One day it’s raining here in San Mateo, the next it’s 80 degrees. It’s been a strange season to navigate and prepare for. When the weather turns warm, I usually stock the shop with flowers that can withstand the heat. I don’t have a floral cooler here and I honestly wouldn’t want one. The reality is that if you take an arrangement from a floral cooler and bring it to your house – which is clearly room temperature (whatever that may be) – it’s a shock to the flowers. From here they go from normal to normal. If they last here, they’ll last at your place. Along with weather-resistant blooms and plants, there are a number of things I switch up during the summer time. I turn off the pilot light at my house, store the comforters in the closet and switch to lightweight coverlets, and I put away big, chunky throws and replace them with featherweight versions. I also put the outdoor cushions on the furniture in the garden so I can sit outside and enjoy the stars at a moment’s notice. I am prone to staring at the giant, 100-year-old tree in my backyard for long periods of time.
When it comes to design, I believe that warm weather calls for a color shift. It’s time to put away the heavy, dark textiles and accessories, and brighten your space by bringing out the lighter, more organic pieces. Put out bowls of seashells or other objects that evoke a “vacation memories” vibe.
Changing throw pillows is another easy way to freshen your space for summer. Switch to linen, cotton, or hemp based fabric for a more earthy, beach look. Take down weighty drapes and replace with more casual clip rings and woven panels. Linen and cotton instantly lighten up a room.
For me, summertime means less stuff and more space. Tis’ the season of de-cluttering at my address. As I’ve said before, I never want to have more than one grocery bag of stuff to donate at any one time. If I have more than that, I have issues. I seriously just want to plop down on my couch after working all day with a glass of wine and not have to look at a bunch of stuff I don’t love, need, or find beautiful.
In fact, reading the latest issue of Elle Decor I got really inspired by something unexpected in Meg Ryan’s beachfront home. It wasn’t even that the photographer wanted readers to see what she’d done, it was just something by-chance in the pantry, but a light bulb went off in my head. She had all her used candles stored away in a cubby. I have always left mine out regardless of when I would use them next. They take up space, get dusty, and are just another thing I have to visually categorize. So I put mine away as well and when I next feel like burning my candles, I’ll take them out. The coffee table is now free and clear of everything except a few design mags and some coasters.
Once your home is clean and clear, so is your head!
Have a wonderful week!
Melisa
