Summer, just the idea it, makes us think of a relaxed and carefree holiday. Everything slows down naturally because of the warm, sun-filled days. We eat more fruits and vegetables, as the markets are filled now with a variety of summer fruits. You will find tomatoes in many different shapes, ranging from yellow to dark red. We don’t need a lot these days to feel happy and relaxed.
How can we bring these looks to life in our home and allow this feeling of summer to continue even after the summer season has come to an end?
Riad Atay - image on the right via Farm Food Family
So what is it that we enjoy so much when we are on holiday? We can walk with our bare feet on natural stones or terracotta tiles, they remain cool even on the hottest of days. The soft linen curtains gently filter the sunlight, casting a warm soothing glow throughout the room. A light breeze will move them, adding a sense of relaxation. A darker, slightly more lived-in wood brings in a nice contrast.
So how can we create this look in our bedroom? Start by using a very light color palette, play with different off-white shades to create a soft atmosphere. Heavy linen curtains will look amazing; their texture and natural wrinkles will give your room a relaxed, carefree look. Calm, grounded and quietly detailed; I love this picture featuring a four-poster bed with curtains draped at each corner. You might find such a setting in a luxurious suite of a very nice boutique hotel, so why not bring that same five-star feeling into your own home? This wooden chest of drawers, with details inspired by a vintage, old-fashioned suitcase, is the perfect match for this room. It add a touch of nostalgic elegance.
Beach, water, sand, the ultimate mix for pure relaxation. The waves, even when subtle, have the power to carry away all or thoughts and worries, leaving us peaceful during our days of holiday. The sand between or toes and the warmth of the sun create the perfect atmosphere to unwind. What do we need more? Yes, perhaps just an outdoor shower to refresh ourselves now and then.
image top left via IG - soap de Marseille - Marius Fabre - faucet Romantica Treemme - glazed porcelain mosaic via Bravotti
Natural materials are the perfect choice for your bathroom, offering comfort and a beautiful aesthetics. These materials are pleasing when walking barefoot. The colors are calming and serene; beige tones from the sandy beaches and aqua hues inspired by the reflection of the water. Take home with you a natural soap that you can find on the local market. When decorating or renovating your bathroom, consider selecting an antique brass finish for your faucets.
image on teh left via Pinterest - on the right via Thistle Key Lane
Who wouldn’t fall in love with the bohemian style when, at the beach, you see those beautiful parasols crafted in macrame? I’m sure almost nobody went to the beach without bringing home some shells collected during their morning walk along the water’s edge. You bring them home, either to use them as decoration around your living room or bathroom or you just put them in a box and keep them tucked away in a drawer.
washbasin via IG - Scallop Shell wall light Porta Romana
I love bohemian style, but I’m not a fan of having actual shells laying around as decoration. However, those shell inspired objects are definitely some of my favorites. The idea of getting inspired by something as simple as a shell is truly inspiring. The organic shape will bring a soft edge to any room you place it in. Plus, because of their size, these objects become nice design pieces that draw all the attention in the room.
image on the left via Build Green New Homes - restaurant Rosamar via Umai
Blue and white are definitely the colors for summer. Sparkling white reflects all the light, helping to keep you feel cool and refreshed even on the hottest days. Blue, the color of the sky and the sea, has a sooting and relaxing effect. We will see this color combination everywhere around the Mediterranean Sea. The iconic white houses with blue shutters in Greece, the facades adorned with blue and white tiles in Portugal. Azulejos, ceramics, and many other traditional elements.
dining room via House Beautiful - azulejos via Ola Daniela
Create this refreshing summery vibe in your dining room. Decorate the walls with a hand-painted wallpaper from De Gournay, and complement it with a luxurious jacquard fabric to upholster your dining chairs. This blue and white palette will provide you with the timeless feeling of dining in a sophisticated restaurant in the South of France all year round. Or this is the moment to take some azulejos home and transform them into coasters, allowing you to keep the summer spirit even during winter. While having your aperitif the summer memories will return instantly.
The sunlight is bleaching the facades, the weathered wood, the soft fabrics. Those muted pastel tones have something nostalgic. When combined with more ethnic motifs in the hand-crafted woodwork, they will transport you to faraway times. We eat simple, light dishes because it is too warm to start cooking. A colorful, fresh fruit salad for breakfast will bring us in the right mood for the day.
image on the left via Axxla - ceramiche Nicola Fasano
You will definitly find some beautiful ceramics when visiting the surroundings of the place where you spend your holidays. Many countries have their traditional plates and cups, each with unique designs. A few years ago, while staying in Pulgia for the holidays, I visited Grottalglia, a village renowned for their ceramics. During my stay at a Masseria, I discovered the cups and plates created bt Nicola Fasano. My suitcase was the only thing preventing me from buying more pieces. Each day I enjoy using the cups I bought at their showroom. So, don’t hesitate to buy some plates or cups during your travels, you will enjoy them day after day. They will bring color and a touch of tradition to your table.
How to bring this holiday look into your home
choose light color pallete: off-whites or muted pastels
blue and white is a timeless choice
incorporate natural materials
be inspired by what you see, don’t feel the need to use as it is
add color and tradition to your table
How do you keep the holidays alive?
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