A summer house offers the opportunity to add a truly personalised touch to your garden. Whether you use it for reading, entertaining or relaxing, decking it out with decor that reflects your personality and interests will make it the perfect retreat.
A bold colour scheme is one option. Earthy shades such as rich soil browns and luscious grass greens closely mimic a healthy garden with added impact.
Living room decor
Summer is the time to lighten up the living room decor. This can be done by removing dark velvet and black pillow covers and replacing them with lighter linen ones, or by switching out heavy winter wool blankets for lightweight quilts. You can also open up the windows to bring in summer scents and to enjoy the sounds of birds chirping and music. Don't forget about the senses by using summer-scented candles, potpourri and fresh flowers.
Bedroom décor
One of the easiest ways to transform your bedroom for summer is by switching out heavier textures and fabrics with airy ones. Thick winter drapes can be replaced with wispy linen ones that let natural light filter in while fostering a cool and calm atmosphere for sleep. If your wall hangings feature floral art or paintings, swap in more cheerful and colourful ones that are more appropriate for the season. For example, purple hyacinths make a lovely addition in spring and can be replaced with lilacs in summer to keep the mood fresh.
Another simple change to make is switching out heavy bedding for lighter and more breathable linens in soft pastel colours or sunny floral patterns that are better suited to warmer weather. Lastly, swapping out dark rugs for sisal or jute ones that feel more in tune with the season can also help to brighten up the room.
You can take this theme further by adding woven touches throughout the bedroom, such as baskets, macrame hangings, or even picture frames that are made from reclaimed wood to add an element of summery charm to your home. And don’t forget to bring in the natural scents of your favourite flowers and plants for a fresh-from-the-garden vibe.
Hallway decor
The foyer is the first impression that you and your guests will get of your summer house, so it’s important to make a good one. A great way to do this is by adding a small bench or some comfortable chairs where people can sit while they take off their shoes and chat. It’s also a great place to put some decorative objects, such as vases of flowers or framed artwork.
There are many different ways to decorate a summer house hallway, but whatever theme you choose, make sure it’s something that reflects your personality. For example, you could use a Scandi influence in your hallway decor to create a stylish and laid-back feel. A combination of wood, natural textures and white can create a fresh, clean look that’s perfect for a modern summer house.
Another popular choice is a shabby chic look. This style has broad appeal and works well in both traditional and contemporary summer houses. Jeska from Lobster & Swan used this approach in her 12 x 8 ft Contemporary Summer House with Side Shed, decorating the space with vintage patterns and warm textures.
If you want to create a more traditional look, try a neutral colour scheme. This will allow you to add accent colours through furnishings and accessories, allowing you to really personalise your space. For example, you could opt for a soft grey like that used by Waltons' customer Jeska in her classic garden building.
You can also go bolder by using your passions as a design theme. For example, you could turn your summer house into a Harry Potter-themed retreat, as Zoe did with her 9 x 9ft Premier Corner Summerhouse from Waltons.
One of the best things about a summerhouse is that it offers you the freedom to express your personality and indulge your interests, so don’t be afraid to let yourself go with your ideas. You might be surprised at how a few creative touches can transform your space.
One last tip is to always consider practicality. A summer house is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t overdo it with decorations that are impractical or hard to maintain. You don’t want to end up with a beautiful summer house that you never actually use.
