Sassy and Simple Summer Dressing
Simple and direct is a comfortable style for unfussy, summer living. Settle on a theme that includes color and texture with furnishings that are interchangeable when needed.
Entryway
This area sets the stage for the rest of the house. Green and white are fresh and cool. Add touches of pale peach on wood trim and carry the colors into the other rooms. Use a rag rug here.
Use White Lavishly
To off-set any color, use white lavishly. It will create a crisp, clean summery look. For example, paint all door, window and wall trim bright white. Where you have wallpaper in the bedrooms, paint the trim white.
Simple Window Treatment
A light and airy window treatment is a simplified version of the traditional poofy balloon shade. Pique is a wonderful choice of fabric because it has texture and body and at the same time is light and airy.
Chair Covers
Cover a bedroom chair in cotton canvas and add the subtle detailing of piping in a color used in the room.
Recycling Is Better Than New
Find ways to recycle existing outdated furniture by giving it paint treatments.
Bed Covers
Cover the bed in pure white with fresh white linens and lace-trimmed accent pillows. Everything will look cool and inviting.
Floor Treatment
If the floors of an old house are in good condition and beautiful they should be left alone, but if they have been previously painted or in poor condition spattering is a wonderful design solution. It is good looking and practical.
Elegant Dining
A dining room should feel intimate and compliment the food. A pale coral or tangerine color flatters both people and food. Again use white trim everywhere. A nice tabletop treatment is striped fabric in soft green and pink with pure white or damask napkins. Potted herbs will add a faint, fresh scent as a centerpiece. Add lots of candles for a romantic ambience. The reflections of candles in glass hurricane lamps on a windowsill will add sparkle.
Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.