Get the most out of the sunshine season with our guide to happy and wholesome living at home. Celebrating life’s simple pleasures is always top of our list…
1. Embrace slow morning rituals
Get your day off to the best start possible by waking up well. For us, that means naturally. Choosing a lighter curtain for warmer months, or leaving a slight gap, lets light slowly seep through, so you can rise gradually. Now that doesn’t mean you have to get out of bed straight away. Summers are all about taking things at a leisurely pace. If you are going to have a lie in, why not fling the doors or windows open first. There’s nothing like fresh air to recharge and reset.
While in this morning mindset, it’s also a great time to set your intentions for the day, or enjoy a few moments of meditation. Prioritizing wellbeing always makes for a brighter outlook.
2. Bring the holiday home
Whatever your vacation plans are this Summer, inject jet-set style into your own space, so you can get that out-of-office feeling, all-season long. From warm-weather textiles and accessories to sunshine-inspired scents and spa-like touches, transform your home into your favourite travel destination for a truly memorable season.
Recreate a five-star hotel in your bedroom with luxurious layers for the bed. There’s no such thing as too many pillows when it comes to styling – and don’t forget a decorative throw. Bedside tables deserve special attention, too. Think accent lamps, carafes, candles and vases filled with flowers.
Then…transform your bathroom into a spa retreat and your garden into an idyllic Mediterranean oasis for that full 360° staycation experience.
3. While away the day alfresco
Summer is synonymous with spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. From family trips to the beach and picnics in the countryside to pottering about in the garden, there is something about being in the open air which is so invigorating. Breathing life into the everyday, embracing nature is key to making the most of the season. Blur the lines between indoors and out. Whether that’s taking daily rituals alfresco, growing and tending to plants, or introducing greenery and woven accessories into your home – there are so many ways to find that harmonious balance.
4. Makes mealtimes memorable
If you don’t already, prioritize eating seasonally this Summer. As well as aligning with nature, it’s a more sustainable and healthier approach. The season of abundance, there are very few things that aren’t fresh and ready to be enjoyed. The best place to find Summer produce? Head to your local farmers’ market and you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Embracing the art of slow living is all about elevating the day-to-day and romanticizing the little things – and where better to start than in the kitchen? Upgrade breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with brand-new recipes, exciting ingredients and forever favourites that instantly put a smile on your face. On the weekends, turn brunch into a 2-course affair with both a savoury and sweet option. And don’t forget the smoothie packed with seasonal fruits and veggies.
For lunches and suppers, take things outdoors and create colourful spreads of grazing platters. Effortless and easy to share, light bites, garden salads, homemade tarts and grilled meats offer a vibrant and varied menu. It’s always important to stay refreshed and hydrated over the Summer months, too. Create an alfresco bar complete with lavender lemonade, elderflower cordial and sparkling cocktails.
5. Welcome wellness, always
Summer and self-care go hand-in-hand. The lighter and brighter days are instant mood lifters, but why not take it one step further? Make time for me-time and enjoy moments of calm throughout the day. From pampering morning skincare to indulgent bathing rituals before bed, slight tweaks in your routine can make a world of difference.
While the warmer weather often has us wanting to live life to the full, it’s also important to invest in rest. Getting a good night’s sleep is paramount to health and wellbeing. Plus, it means you’ll have more energy to make the most of those daylight hours! Start to wind down an hour before bed by limiting screen use, brewing a sleepy tea and enveloping yourself in soothing scents. Soon enough, these steps will start to become a signal to the brain that it’s time to drift off and you’ll be summer dreaming in no time!
Your summer to-do list
Indulge in weekend lie-ins
Enjoy coffee in the sunshine
Plant a herb garden
Find the perfect picnic spot
Take a sun-dappled siesta
Enjoy drinks at dusk
Create garden-to-table suppers
Embrace dining alfresco
Get glowing skin
Make rest a priority
