Come on -let’s pretend it’s Summer!

Posted by Elaine McHale on 22 Jul, 2011 in Blog | 3 comments

‘Met Eireann aplogises for the weather yesterday’ so says today’s headlines! They said there were going to be a few showers instead of the opening of the heavens that welcomed all poor souls in the city yesterday. So as you can imagine they are now hedging their bets with further forecasts and playing it safe as per the following…….’There will be a good deal of dry weather but there will be some rain at times also…….. Indications suggest warm, mainly dry weather on Tuesday but there could be some scattered showers developing in places on Tuesday afternoon.’

Meanwhile spare a thought for the poor New Yorkers who are collapsing in temps of 46°C –the solution-mobile fountains – how about that?!  I never thought I’d say it but I’m happy I’m here wrapped in my layers– I hate the idea of laboured breathing! And hey one can always warm up by trying to catch up with that mysterious streaker who’s been spotted in Kerry somewhere – anyone seen him? Having said that it is important psychologically to experience that sense of summer, the streaker story, embodies that sense of the ridiculous that really is the essence of summer- I love it!

Me -I find it challenging getting into the white jeans and sandals. I feel if I stick with the wedge sandals and my co…oooll cropped trousers (love them) then I feel I’m doing my bit!

On the homefront, it’s good to get out into the garden and even if it is cold (yes,agreed) you can warm up with a beautiful mug of tea or coffee. I bought some beautiful pink and floral mugs in TKMAXX yesterday. Tea tastes different in a lovely china mug and it means I can swan around the garden, mug in hand admiring all the fabulous flowers….. now  what could be better?!

I’ve planted the garden with a mix of garden centre purchases and cuttings from my mother and some friends.  I just love mixing purple, blues, some pinks and white. I love the purple agapanthus, (but it has to be the extra large ones) which look stunning, grouped together in an old oak barrel. The purple foxgloves that I remember so fondly as a child on holidays in Donegal look a perfect fairy dream in the garden.  I bought some flowers to attract butterflies and bees and I love to see all the little sparrows and thrushes swarming into the garden and taking a little dip in an old pot (no… not swallowing the bees!).  So I would really recommend getting out in the garden to sure you make your summer at home as summery as possible!

Once you do get indoors,there’s some good news! You can bring the sense of the garden in with you by introducing floral patterns and some strong bursts of summer colour. You can create a fresh new look that will re-energise you, and your home very easily and without spending too much in the process.

Most people need to be braver with colour (it takes a while!) and the good thing about colour is that you can take it slowly and try out a  little at first introducing cushions and other accessories or painting features such as trimming or feature walls or even ceilings. Ceilings can look absolutely amazing in a deep pink or purple and balancing with lots of white.

And you’ll have no problem sourcing any of the vibrant colour that’s so in vogue this summer.  There’s lots of colour around, whether it’s in accessories or on the laminate  finish on furniture or lighting. With painted furniture the focus is on super-slick glossy surfaces – you’ll see them on stools, table tops and small lockers. All these vibrant colours look great in white bathrooms, bedrooms or kitchens. The key is to keep the background neutral in whites or greys, or even with touches of black  (the tones must be right -creams won’t look as good with primary colours!)

And of course, there’s still lots of monochrome black and white colour around. It’s such a versatile look as it works really well in small doses with some colour or you can use it with warm neutrals such as browns and lots of wood, chrome and glass. Designers Guild have brought out more luxurious and feminine designs in black and white. I will leave you with some good interior tips for the summer to mull over. So do try to get stuck into it – you’ll feel great after it and very proud that you’re being even a little brave – have good fun with it x

Introduce these summer interior trends in lots of simple and affordable ways

o It’s easy with flowers

The easiest and cheapest way to bring summer into your home is with flowers. Try single-stemmed flowers in coloured vases and group on a window sill. On a low coffee table bunch short stemmed pink peonies in a low circular glass. And for that wonderful scent of summer, position lilies or roses just inside your front door to welcome you and your guests to your home!

o Paint furniture

An interesting and low-cost way to update and ‘summerise’ furniture, is to paint in primary colours or cover in vibrant patterned wallpaper. Colours such as cobalt blue and bright greens look particularly good. You could try painting the insides of drawers or doors, or just the table legs if you’ re not feeling too brave but want a shot of colour. If you’re ok with venturing further then paint the unit in one block colour or paint a simple pattern on it like a harlequin pattern using a stencil. The options are endless. Protect with varnish and glass for the top.

o Make an entrance.

Injecting a shot of bold colour will really make a feature out of your hallway instead of it being just a  corridor of doors. You don’t have to paint all the walls – it’s easier than that – try introducing colour onto your stairs. There are lots of elements here that are suitable for painting – the handrail, spindles or the steps (treads and risers) Try painting a broad strip of strong colour like cobalt blue in the centre of the stairs and border this with white. Or you could paint a series of colourful strips – it’s a lot of more work but looks fabulous in an otherwise  white hall. Remember to use paint suitable for flooring.  Another option is to paint the doors in your hallway a bright primary colour and leave your walls neutral – this can create a feeling of space and make paintings or framed prints stand out more.

 

 

 

 

 

oBring some colour into your kitchen

Try a hot paint on the top units and mix this with white or black baseunits. Alternatively you could add a turquoise or hot pink splash-back for that wow factor and if you don’t want to paint your existing tiles www.Colourglass.ie has a great range of coloured glass splash-backs.

o Update your bedroom!

Add a headboard in contemporary fabric (choose suitable upholstery material as anything too delicate can tear easily). A vibrant striped fabric such as one from the designers’ guild range (www.designersguild.com) will look great against a neutral backdrop of grey, cream or taupe. Alternatively hang a large statement digital wallpaper with a large  flower for some summer sunshine on a feature wall.

So if you’re feeling brave, even just a little, then try out the bold acidic pastels and candy-floss pinks with citrus greens or vibrant orange with citrus green-  you’ll be so in vogue this summer. Try out in a less public space first if you’re unsure – a small bathroom or your ensuite for a bit of experimentation. And you’re onto a sure thing if you manage to balance the shots of colour with flat urban greys or white for that fresh lift.

o Make a feature with your handles.

Keep the doors of the piece muted in a neutral colour and make a statement then with the handles. Abigail Aherne has made her own extra long ones and painted them in vibrant pink. I painted a cabinet in a sky blue and added turquoise door handles from Yesterdays www.yesterdays.ie.  A funkier alternative is to use stencils or an avant-garde wallpaper on cabinets and presses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

oMake your own artwork

You can do this by scripting a favourite poem or quotation with calligraphy or stencilling.  Typography and humorous prints are very affordable and can be bought online from www.etsy.com and www.allposters.ie . Or mount lots of tiny prints on a board as here for a personal and colourful addition to your wall……………. don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the process!  Hope you all have a wonderful Summer with lots of sweet days, sunshine and loads of funxElaine