Summer Ready
As the seasons shift into summer, you can breathe new life into your space. Embracing each season is a great way to keep your interior fresh and increase functionality.
Etsy has released their very first spring/summer trends report, curated by resident expert Dayna Isom Johnson. Here are three staple ways and three hot trends to give your home a summery refresh:
1. STAPLE | Patio Szn
Patio season is officially upon us! Indoor-Outdoor Living is a quintessential summer staple. A great way to embrace the extra sunshine is to open up your home and extend the living space to the beautiful outdoors we are privileged to enjoy here in the Northwest.
Patio Design Tips:
Seamless Transition with NanaWalls: Enhance your space with a large NanaWall, which allows you to create a barrier-free experience between your indoor and outdoor areas. This seamless transition invites the beauty of the outdoors inside, making your home feel more expansive and connected to nature.
Shelter and Style with Covered Patios and Pergolas: A covered patio or sturdy pergola offers much-needed shelter from the sun and fits into a wide range of design styles. These structures not only provide shade but also serve as a stylish extension of your living space, perfect for outdoor dining, lounging, or entertaining.
Lush Foliage for a Verdant Touch: Top off your indoor-outdoor living space with some lush foliage. Incorporate a mix of potted plants, hanging baskets, and garden beds to create a verdant oasis. Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a calming and refreshing atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Studio McGee
By integrating these elements, you can fully embrace the joys of summer and create a versatile, inviting space that seamlessly blends the comforts of home with the natural beauty of the outdoors.
2. STAPLE | Biophilia
The benefits of nature, or “biophilic” design, have become a well-known and studied topic. Simply put, biophilic design is the practice of connecting people to nature within built environments, promoting health, creativity, and a connection to the earth. Its applications include residential homes, hospitality, commercial spaces like offices, and urban design. High air quality is another biophilic factor that can easily be forgotten, yet it offers significant benefits. This design approach promotes healthy living in all areas, not just the built spaces we can see.
“Extensive research presented in Terrapin Bright Green’s “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design” suggests that biophilic design is organised into three categories: nature in the space (real natural elements), natural analogues (man-made elements that mimic nature), and nature of the space (considering the human-spatial response). These provide a framework for understanding and incorporating thoughtful experiences that mirror nature’s rich diversity into the built environment.”
Reports:
Human Spaces Report: productivity improved by 6% and creativity by 15%.
University of Melbourne: adding plants to empty offices boosted productivity by 15%.
Harvard Study: people living in “green-certified” buildings had higher scores in cognitive function tests.
“Universalized by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, biophilia — literally “love for life” — is defined as the impulse of humans to connect with other lifeforms.”
Biophilic Design Ideas:
Using natural materials
Exposure to natural light
High air quality
Indoor plants/ green walls
Water/ mountain view
Imagery of nature
Multi-sensory design
Biophilia Benefits:
Enhanced Mental Health: Proximity to natural features like water, sunlight, and greenery reduces stress, enhances mood, and improves cognitive function. Even viewing imagery of nature can offer these benefits.
Increased Productivity & Creativity: Incorporating natural elements can boost brain activity, improve concentration, and increase problem-solving abilities and creativity.
Ecological Valence Theory: Humans prefer colours resembling those found in nature, such as blue and green. It's important to consider the palette of the natural existing environment, whether it is sandy beiges or lush greens.
Reduced Stress: Natural features help reduce cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress. Water elements also have a calming effect.
Improved Sleep: Nature's calming features and exposure to proper sunlight help regulate your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock), leading to improved sleep quality and duration.
3. STAPLE | Coastal Style
Coastal style is a coveted design aesthetic with its beachy palette and relaxed textures. Blue and soft neutrals are especially popular right now, making it a great time to feature these ocean-inspired colours. This aesthetic adds a sense of tranquility with its neutral palette and can be easily adapted to different design styles. Depending on the surrounding natural landscape, coastal style can be transformed to blend the indoor and outdoor environments seamlessly.
Consider natural textures like driftwood, white-washed wood, wicker, rattan, jute, seagrass, brushed linen, and crisp cotton, along with bright white features and breezy blue hues.
Stay tuned to see the concept of one of our upcoming show homes that is coastal-inspired!
10 Key Features:
Light & Airy Feel
Subdued Hues
Natural Finishes
Ergonomic Design
Layered Lighting
Relaxed Atmosphere
Natural Light
Embrace Ocean Views
Textural Decor
Local Colour Tones
“Coastal decor has enduring appeal due to its timeless aesthetic and universal charm.”
4. TREND | Western 2.0
Photo Credit: LA Times Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
“Hey Google, play Cowboy Carter by Beyonce.”
Western style is a huge upcoming summer fashion trend, and as we know, interior and fashion trends often play off one another. Denim, fringe, leather and suede are back! Inspired by vintage Americana, and vast landscapes, this trend brings a rustic charm.
To bring this iconic and classic look home, consider incorporating elements like reclaimed wood and distressed leather, accents of silver, warm terracotta tones, repurposed items, and western-inspired motifs or artwork. There are subtle and tasteful ways to embrace this trend that can endure multiple seasons, adding a timeless charm to your space.
Key Colours:
Vibe: Choose light or moody hues.
Neutral Foundation: warm brown, natural beige, subtle grey & soft blue.
Accent Colours: rich red, olive or khaki green & navy.
Tone: warm earthy tones reflect a Western aesthetic best.
“Rooted in the rich heritage of the American West (aka the real Wild West), this interior design style embodies a deep affinity for adventure and the outdoors while still managing to infuse it with comfort and style.
Western 2.0 sees nods to rural living in a more contemporary way, with slightly brighter color schemes that reflect a modern lifestyle. ”
5. TREND | Garden Girl
The rise of "garden aesthetic" searches on Pinterest, up by 34%, and the 30% increase in "garden tok" searches on TikTok indicate a growing interest in gardening-related content. The emergence of trends like "garden girl" or "gardencore" can be attributed to the pandemic's impact, with people seeking a slower pace of life and a stronger connection to nature, in line with the principles of biophilia.
These trends reflect a desire to cultivate green spaces and embrace the therapeutic benefits of gardening amidst the challenges of modern life.
This trend extends beyond a visual aesthetic, inspiring a lifestyle characterized by a more ethereal mood. Picture blooming backyards with green grass beneath your feet, the joy of picking fresh produce, the shade of summery fruit trees, vibrant wildflowers dancing in the breeze, and sun-dried linens swaying gently.
To embrace this garden-inspired lifestyle within your home, consider incorporating elements like woven baskets, flower prints, light cottons, and linens. Charming garden signage, house plants, and botanical decor can further enhance the connection to nature indoors, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere that reflects the beauty of the outdoors.
6. TREND | Time Honoured Textiles
Boho is back, baby! Crochet, quilted, embroidery and other 70’s inspired textures are often a beloved summer fashion style. This season, they are making their way into interiors as well for an added hand made touch. People are leaning into DIY and one of a kind artisanal items for a more curated and cozy feel.
Brookswood Lot 36
With longer summer days ahead, we can embrace indoor-outdoor living and reap its biophilic benefits. Just as in fashion, establishing a thoughtful foundation makes it simple to seamlessly swap out layers. Whether you prefer classic styles or enjoy switching things up with the seasons, there are plenty of interior styles to choose from.
Do you have a summer project you've been dreaming of but aren't sure where to start? Contact us, and we'll help bring your vision to life, creating a retreat you'll love.
Happy Thursday!
