signs of spring!

Tags: Iron Beds, Iron Bedsteads

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 5:01 am and is filed under Design Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.