5 summer interior themes to try

Cable knit throws, faux fur rugs and velvet cushions – your time is up. With warmer, brighter weather on the horizon, it’s time to transform our homes for the season ahead. We look at the five interior design trends that will take us from spring to summer by way of paint, paper, homewares and design accessories.  

Green dream

Outdoor nature continues to inspire interior design, with our love of all things lush continuing this summer. The colour palette has switched to soft, earthy shades that feel sophisticated and sumptuous.  

Paint to try: Lick has an amazing selection of grown-up green paint shades. Try Green 014 (grass), 07 (foliage) and 018 (moss).

Accessories to buy: Linen cushion, khaki throw, bud vase and easy clean rug, all from The Range.  

Coastal chic 

A timeless classic, coastal chic is a great way to elevate a living room or bedroom. There are three magic ingredients that will help achieve the look: a neutral backdrop – chalky white or cream – shades of blue and nautical accessories.  

Paint to try: you can recreate the colours of the sea with Coat’s choice of blue paints. Try Lie-In, Below Deck and The Establishment.

Accessories to buy: blue glazed dinner service, coastal print cushion, navy tassel throw and glass lantern, all M&S.  

Gold

The rich lustre of gold is back in fashion. It pairs with any colour to add a touch of luxury but try gold with navy, magenta or black for surprisingly sophisticated results. Gold can be used as a metal for fixtures and fittings, or as a colour/finish on walls and wallpaper. Use a mix of polished, matt and satin surfaces for a contemporary take.  

Paint to try: B&Q stocks a wide range of gold paint for walls, wood and metalwork. Get gilding with Shabby Chic’s antique gold furniture paint, Dulux’s One Coat Golden Sands matt emulsion and Rust-Oleum’s Gold mirror effect, multi-surface spray paint.

Accessories to buy: Cut velvet cushion, ambient lamp, lantern and wallpaper, all from Next.  

Delicate pastels

A hint of colour is a great option for those not brave enough to commit to bold colour schemes. Almost-there shades of green, blue and even pink are light enough to be used in place of white. Choose a palette of pastel colours with floral fabrics for a country cottage feel, or pick three complementary pastels colours and let them inspire your selection of accessories.  

Paint to try: Tikkurila’s pastel collection is reminiscent of French macarons and Italian gelatos. Riviera, Violet, Sorbet, Muse and Milkshake will add a gentle wash of colour to any surface.

Accessories to buy: Table lamp, highball tumblers, cotton headboard and tropical pastel wallpaper, all sold by Dunelm.   

Field neutrals

New for 2024 are field neutrals – colours and textures that take their lead from arable farmland. The golden tones of wheat, barley, oats and rye are being teamed with jute, rattan and wicker to create naturalistic, inviting spaces.  

Paint to try: Little Greene has a selection of field neutral paints with a touch of yellow or umber, which are ideal for adding natural glow to a room. Clay, Oak Apple, Beauvais Lilac and Travertine are shades worth ordering samples of.

Accessories to buy: Wicker basket, rattan and oak bed frame, woven placemats and jute rug, all from La Redoute.  

If you are sprucing up your property ahead of a sale, contact us for a free, no obligation valuation.