PROPERTY NEWS - Living rooms are made for relaxation, so it is time to update yours for the summer months with a fresh new look that's ideal for laid-back living.
A simple way to transform a cosy winter den into a summery sanctuary is to replace heavy fabrics, such as curtains.
Voile curtains will let sunlight stream through your windows into your room, or, if you'd prefer more privacy at night, choose a roller blind that won't block out natural light when it's rolled up during the day.
Using a muted palette of stone and pebble grey alongside natural textures that are reminiscent of the coast will instantly make a living room feel summer-ready. Distressed wooden furniture, wicker armchairs, jute baskets and sea glass accessories will all add to that chilled-out seaside vibe.
Just one piece of furniture repainted or reupholstered in a vibrant shade could completely change the mood of your living room. Keep flooring neutral; bare floorboards, engineered wood or a pale carpet will work with any scheme and leave you plenty of breathing room to add a colourful rug.
Add rich bright accent colours to lift a neutral space. Take your living room from spring to summer by simply changing your accessories. Go for a vivid, rusty orange to bring about a cheery scheme that is sure to keep you smiling all summer long. Choosing a different accent for the finishing touches is an easy way to change the look and feel of the room.
Invigorate your living room with uplifting tones of turquoise and ultramarine. Together, they generate a vibrant yet mellow mix that really pops when you add in touches of white and lime green. A bold palette lends itself to a scheme with more than a little bit of a Miami Beach vibe, so go for simple, modern furniture and glamorous, white, high-gloss finishes.
Layer jazzy colours on a low-key sofa. The subtle colours of key furniture pieces make a living room airy and ambient. A mid century-style coffee table and console will keep the room totally up to date while a well-loved furniture piece in teal blue will add a fun touch. An array of coloured cushions in various upbeat patterns combined with a blue contemporary rug can offset an understated background beautifully. Pattern is a great way to revive a living room for the summer months.
Bring an uplifting country vibe to a classic mid-century-style living room with this upbeat colour pairing. The coolness of yellow-toned green offsets the heat of bright, orangey-pink accents. Together, they'll bring life to a neutral base and brighten a light-starved space. Lemongrass works well on walls and upholstery without overwhelming a small room, while a warmer nectarine hue is best kept in the details and in prints. A zesty citron will liven up a room, while soft peach will add a welcoming warmth.
Create a classic scheme with laid-back, accommodating sofas in warm biscuit tones and layer up soft whites and watery blues in simple country patterns. Small-scale stripes, checks and hand-blocked florals work well together on cushions, blinds and chair covers to lift the look. Two-tone natural linen curtains keep the windows soft and a trio of roller blinds can be lowered or raised to keep the summer sunshine filtered as it moves around the room.
A couple of starfish, a boat picture and a textured rug evocative of a pebble beach all add a touch of seaside fun.
Don't be afraid to pick one colour and use it all over you room, especially if it is a vibrant hot yellow. If you're short on space, turning rooms into multi-functional areas is a great solution. In a bright coloured country living room a desk can be added against one wall to create a mini home office. Using a different paint colour is a great way to emphasise a change of function within a multi-use room.
Team delicate neutrals and natural weaves. Woven furniture and accessories have a timeless appeal and are great for creating a relaxed, lived-in feel. Casual in its construction, this look will work equally well in a modern or country setting. Adding colourful accents will prevent the overall look from appearing washed out. Instil a playful, fun feel in your scheme by including pattern and texture underfoot.
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