The warmer weather is upon us and that means a new image for our home and garden.  My tips for the new season:

After several months of cold and being indoors it is time again to bring the outside in.  So open your drapes, windows and doors and breathe in the new fragrances and colours of the season.  Before you contemplate colour, texture and design you need to clean, clean, clean and declutter. 

After laundering and storing your heavy winter cushion covers and throws............

Introduce new fabrics.  Look around for several metres in earthy textures ie linens, silks, cottons and canvas.  You will find some interesting shops around Surrey Hills in Sydney laden with quirky, funky and vintage prints.  Often our local opportunity shops sell pieces/ the end of the roll fabrics at crazy prices and sometimes from another era and quite unique. Make up some cushions in differing sizes, maybe a runner or two for the console and dining tables.   This can be a starting point to a new colour scheme.  Maybe you have a beautiful painting or poster that you have always wanted to style a room around.  This image can set the tone for your new summer space.

When selecting a throw for living rooms and bedrooms, pick up a colour from your new fabric and for summer look for lightwight fabrics.  You don`t want itchy and furry when it`s 28 degrees outside.

There are too many to mention paint colours and suppliers on the market.  Choosing can seem daunting and at times overwhelming.  Be subtle and use a neutral shade from your selected fabric on all walls.  Be bold and paint a small room in a deep green and watch your timber furniture come to life.  How about a deep red in a dining room or bedroom..... it creates passion.

Now is the time to shop around for deals to replace your heavy drapes with slimline blinds eg romans, hollands and the new sheers.

With displays of homewares, remember to work with odd numbers ie 3 and 5 cushions, candles, picture frames and vases etc.  Clear glass vases brimming with your fave flowers are always a `pick me up`.  All things `from the earth` is the way to go this season, so your new purchases in lamps and artisitic objects can be made from silver/pewter, cane/straw/sisal, soapstone/clay.  Driftwood and shells collected from a walk along the beach are lovely reminders of a slowpaced lifestyle.  Another idea keeps it simple with a glass bowl layered with pebbles.

If you don`t have enough storage, you`ll never get on top of your decluttering.  This is the season to find a place for everything and away from sight.  Built ins always assist our need to store and cupboards in family rooms are often overlooked so instead of talking about it, act now.  For small items, there are numerous baskets/cubes that can be stacked AND they can compliment the style of the room.  If you need to put your feet up, purchase an ottoman that doubles as a storage box (it can also be a coffee table with a tray atop).

Styling your home for the warmer months is a fun process with limitless ideas and items to choose from.  Enjoy entertaiining family, friends and just you when you transform your living environment. 

To make the most of the new season and for more detailed assistance, give me a call and we can discuss your needs to create your house into your haven!