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» Colour inspiration for summer 2023

Colour inspiration for summer 2023

Inspiration for Summer 2023

Wall : Breath of Fresh Air, 806.
The summer season is upon us. It's time to let the cool breezes in, embrace the light and give a warm welcome to everything and anything that helps to savour those long summer days.

It's no secret the British summertime is notoriously unreliable - the odd heatwave scattered with those familiar downpours and overcast skies. However, despite the unpredictable weather outside, bringing the sunshine into our homes can be easily achieved using colour.

There is an abundance of options when it comes to dialling up our summer interiors style, so we've therefore outlined a few of our favourite summer decor ideas to give your home a fresh look for the warmer months ahead.

Lights and whites for a cool calming vibe

An easy way to brighten up your home is to use a light and refreshing colour.

Tried and tested, an all-white palette is cool, calm and collected making it a natural choice for the long, lazy days of summer.

Opting for a white will certainly brighten a dark space making even the smallest rooms feel spacious and airy. Alongside this, a light-hued wall paint such as white, beige or pastel will absorb less heat so therefore creates a cooler and calmer feeling.

When picking a white the two main things to think about are the direction of the room, and the feeling you want to create. Typically, a north-facing room will have a cooler and less intense light, whereas south-facing rooms are naturally brighter and warmer.

If you're looking for a fresh look opt for a white with cooler tones. Pure White OC-64 is a brilliant option, particularly in a south facing room, where the grey tones bring a certain softness which, balanced with the cooler blue undertones, help to take the heat out of the bright sunshine providing a crisp edge.
Walls : Pure White, OC-64

If you're someone that loves all things Scandinavian: pale wood and simple lines, then a creamy linen-esque white is the way to go. Focus on a clean colour palette, with a few cosy corners for snuggling in when you want to get hygge with it.

Walls and shelves : Linen White, OC-146

Fresh and delicately shaded with a touch of cream, this timeless Linen White is a go-to for creating a warmer, relaxed spaces. Pair with soft neutral accessories and light wooden furniture for the ultimate Scandi look.

Try a coastal theme.

A coastal theme. A tale as old as time.
 
There's just something gorgeously enticing about a beachy, coastal look that we can't resist. Perhaps because beachy colours of blues, greens, creams will never go out of style, or perhaps because there are few better ways to evoke happy memories of holidays than to opt for a coastal theme. 

Left wall, lower part : Vapor Trails, 1556. Left wall, upper part and ceiling : Cascale Mountains, 862. Right wall : Beach Glass, 1564.

If you're looking to try something different, you don't need to stop at the walls. If you have decent floorboards, sand them down and paint them in a bright blue to continue the ocean theme. Painting your floorboards offers a blank canvas for striped rugs and the slight sheen will help to bounce light around your space. 

Floor : San Francisco Bay, 802. Rear wall and ceiling : Dark Linen, 2147-60.  Woodwork and near wall : White Heron, OC-57
 

Be inspired by your favourite destination

Fall for the far East or be captivated by the Californian dream - without even leaving your front door.

Whether you're dreaming of surf lessons on a tropical Hawaiian beach or the desert heat and glamour of Palm Springs, take inspiration from countries across the world by channelling your most desired travel destinations into your interior design.

A modernism mecca for mid-century architecture and design, Palm Springs strikes the perfect balance of laid-back living with a touch of glamour. To re-create this look in your own home, colour is everything.

Upper wall and ceiling : Pink Punch, 2006-50. Lower wall and cabinet : Rainforest Foliage, 2040-10

Focus on incorporating splashes of flamingo pink, citrus yellow and ocean blues on an all-white base. Mid-century design is all about clean lines so don't be scared to section off your upper or lower walls in contrasting colours. Alternatively create a colour-block wall - this not only will add interest but it an effective tool for zoning a particular area.

Walls and ceiling : Mountainscape, 870. Left rectangle and desk : Golden Gate, 033. Right rectangle : Pan for Gold, 181

Decorating with a mix of lush and tropical colours is a sure-fire way to accomplish that exotic feeling all year round. Try adding a bold colour to your bathroom such as Coral Spice, 2170-40 - the brightness will instantly lift the space and add a light-hearted playfulness.

If you're feeling confident, experiment with pattern - paired with greenery and rustic accessories will add a level of interest whilst creating the ultimate sanctuary as it transports you to wherever your heart desires

Walls : Coral Spice, 2170-40. Wall design : Oriole, 2169-30.

If you're strapped for time, a quick and affordable paint project is to focus on a piece of furniture.  A fresh coat of paint on a cleverly selected item is an easy way to bring a piece of your favourite destination into your home.

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