PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

As the sun extends its warm embrace into the longer days and tranquil evenings, our homes undergo a seasonal metamorphosis. Embracing the essence of summer within your home decor can transform your living space into a refreshing retreat that exudes lightness. With the right elements and a keen eye for detail, you can truly create a space that captures the essence of the season.

How can you achieve this? Bring the outside in. Soft palettes inspired by nature and peppered with earthenware ceramics, sheer fabrics, and accents of natural elements create a serene oasis from the heat and humidity. Not to mention, open spaces in your house are an excellent way to bring in an air of effortless summer breezes. Below are some tips from top interior designers on how to shift into the summer season with ease:

Pastel Core

Summer decor exudes a fresh and vibrant aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the sun-kissed hues of the season and the beauty of nature in full bloom. “Pastel shades, including delicate Pantone pinks, serene whites, and tranquil blues, infuse the space with a sense of lightness and warmth, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious,” suggests Dhara Shroff, Head of Retail and Reema Shah, Head of Creative, Opulin.

To complement the airy palette of pastels, you can incorporate elements of nature through the use of soothing flower vases that adorn living spaces. These vases, filled with fresh blooms in hues ranging from blush pink to sky blue, infuse rooms with a sense of vitality and freshness. Additionally, you can even add soft cutlery and floral tableware to elevate the dining experience and create an inviting atmosphere for gatherings with friends and family.

Sheer Fabrics is the Key

vVyom by Shuchita

Choosing the right materials for summer decor is essential to creating an atmosphere that is both refreshing and inviting. Sancheti Garg, founder of vVyom by Shuchita, explains that summer decor thrives on materials that enhance a light, breezy, and natural ambiance, like linen, cotton, and bamboo. “Linen is lightweight and breathable, while cotton is ideal for upholstery, bedding, and curtains, and bamboo is one of the most sustainable options because it is also lightweight, durable, natural and tropical,” she further adds.

Dialouges by Nirmals

Advocating the use of sheer fabrics, Sachin Chauhan, Director, Dialogues by Nirmals, also suggests that these fabrics not only allow natural light to filter through but also create a sense of openness and spaciousness. He suggests that “when it comes to wallpapers, choose designs with gentle patterns or textures that add depth without overwhelming the space. Think pastel florals or geometric motifs to infuse a touch of elegance and sophistication.” He also believes that cushions and rugs play a crucial role in tying the room together and suggests selecting cushions in complementary pastel shades and textures to add visual interest and comfort.

Thoughtful and Practical Decor

Studio by Agni

For crafting a refreshing summer interior, rugs and carpets play a pivotal role in setting the tone and ambiance of a space. Opt for rugs and carpets made of light and airy materials. “Natural fibres such as jute, sisal, and seagrass are ideal choices for summer interiors,” advises Anushka Ahuja, Co-Founder of Studio by Agni. For indoor-outdoor living spaces, consider rugs made of polypropylene or bamboo. These materials are resistant to moisture, making them perfect for high-traffic areas such as patios, decks, and sunrooms.

Cocoon Fine Rugs

Smriti Choudhary, Brand Director at Cocoon Fine Rugs, is also a fan of hand-tufted rugs crafted from natural fibres and dhurries, which are lightweight and flat-woven rugs traditionally made from cotton or wool. For those seeking to maximise space and minimise clutter, wall rugs offer a creative solution that combines form and function. “These decorative tapestries not only add visual interest to walls but also help to absorb sound and insulate against heat, creating a more comfortable and inviting environment,” she explains.

The Art of Lightning

Innovative Design Studio

Aryaman Jain, CEO of Innovative Design Studio, encourages embracing natural sunlight during the summer, highlighting its transformative effect on indoor and outdoor spaces. “Open your curtains wide or choose sheer fabrics to allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining privacy. Opt for fixtures with lightweight, ethereal designs that complement the season,” he advises. Jain emphasises that layered lighting adds depth and richness to living spaces. Combining downlights with task-oriented lighting, such as table or floor lamps, achieves harmonious light distribution.

Prateek Sabharwal, founder of Escape by Creatomy, further explains that strategically placed decorative mirrors amplify natural light and create the illusion of more space, enhancing the airy feel of the interior. “For lighting, people can opt for our Celeste Light. The pendant light made with wood captures the essence of nomadic aesthetics with a stunning blend of materials and design elements,” he adds. Inspired by the free-spirited essence of nomadic life, this fixture offers a captivating visual experience reminiscent of vast desert landscapes.

Escape by Creatomy

Bring the Outdoors Indoors

According to Shuchita Sancheti Garg, founder of vVyom by Shuchita, the best way to bring in the outdoors is by incorporating natural elements like fresh flowers, greenery, and seasonal fruits into your table setting. Keeping indoor plants maximises the spatial flow and conjures an indoor-outdoor continuum that keeps nature a close neighbour. “Consider keeping indoor plants such as snake plants, spider plants, peace lily and ferns,” she suggests.