Decorating Your Home for Summer Tranquility

As a home designer, spring brings anticipation for the warmth and lightness of summer, a season I eagerly prepare for with my clients. Drawing inspiration from Marie-Antoinette's seasonal shifts at Versailles, where she transformed the palace's interiors to reflect the characteristics of each season, I infuse homes with a sense of comfort, peace, and serenity. Here’s how I bring a fresh, airy, and tranquil summer feel into homes, emphasizing lightness and flow:

1. Embracing the Flow of Light and Air

In the transition to summer, I prioritize maximizing the circulation of natural light and air throughout the home:

• Lightweight Window Treatments: Swapping heavy winter drapes for sheer curtains or bamboo shades allows sunlight to gently filter in while maintaining privacy. This creates a sense of openness and airiness.

• Strategic Furniture Placement: In summer, strategic furniture placement involves optimizing natural light and air circulation to capture sunlight while maintaining a sense of spaciousness and connection to the outdoors, whereas in winter, the focus shifts to creating cozy and intimate seating areas that maximize warmth and comfort.

2. Incorporating soft, soothing colors

To evoke a sense of tranquility and calm, I introduce soft, soothing colors reminiscent of summer skies and gentle breezes instead of winter’s warmer hues and richer tones.

• Cool Neutrals: Using a palette of soft whites, pale blues, and muted greens to create a serene backdrop that enhances the feeling of lightness and airiness.

• Touches of Warmth: Adding subtle touches of warmth with natural wood accents or soft, earthy tones to ground the space and create balance.

3. Creating indoor-outdoor harmony

Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces, I strive to create a seamless connection to nature:

• Flowing Transition: Incorporating elements such as sliding glass doors, outdoor rugs, and cohesive color palettes to create a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor areas. This allows for effortless indoor-outdoor living and enhances the feeling of expansiveness.

• Natural Materials: introducing natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, and teak furniture to bring the outdoors in, adding warmth and texture while maintaining an airy aesthetic.

4. Curating Spaces for Gatherings

In summer, where gatherings and entertainment take center stage, curating comfortable and cozy spaces becomes essential for fostering relaxation and connection:

• Plush Textiles: Layering soft, lightweight throws and cushions in natural fabrics like cotton and linen adds warmth and comfort to seating areas without feeling heavy, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy the festivities.

• Inviting Seating Arrangements: Arranging seating areas with sink-in sofas and oversized armchairs encourages lounging and conversation, creating an atmosphere of ease and relaxation that enhances the enjoyment of summer gatherings.

5. Incorporating Organic Elements

Bringing elements of nature indoors adds an organic, grounding presence that enhances the overall sense of flow:

• Indoor Greenery: introducing houseplants and fresh flowers throughout the home to infuse spaces with life and vitality while also purifying the air and promoting a sense of well-being.

• Natural Accents: Incorporating organic textures such as woven baskets, stone accents, and driftwood decor to add depth and visual interest, complementing the lightness of the space.

6. Simplifying and decluttering

Streamlining the space and reducing visual clutter fosters clarity:

• Minimalist Approach: Adopting a minimalist mindset by paring down unnecessary belongings and focusing on essential, purposeful items that contribute to the overall sense of tranquility.

• Thoughtful Storage Solutions: Implementing smart storage solutions such as built-in cabinetry, hidden storage ottomans, and wall-mounted shelving to keep surfaces clear and maintain an uncluttered environment.

By infusing homes with lightness, flow, and a sense of serenity, I create inviting summer sanctuaries that uplift the spirit and nourish the soul. My personal touch ensures that each home is a tranquil haven, perfectly attuned to the rhythms of summer.

Written by Carole Vaudable, interior designer

Kitchen designed by Carole Vaudable.