Keep your abode cool!

Sharmila Chand

It is time to adorn your abode with a fresh summer look. To have a perfect summer décor, the key issue is to find the right balance between enjoyment, relaxation and comfortable interiors, say experts. From soothing colour palettes to light furniture and pleasing furnishings, embrace decor ideas evocative of the season.

Brighten up your space

Have a profusion of vibrant and cool colors with a mix of patterns. Shades of green are big this summer and work beautifully in sync with indoor plants and natural living mode. Throws and pillows in citrus hues add to the summery mood. Pick your shades from sage green, cool blues and soft grey.

Create outdoor feel

Weather is not very conducive to enjoy outdoors. The best way to enjoy the season is to replicate it in your comfort zone. Bring the outside in with plenty of natural textures and green accents. Choose your favourite flowers, plants and fresh fruits, be creative and use these to add to the decor. Citrus fruits make wonderful centerpieces for the dining table and enhance the aroma, besides adding to the beauty. For a more rustic feel, try bringing in eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cane and jute area rugs.

Furniture needs a fresh look

It is a good idea to paint dark furniture pieces in summery hues such as peaches, sky blue or grassy green. The glossy paint can create a fun-lacquered look and gives an old piece a fresh and cheerful feel. Use removable slipcovers or decorative throws to bring bursts of colour and brightness. If you prefer whites and neutrals, then dress up with colourful throws and cushions.

Go for green

This is the time when you need to infuse lot of greenery in your house. Fresh flowers or plants with lot of foliage, transform your space into a natural living abode. Plant succulents in large shells or fish-shaped pots. The tiny plants last for a long time and do not require much care. These are a perfect addition to a summery décor.

Flirty breezy furnishings

While timeless florals in cheerful and subtle colour combinations look the best, there is also a demand for trendy geometric patterns, fun stripes, delicate zari and applique designs in furnishings. Pattern is a brilliant way to give a fresh look to your living space. A blend of leaf, floral and striped patterns looks fresh and inviting. Go for trendy patterns that include Ikat, block prints, classic Mughal art motifs, animal prints, botanicals, in particular, palm tree. Go for natural materials like pure linens and cottons. Choose organic cotton and linen. Replace heavy drapery with sheer curtains. Use valances in pastel shades to enjoy the views and not cover up the windows. Go for light breezy sheers, glazed linen, soft shimmering chenille and pure cotton fabric.

Adorn your walls right

Changing the shades and art work on walls is the easiest way to bring a makeover. Adorn your walls with wallpapers in designs inspired by Moroccan dyes and Indonesian batik sarongs. Fused inks and watercolour drawings, pleated prints and laces can lend an amazing look to your walls.

— With inputs from Retesh Sharma, director, Zynna, and Ramachandra Shastry, director, Rumors Fine Furnishing