Summer Decorating

Debbie Leigh, Design Manager at ILIV offers her expert advice

as she talks us through her Summer decorating tips and window

dressing recommendations. 

Biography

Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.

Conservatories & Garden Rooms

Decorating in the Summer offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace the season's vibrant energy and bring the outside in. Start by incorporating plenty of greenery and beautiful seasonal blooms to infuse the space with a fresh, botanical ambiance. Transforming conservatories and garden rooms into additional sitting or dining areas will create seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, blurring the boundaries between your home and garden.

By strategically placing furniture such as comfortable sofas, armchairs, or dining sets, you can create inviting areas for relaxation or entertaining that flow effortlessly into the outdoor environment. Thoughtfully dressing large windows and glass doors will further highlight the panoramic views of the garden, strengthening the connection with nature.

Embrace Your Colour Palette 

Selecting a colour palette for your Summer decor is all about capturing the essence of the season, while reflecting your personal style. Opt for hues that evoke the warmth and vibrancy of Summer, such as soft pastels, cheerful yellows, serene blues, and verdant greens. Mix and match complementary fabrics within your scheme to create a dynamic yet harmonious look that speaks to you. To maintain cohesion, choose fabric patterns that vary in scale but share the same tonal range, as this approach allows you to incorporate visual interest without overwhelming the space. Whether you prefer bold prints or subtle textures, embracing a well-curated colour palette will infuse your Summer decor with charm and personality.

Create a Sunny Spot  

Watch the way the sunshine moves around your home and position your furniture to make the most of every last ray. Creating sunny vistas can transform your space into a haven of tranquility, a simple chair and side table in a light-filled spot offer the perfect place to unwind. For an extra dose of comfort, consider crafting a beautifully dressed window seat, complete with plush cushions and throws, where you can relax and soak in the scenic views outside. These simple additions help to create a serene and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of natural light and the splendor of the outdoors.

Choosing Window Dressings 

Selecting the right window treatment for your space is important as they have such a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room. Tall windows or patio doors benefit from full-length curtains and I recommend hanging curtain panels higher than the window, as this will further enhance the space by adding a sense of height. Measure from the top of the window (plus the added inches of height where the curtains will hang from) to the floor. For a more traditional look, with the curtain slightly puddled on the floor, add another two or three inches to your length. For a contemporary look, have the panel fall flush with the floor. 

Beautiful Bay Windows 

If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window in your home, you’ll want to make the most of it by thinking carefully about the window dressing. There are many different types of bay windows, so I always advise homeowners to opt for a bespoke window covering to give a professional look. Made-to-measure window dressings are precisely crafted to fit every nook and cranny, which is a must when it comes to bay windows. A Roman blind in each window offers flexibility as each blind can be set at varying heights to create an interesting look as well as provide privacy when needed. 

Let the Light in with Summer Voiles 

Voiles are a great option for Summer as they provide shade and protection from the heat of the sun, by diffusing the strength of the rays, but also maximise available light. With their sheer and lightweight characteristics, voiles delicately filter the incoming natural light, creating a luminous and airy atmosphere indoors. 

The key to achieving a luxurious layered look lies in the combination of voiles and dress curtains. Install the voiles close to the window to allow diffused light to permeate the room throughout the day. Layer the dress curtains over the voiles, and when drawn aside, they will frame the windows gracefully, creating an opulent feel without obstructing the natural light flow. To complement this layered window treatment, maintain a neutral colour scheme for the room's decor. Light-coloured walls, furnishings, and accessories will harmonise with the curtains, amplifying the overall sense of brightness.