Let the sunshine in this summer – top tips to brighten up your home this season

The summer is here, the sun is shining and what better time is there to brighten up our homes?

Bringing a little sunshine into the house, doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune, however, and so here are a few suggestions that you might like to consider this season:

Let the light shine in

Consider taking heavy drapes down. If you want to keep the heat out or maintain your privacy, you could think about hanging a sheer or light fabric over your windows instead.

Place an extra mirror or two where it might reflect the light from the window– or consider moving a mirror so it helps to bring natural light into a dark corner.

Add natural touches

Green plants can really help a room feel much fresher and airier.

Why not also bring summer flowers into your space from time to time too?

A splash of colour can really help to brighten things up and lift the whole ambience of a space.

Create more open areas

Think about opening up kitchen cabinets to create shelves rather than cupboards – this will help your room feel more spacious and light.

But, only contemplate doing this if it won’t just reveal all your clutter!

Use doorstops to keep doors pinned open between rooms and the hall or landing.

Open windows when the weather is good enough to help create airflows through the house, as well as to enhance the light.

If you have an extension or open-plan living space with pocket or bi-folding doors between sections, keep them open in the summer months.

Add summery colours

Think about investing in one or two brightly coloured accessories to bring summer shades into the home.

These could be items as small as tea towels in the kitchen, pillowcases in the bedroom and perhaps a new cushion in the sitting room.

Use natural materials

Light, natural materials can also augment that summer feel.

Perhaps invest in a bamboo stool or window blind, a few wicker baskets or a rattan lamp shade.

Clear choices

Glass can also help to lighten a room. Use your glass vases and bowls rather than ceramic to display your flowers.

Put them where they will reflect the light and perhaps shimmer in the sunshine.