Our Top 10 Tips for Interior Styling for the Summer Season
As interior designers in the Cotswolds, summer is a season that brings a wonderful lightness to the homes we design. As summer approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to lighter days, relaxed living and the simple pleasures of time spent indoors and out. Many of our favourite summer interiors are inspired by travel, particularly Provence, a region we have returned to time and again over the years. Its colours, textures and pace of life continue to influence how we prepare our homes for the warmer months.
Drawing on these influences, here are our top ten interior styling ideas to help your home feel fresh, relaxed and ready for summer.
1. Beautiful Light Linens
Linen is a cornerstone of summer interiors. Its natural composition, tactile quality and relaxed drape make it endlessly versatile, from flowing curtains to upholstery and decorative cushions. A gentle crease or two only adds to its charm, speaking to real use and lived-in comfort.
We are particularly drawn to Studio Erhart and their beautifully crafted Pampa and Panglau linen cushions. Handmade using luxurious Spanish linen and finished with ethically sourced horn or shagreen, they bring softness, craftsmanship and understated elegance to any interior.
2. Al Fresco Dining
Eating outdoors is one of summer’s greatest pleasures, and a thoughtfully styled table elevates even the simplest meal. We love mixing natural textures such as raffia placemats with crisp white porcelain, Laguiole cutlery and sturdy crystal glassware.
The Pepper & Ink Bobble Bowl provides the perfect centrepiece, especially when filled with vibrant seasonal dishes like Sabrina and Scarlett salads, adding colour and vitality to the table.
3. Drinks Trays
Trays come into their own during the summer months, effortlessly transporting refreshments between house and garden. Whether serving freshly pressed lemon juice and pastries or evening aperitifs with antipasti, a beautiful tray makes the ritual feel considered.
Our favourites include antique butler trays sourced from Parisian flea markets, alongside designs by Nicholas Haslam, Rita Konig’s Belle Rive scalloped lacquer tray, Laura Ashley’s water hyacinth tray, and Arte Cuoio leather trays.
4. Hats, Hats and More Hats
Raffia sun hats are a summer essential, both practical and decorative. Readily found in the artisan markets of southern France, they lend themselves beautifully to display when not being worn.
Arranged as a feature wall or paired with natural baskets filled with dried flowers and grasses, hats add texture, warmth and a distinctly summery feel to interiors.
5. Lounging in Style
Summer invites rest and relaxation, and interiors should reflect this slower rhythm. Inspiration can be found in beautifully designed lounging areas such as those at The Pod Boutique Hotel in Cape Town, as well as Ralph Lauren Home’s Desert Modern Collection.
Hammocks, banquette seating and generous loungers create spaces that encourage lingering, whether indoors, outdoors or somewhere in between.
6. Something Special to Read
A summer home always benefits from good reading material. We enjoy keeping a selection of interior magazines to hand, including House & Garden, Homes & Gardens and Architectural Digest, alongside a carefully curated collection of books.
These not only offer inspiration but also add character and depth when styled on tables or shelves.
7. Lightweight Seating
Flexible seating is invaluable during summer, when impromptu gatherings are part of everyday life. Folding or stackable chairs ensure you are always prepared for extra guests without cluttering your space.
We love the simplicity of folding chairs from La Redoute, vintage 1960s bamboo chairs sourced via 1stdibs, and versatile footstools from Soho Home, which can easily double as occasional seating.
8. Atmospheric Lighting
As daylight fades, atmosphere becomes key. Few things rival the appeal of a firepit, a natural focal point that draws friends and family together.
Blankets, music and storytelling complete the scene, with marshmallow toasting an inevitable highlight. Our first taste of basil and champagne marshmallows at the Kew Gardens Light Festival remains a favourite memory.
For ultimate inspiration, Tswalu Kalahari Lodge captures the firepit mood beautifully and remains firmly on our bucket list.
9. Ocean Vibes
Oversized resin clams are a striking and practical addition to summer interiors. Perfect for storing towels, shells, bathroom essentials, or even chilling a bottle, they bring a playful coastal reference indoors.
These stone resin replicas, created using advanced technology, also help protect natural coral reefs, making them a thoughtful decorative choice.
10. Fresh Flowers
Flowers are always the finishing touch. For summer, we favour simplicity, fewer stems, bolder choices and maximum impact.
Statement arrangements bring life and movement to interiors, and our Pinterest Flowers board is filled with ideas for seasonal inspiration.
Provence continues to hold a special place in our hearts, having framed so many joyful moments over the years, from long, languid days by the pool to lively family gatherings filled with laughter, music and rosé. Those memories continue to inform how we think about summer living at home.
We hope this edit inspires you to prepare your home for a relaxed, beautiful summer season ahead.
Photo Credits
Pinterest
Ralph Lauren Home
Elitis
Pepper & Ink
@heloisenicholls
Studio Erhart
Nils Preston Schlebusch