A SUMMER-READY HOME

Words + styling: Sanri Pienaar | Images: Inge Prins

This summer, we’re most looking forward to celebrating the luxury of enjoying our homes with the people we love. Equally, we long for the bright yellow light of the perfect summer afternoon that sets the scene for the most leisurely of Sundays. That feeling of a slight breeze on a hot day, walking around barefoot, dining alfresco for hours on end, decorating your home with fresh blooms and spending the whole day in the kitchen. Flowing materials everywhere, saturated pops of colour and curated prints that feel just right. Summer is invited and so are you.

Find the balance in your colour palette

You want your home to feel calm and inviting, but still pack a visual punch. Start with a base colour that you will never get tired of – think taupe, cream, grey, tan, white, light blue or green, which always look good. You can play with a mixture of neutrals, go monochrome or experiment with different hues of the same colour, but the most important thing is to first build a solid base from which you can expand. This will make your space feel current for longer, because you’ll find it easy to pop decor trends in or out as your mood and style change. Colour is such a personal thing, so choose one that makes you smile. Maybe try a wall-to-wall colour extravaganza in your halfway or guest bathroom... or why not go over the top and paint the ceiling while you are at it?

Playing with print and pattern

A classic stripe, an embroidered scatter and a texture rug is where the magic happens. Giving your home a lived-in feel that looks unique to you depends on the pieces you choose to put together. I love pattern threads to run through a space, but it should not look forced or too “decorated”. It’s all about personal style and showcasing what you like. Mix old with new, super-trendy pieces with ones that are more classic, but do so with a clear colour palette in mind – they bring an instant cool factor to any space, without feeling intimidating or overpowering.

Saturated colours: where, what and how?

Perfect for summer, saturated colours bring such life to a space. It’s all about playing with striking pieces and enhancing what you already have. Think small changes, big impact – swop out the serious chairs at the head of your dining table with bright armchairs to make a considered, creative statement. Introduce unique side tables to your lounge, a bright ottoman to the bottom of your bed, a wow rug anywhere. When it comes to smaller decor pieces, things such as tablecloths, vases and table lamps make an instant change. Offset the look with stark white and black for a more modern feel.

When hosting at home...

Create a summer table setting with colour. Use fresh produce and flowers as table decorations and add colourful candles and glassware for an Insta-ready table. There, you’re all set.