Welcome Summer!

Summer is in the air, and we are so ready for everything that comes with it. From family barbecues, to campfires and swimming at the pool, there is nothing better than a summer full of fun memories! Summer also a means a change in scenery outside and in, and we have got you covered on the latest design tips to make your space feel like a summer vacation–

Color Palettes

As seasons change, so does style, and color is one of the most important things to consider when designing. For these warm weather months, we love to add rich accent colors like red, yellow, or orange. If bright is not your style, more muted tones like dusty rose and mustard yellow also look great. Green is also a great option that brings a nice, earthy feel to your space.

While these colors are very helpful in creating a summer vibe, we also love a natural wood. It looks amazing in the kitchen for a cutting board or platter. One of our favorite ways to implement natural wood, into a space, is with servingware. Our Wooden Serving Platter Set is crafted from Mindi wood and makes any dish look appetizing.It comes in a set of three, so you can style and use them together, or pick the perfect size for your occasion.

Fun Patterns + Motifs

Summer is the perfect time to get bold and branch out for a stunning design. Our La Tigra Pillow and Farlowe have beautiful animal print designs that really stand out and make a statement. If you’re wanting something more neutral, the Kumano Weave is a classic black and white pillow with a woven front for added texture. A staple pillow that works in any pillow story is our Ivory Worsted Wool Pillow. The texture feels traveled, and the color fits in any space. 

Incorporating an aspect of organic design will help give your space some life. Flowers, leaves, fruit and faux plants are great options. For a tropical feel, we love Giant Elephant Ears or a Monstera. Fruits like oranges or lemons add a pop of color and make the space smell fresh. Jessica Bennett loves to use our Zulu bowl to hold lemons and avocados, and to brighten up her kitchen, and to add that pop of color.  If you’d like to arrange stems in a vase you already own, or love one of ours, we have so many faux stems to choose from. We also have so many pre-made arrangements. Check out all our floral options here. 

Another great way to add an organic feel to your summer design is by using our stems like we mentioned above. You will want to place them in a jar or vase. One of our most popular is the Opal Shell Jar. We also just released the Opal Shell Vase. If you like our Opal Shell Jar, you’ll love the Opal Shell Vase. If using a ginger jar with a lid, place the lid next to the jar, and display your favorite stems inside. Stems will come out of the box looking flat, so you will need to fluff and bend them to look more full. Check out this styling session on stems, to see how we create a full lifelike arrangement with faux stems.

Art

Finding the right statement piece can really complete the look of a room. If your wall is looking a little empty, add a painting. Just remember to choose something that you love. You could choose a portrait, an abstract painting, or something in between! Our Moon River piece is a vibrant and elegant abstract portrait. Don’t be afraid to layer your art either. It adds so much sophistication and depth to a room. If you have a large piece behind an entry table or chest, prop up another smaller piece in front. We love to use any of our art stands for this exact purpose! They come in acrylic, walnut, and white. 

We also love adding sculptures to our styling. They add a whole new dimension to your room and give the eyes something very interesting to look at. Other more utilitarian art pieces include bowls, vases, or mirrors. These pieces really bring your space to the next level especially when you actually use them. Fill our Mosaic Bone Bowl with your favorite collection of small items, or display your favorite flowers in our Face Vase. Mirrors can also make an artistic statement with the right frame and shape. A personal summer favorite of ours is the Oxford Mirror.

What are some of your favorite summer items or must haves? Let us know in the comments below. And if you have any future topics you'd like for us to cover, reach out to our podcast team at support@alicelanehome.com