Friday, July 8, 2011

Summer Design Trends – 2011


Summertime, and the living is easy, breezy, casual, light and warm! As the warm weather moves in, it’s surely a signal that it’s time once again to shift gears. And delightfully for many, that means slowing down. The warmth of the summer sun nudges us toward rethinking our interiors to reflect our changed mood. As always, summer trends provide inspiration, and this summer serves up a plethora of fresh looks. I’m loving the many shades of “warm” that I am seeing in metals. From sunny warm tones in cabinet hardware (easy to change out with the seasons), to fixtures, fittings and lighting–these lighter, warm finishes add a brightness that is perfect for summer.





White in any form continues to be strong, and is a natural for the summer months. White and very light-painted floors are perfect for summer cottage living. White cabinetry and fixtures in the kitchen and bath are also classic. Butoff-white shades are also looking fresh this summer, adding a sort of modern-meets-vintage look to a space, especially when the overall design is simple in nature.



Speaking of nature, shades of pebble and sand in any form add a visceral, zen-like feeling to a space. Woven fabrics like natural fiber rugs, textures in tile, and soft, neutral matte countertops add that earthy, organic feeling we crave in summer.


Watery blues and greens in softer shades, like aqua and turquoise, are definitely on trend this season. Clear blue accents are a natural for the bath, as are light green-blues. And it’s easy to bring these colors into the bathroom, through tile,decorative mirrors, sconces, artwork, hardware, and of course, towels. Even a simple change in window treatment to these breezy blues or soft whites quickly transports us to the cool seaside!
Recent finds that I have spotted at design shows are “new traditional”furnishings. Relaxed coastal, pastel prep–the modern perspective of fresh colors and the wonderful shapes and forms of vintage furniture design are coming together. A coastal approach to living is everywhere right now!


By Susan Serra

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