When summer approaches it ushers in a sense of change and a world of opportunity. A new build whether house or apartment is an ideal place to live for many people. They can take part in the Design and Build process sometimes, or even just watch as their beloved house becomes reality. And when it is finished, it is fresh and clean and new for them to make their own. However, a new build apartment can be difficult to decorate and make your own. But the light and bright colours of summer match perfectly with the sleek lines of a new build and this lends to endless design possibilities.
Here are some top tips for summer décor and design.
- Colour
Make your lights lighter and your darks darker. By contrasting colours in this way you are sure to bring out the best in them. Accentuate lights and shades in the room by putting dark and light colours together. There are a few key colours that just shout summer: cobalt blue, lime green and hot pinks. These are the top picks. Pair them together to add a refreshing hint of summer and luxury to your new build apartment.
- Individuality
Bring a touch of you to a neutral room. Getting creative with the paint can add individuality to your new pad. Create custom wall decorations simply using paint and paper. Creating a unified pattern across the paper, fame and then hang as a design on the wall. This is a great way to mix up the colour scheme yet it is easy to switch up as summer ends and winter approaches, just refill the frames with new images or patterns.
- Botanical
A cool and quirky way to see in the summer is to bring the outdoors in. Why not try something new, perhaps by finding a botanical inspired fabric and recovering your headboard. This is a great way to make a big change in the bedroom at minimal cost. And the botanical style brings a hint of the rainforest to your new apartment. No matter where you are you can be in the tropics with a botanical headboard. If this is not you style why not try adding some simple botanical themed cushions to a white bed spread or neutral sofa. The green of botanical designs is always a hit in the heat of summer.
- Bohemian
For the more relaxed interior designer bohemian style is always in fashion. Floral patterns and coverings are classically summer. Bring in outdoor flowers and let them adorn every surface. Keep it classic with Roses and Gypsophilia or be experimental with tropical flowers such as Heliconia or the Siam Tulip. But if your hay fever can get the better of you in the summer months, why not try some floral patterns in light and airy rooms. Mix and match styles and colours to create an individual piece.
- Tabletops
Why not restyle your tabletops? Whether it’s the coffee table, the nightstand or any surface you can spot, why not use natural decorative pieces to keep with the summer feel? Perhaps pick up some treasures from the beach and put them on display – checking they are bug-free first, of course. This is again, another great way to bring the outside in, when outside space may be limited in a new build apartment.
- More tabletops
The dining table that suits your room’s interior can be a whole decorative masterpiece. With the availability of reputed suppliers in recent years, it is relatively easy to shop for bespoke dining tables. Post that, bring in new table linen for the summer months to add something fresh and different. Experiment with colour and shape. Martha Stewart outlines a helpful guide to creating your own leaf table runner using mint green, lemon yellow and golden hues.
- Centrepieces
If exotic tablecloths aren’t your thing how about adding a beach inspired centrepiece that can be easily and cheaply homemade. All that is required is a glass vase, sand, beach treasures (shells, drift wood or rope) and some candles. Then simply let your creativity run away with you.
- What’s that at the window
Heavy winter drapes can block valuable light and make an apartment warm and stuffy in the summer months. Why not change things up and swap in light and flowing drapes. A white chiffon is a classic option. The lightweight material moves freely and easily, creating a sense of space and continuity with the outside. You can also look into products like Custom Window Blinds that can add character to your space. Moreover, blinds and shades can be adjusted depending on the amount of natural light your need indoors, which can be of great aid in summers.
- Mirrored effect
Adding a mirror to any room in a new build apartment creates an illusion of space. Experimenting with shape and colour can transform the feel of the space. For example, a heavy guild mirror may be luxurious but it can appear dark and overpowering in a smaller room. Mirror designs are becoming increasingly inventive and unconventional. So try something new and put an individual stamp on the room.
- Frame a map
Summer is typically for travelling. So adorn your walls with a precious reminder of past travels or inspiration for adventures yet to come. The vintage map is popular at the moment, and when framed this can be the perfect finishing touch to your summer decorations.
Looking for a home to express yourself in this summer? Discover Quartermile.
