5 Summer Style Tips To Freshen Up Your Home

 

Winter is gone, and the lazy (crazy?) days of Cape Town summer are here. With more days spent at home than ever before, if there was ever a time to invest some extra love into your space, it's now.

 

Here are five style steps you can take to achieve a bright, summery look and feel minimal effort and maximum effect. When you're done, your home, whether big or small, will feel as inviting as a slice of watermelon on a hot day.

 

 

Before you get started on any accenting; take a look around your space and decide what can be packed away until next winter. This might include heaters, big fuzzy blankets, throws and even some cushions that are more appropriate to cozier times. Gather them up, give them a good clean and put them away. You want your canvas to be sparkling, so invest some time into really cleaning out the cupboards, shelves, curtains, and other pieces of furniture that may have got a little dusty and tired over the cold winter months. This extends to clothes too; so cast a critical eye over your wardrobe and donate anything you haven't worn in a year. That pair of jeans, or coat will do so much more good in the world on someone who actually needs it.

 

 

This might seem a little too easy, but curtains make the world of difference when it comes to the ambiance of a space. Heavy drapes are great for making a space feel ensconced in warmth and protected from the outdoor elements. But in summer, it's time to let the light in with gauzy curtains that invite in sunrises and sunsets. Choose linen or voile fabrics in whites, creams, and other colours that compliment a fresh feel. Ring curtains are easier, so if your tab curtains are causing you heartache, considering replacing them.

 

 

Now that you've packed away your winter blankies, it's time to break out the fun, summer accents. This year, rattan, cotton throws and quirky candles are all on trend. If you're jumping right in, grab some cane furniture and imbue that island life. However, if you want to take things easy, accent with rattan baskets, mirrors, and styled candles in pastel hues. If your scatter cushions are looking a bit tired and worn out or just plain old passe, get new inners and refresh the covers with pops of texture, and on-trend colours like green, blue, and pink. The great thing about scatter cushions is their low level of commitment after all. Fortunate to have a balcony or outdoor area? Don't neglect that either. Sand down and revarnish furniture, wash weather beaten cushions and add a waterproof, outdoor mat for an extra touch of pizazz.

 

 

Nothing screams 'summer' quite like fresh bursts of green, and the pop of spring flowers. Being a plant parent is all the rage, so we're sure that you already have a couple of pot plant babies. However, now is a great time to evaluate your selection, pep them up with some plant food and new pots if required, and add a couple more (if you can squeeze them in). If you're not great at taking care of pot plants, you can still bring the outdoors indoors by adding a statement bouquet of big palm leaves in a big vase. Fresh proteas, pincushions, and other summary, fragrant flowers are always a win too.

 

 

While the Caribbean might be off limits, there's no reason why your house shouldn't smell like a beach holiday. Invest in some diffusers that exude fresh summer scents, or update your candle selection with frances that remind you of your favourite holidays. Room sprays are a great way to imbue your linen with a particular scent you enjoy - and while you're at it, why not treat yourself to a new fragrance too. You deserve to make new memories with a new scent.

 

 

While you might not be doing a whole heap of entertaining, after the past few months; every drink should feel like a special treat. What better way to serve a G&T, martini or nightcap than from your very own styled drinks trolley. Style it up with some sustainable straws, a copper pineapple, your favourite tipple, and glassware in bright tones. You'll want to wheel it in on weekends, guests or none. Just don't forget your summer playlist and you'll be all set!