Inspire | 9 December 2015

Summer Accessorising

by Carlisle Homes

When it comes to accessorising for summer it can be more about removing items than it is about layering up.

Remove dark and heavy items and take rooms back to basics, after all summer is about being lighter, fresher and crisper with clean lines and less clutter. Of course some home styles lend themselves to a summery look all year round but it’s more fun to change with the seasons! We’ve found some lovely summer accessories just in time for Christmas…

The roundie

While not strictly a home accessory, the roundie is a must-have accessory for the summer season. Perfect for a backyard picnic, day at the beach or to throw over your knees as the sun sets, and you can’t go passed the original from The Beach People.

Chairs for summer time naps

Is there a spot in your backyard that gets just the right amount of dappled afternoon sun mixed with some cool shade, private enough to go a bit unnoticed but still able to keep an eye on things? Summer is the perfect time to whack a chair in that spot, some comfy cushions and maybe even a small table to rest the cup of tea and holiday read on.

Highview Alfresco as displayed at Woodlea Estate, Aintree

Time for homemade lemonade

Did you know you can even make homemade lemonade in your thermomix? Well even if you don’t have one of those, there’s nothing better than a fresh punch or water infused with fruit on a hot summer day. There are so many old fashioned drink dispensers available, but we like these ones from Pottery Barn.

Necessary vintage

A summer garden party isn’t complete without a bit of vintage inspiration on your table. While you can buy some lovely reproduction pieces, it’s more fun to collect some relics with the intrigue of an interesting past.

Sorrento Grand Retreat Alfresco as displayed at Mt. Atkinson Estate, Truganina

Growing centrepieces

Think beyond the traditional vase of cut flowers and venture into accessorising with growing table decorations. Succulents are so easy to look after and anyone can create a striking centrepiece with a bit of imagination (and help from the Bunnings nursery staff!)

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Cottesloe Meals as displayed at Minta Estate, Berwick

Indoor – outdoor style

The alfresco is now officially just another room in the house, so treat it like one! What it needs in summer is a hardy outdoor rug to go with all the barefoot traffic. Some outdoor rugs are made from polypropylene so they can withstand some exposure to the elements and are less likely to stain.

Mix n match colours

Introduce the colours of summer, think watermelon, citrus tones, turquoise and the colours of the January sky, and pair them with undertones of neutrals such as crisp whites or soft greys. Be bold and use a mix of dinner ware colours on your table, matching sets are a thing of the past! Put the charcoal and brown cushions away and add a bunch of vibrant colour to the couch. Don’t forget the alfresco too, especially some over-sized floor cushions for those lazy summer afternoons.